Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

The hotel offers a distinctive urban experience, primarily defined by its beautifully restored historic building which seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern design. This unique aesthetic, featuring rich wood finishes and elegant marble, creates a memorable atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service, the clean and comfortable rooms, and the high-quality dining options available on-site. The hotel's central downtown location is also a significant draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of many attractions. It is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking a sophisticated and convenient base, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and pet owners who appreciate its accommodating policies. For those planning a stay, it is advisable to be aware of the parking situation, as it can be challenging and costly, and light sleepers might consider bringing earplugs due to occasional train noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's array of facilities and amenities, which contribute significantly to a comfortable stay. The lobby and common areas are widely praised for their warm, expansive, and beautifully appointed design, often featuring a cozy fireplace and a pool table, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation or casual meetings. A well-equipped fitness center, complete with a Peloton Bike, is available for guests to maintain their routines. While there are no in-room coffee makers, a convenient coffee bar in the lobby offers complimentary coffee during certain hours, with additional options for purchase. Rooms are equipped with a mini-bar and snacks for purchase. However, some guests note the absence of ice machines on floors, requiring requests from the front desk, and a lack of microwaves or refrigerators in rooms. The room tech, including TV and music systems, is generally seamless, though some guests experienced issues with TV service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its accommodations. Rooms are frequently described as spotless, well-decorated, and inviting. Most guests find the beds comfortable, often likening them to sleeping on a cloud, though some find them too soft or too hard. The bathrooms are a highlight, praised for their gorgeous design, spaciousness, and excellent showers, although a few guests noted issues with hot water consistency or water flooding due to shower design. While many rooms are considered spacious, some guests found them to be on the smaller side, particularly for the price point, and noted a lack of luggage stands, desks, or sufficient storage like drawers. Noise levels are a mixed bag; some rooms are remarkably quiet, while others are affected by train horns, church bells, or noise from adjacent rooms due to thin walls. In-room lighting is often described as dim or confusing, and temperature control can be inconsistent, with some reporting issues with the AC.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's on-site Mulberry Street Tavern is a significant draw, frequently lauded for its delicious food and great drinks. Guests praise the quality of the meals, with specific mentions of killer cinnamon rolls, excellent breakfast sandwiches, and wonderful potatoes. The restaurant atmosphere is often described as vibrant, and the service is generally attentive, though some guests experienced slow service or found the bar food prices to be high. While there is no complimentary breakfast, the coffee bar in the lobby offers a selection of breakfast items and specialty coffees, including highly-rated avocado toast. Room service is available, but some guests found it to be overpriced, with issues like burnt food or being served in a box with plastic utensils, leading to a less than ideal experience. Overall, the dining options are a strong point, providing convenient and generally high-quality choices for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime central downtown location, making it highly convenient for exploring Des Moines. Guests appreciate its walkability to numerous attractions, including the East Village, Civic Center, Farmers Market, and Wells Fargo Arena. While the location offers excellent access to city highlights, the parking situation is a frequent point of concern. Most guests find it challenging and expensive, with options including an underground parking garage that is not directly attached to the hotel, requiring an outdoor walk, or a surface lot. Many reviews highlight significant issues with the immediate neighborhood safety, citing the presence of homeless individuals and uncomfortable encounters, particularly after dark. Some guests felt the area lacked sufficient security and suggested the need for valet parking. Despite these concerns, the hotel's proximity to transit options like the skywalk is noted as a convenience.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives outstanding praise, with guests frequently describing them as friendly, helpful, attentive, and exceptional. Many reviewers highlight the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, from making coffee after hours to assisting with complex travel changes. The check-in and check-out process is generally reported as smooth, quick, and easy. Guests appreciate the staff's proactive approach to problem-solving, such as crediting parking fees or resolving billing issues. While the hotel does not offer bell service or valet parking, the front desk team is noted for their efficiency in handling requests, including providing ice or extra towels. The overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, the hotel stands out for its commitment to historic preservation and unique design, transforming a stately 1913 finance building into a modern yet elegant space. This blend of old and new is a signature element, with guests appreciating the thoughtful details throughout. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with their animals, though some note the associated fees. An eco-friendly approach is evident through features like the keycard system that activates room lights. For those planning events, the hotel is a popular choice for weddings and corporate functions, with dedicated staff assisting in coordination. However, some guests express dissatisfaction with additional charges, specifically a credit card fee that is applied, which some feel is an unexpected and unnecessary cost.