Wyndham Garden Ankeny/Des Moines

The hotel has undergone significant remodeling efforts, aiming to provide a refreshed and modern experience for guests. Its attached diner is a notable feature, consistently praised for its quality food and convenience. The property's central location near the interstate and various local attractions makes it a practical choice for many. Most guests find the beds comfortable and the staff friendly, contributing to a generally positive stay. This hotel is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking convenience and a comfortable night's rest, as well as families looking for a place with an indoor pool. Friends and groups also appreciate the spacious room options. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm the specifics of the complimentary breakfast and to inquire about the status of ongoing renovations, as some areas may still be undergoing improvements.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a prominent indoor pool which is a major draw for many guests, especially families. While many appreciate its size and cleanliness, some have reported issues with the pool water temperature being too cold and occasional concerns about cleanliness or noise levels from the pool area. A fitness center and workstation are available for guest use, along with a pantry and bar area near the check-in desk, offering additional convenience. Wi-Fi is provided, though some guests experienced connectivity issues in their rooms. The availability of ice machines is noted, though some were reported as not working. A significant point of feedback concerns the lack of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Additionally, in-room jacuzzi tubs have frequently been reported as non-functional, with issues like cold water or jets not working, leading to disappointment for guests who specifically booked these rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Many guests describe their rooms as clean, spotless, and having a pleasant smell upon arrival, with comfortable beds ensuring a good night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious cleanliness issues, including dirty sheets, socks left in beds, dirty rags, stained carpets, and even reports of ants, spiders, and mold in various areas. The bathrooms receive particularly varied comments, with some praising their appearance while others report leaks, mold, unstable tubs, and non-functional lights or showers. Room smell is a recurring negative, often described as musty, like urine, or like paint fumes. Noise levels are also a concern for some, particularly from the pool area, hallways, or slamming exterior doors. Issues with room doors not closing securely or bathroom barn doors hitting the toilet are also frequently mentioned, alongside complaints about limited pillows and towels.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's attached diner is a consistent highlight, receiving widespread praise for its food quality and convenience. Guests frequently commend the diner for offering delicious meals throughout the day, with many enjoying the breakfast options. However, the breakfast experience itself garners mixed feedback. While some reviews mention a complimentary breakfast, many clarify that it is provided via a voucher system for a discount or a limited menu at the diner, which some guests found inconvenient or misleading compared to a traditional hotel buffet. Despite this, the overall quality of the food served at the diner is highly regarded. The hotel also features a bar area, which adds to the on-site dining and social options for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location, situated directly off the interstate, making it easily accessible for travelers. Guests appreciate its close proximity to a wide array of shopping, entertainment, and restaurant options, with many establishments being within walking distance. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the local area and nearby attractions, including those in Des Moines. The property offers a huge parking lot, providing ample space for vehicles. While the hotel is noted as being handicap accessible in general areas, some specific room features, such as bathroom door configurations, have been reported as challenging for wheelchair users. The absence of an elevator is also a significant point of feedback, impacting accessibility for guests with mobility needs or heavy luggage, particularly for rooms on the second floor.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests highlight positive interactions with front desk personnel, noting their willingness to assist with requests and provide a welcoming experience. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as smooth and efficient, with staff often granting requests for early check-ins or late check-outs when possible. However, there are some instances of mixed feedback regarding staff responsiveness to in-room issues, with a few guests reporting difficulties in getting problems resolved promptly or encountering staff who seemed overwhelmed or unhelpful. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment is that the hotel staff strives to provide attentive service and contribute positively to the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is an older property that has undergone extensive remodeling, and while many areas are updated, some aspects of the renovation may appear unfinished or of varying quality. A notable point of concern for some guests is the hotel's security policy regarding room keys, with reports of keys being issued to individuals without proper verification, raising safety concerns. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though some guests noted additional fees and challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets. The absence of Do Not Disturb hangers is also mentioned, leading to occasional interruptions from staff. Furthermore, some guests reported unexpected additional charges for certain amenities or services that were not clearly communicated upfront.