Des Moines Downtown Getaway: Your Perfect Residence Inn Stay!
Des Moines Downtown Getaway: My Residence Inn Adventure (The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Fluffy Towels!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a raw, unfiltered review of my recent stay at the Residence Inn in Downtown Des Moines. Forget those sterile, corporate-speak reviews; this one's got feelings, opinions, and maybe a stray Cheerio or two in the keyboard.
Metadata Shenanigans (because Google told me to):
- Keywords: Des Moines, Iowa, Residence Inn, Downtown Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Breakfast, Spa, Pet-Friendly (sort of…), Cleanliness, Safety, Review, Travel, Hotel Review
- SEO Snippet: Experience a Des Moines Downtown Getaway at the Residence Inn! Read this honest review for a look at accessibility, amenities like a pool and spa, cleanliness, dining options, and the overall vibe. Find out if it’s the perfect stay, imperfectly perfect.
Let's Dive In!
First things first: Accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but the reviews raved about the Residence Inn's commitment. Accessibility gets a massive thumbs up. The elevators are plentiful and easy to navigate. The public areas are wide open, and the website (which I always check before booking) provided detailed information on accessible room options. It’s reassuring, especially if you're traveling with someone who needs it. Makes you feel seen, ya know?
Now for the Wheelchair accessible facilities - the hotel boasts quite a few (according to what I can read) including rooms, elevators, and public toilets that will enable someone with mobility needs to have a more comfortable stay.
The best word in the world: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank goodness. My phone (and my sanity) depend on it. The Internet was reliable, even when I was simultaneously streaming a cheesy rom-com and trying to order pizza. Which brings me to…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Rollercoaster
The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Not a bad buffet, mind you. Standard breakfast fare, you know? Eggs, waffles (the waffle maker was a godsend!), cereal, fruit. But here's the truth: I ate the same thing every day. My inner food critic was slightly disappointed, but my stomach? Perfectly content. The Asian breakfast seemed to be the same as the regular breakfast!
The Residence Inn has a Coffee shop, I think. I never actually saw it, but my brain tells me I did.
The snack bar was basic but filled with the stuff you'd expect, and yes, I ate a couple of tubs of desserts in the wee hours. I may have snagged a rogue cookie or two from the lobby. No regrets.**
The Room service [24-hour]? Bless it! I ordered a pizza at 2 a.m. one night while attempting to navigate the complexities of a new board game. The pizza itself was… acceptable? Again, it wasn't gourmet, but it arrived piping hot, and the delivery man was remarkably cheerful.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) - Spa Days and Hotel Shenanigans
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was calling me. The pool area was a real haven, with comfortable loungers and a decent amount of space. My relaxation game was on point.
Fitness Center? Yes, even I, in my quest to avoid exercise, found myself in the gym. Okay, I went once. It was clean, well-equipped, and I didn't judge the tiny weights too harshly. Also, I can confirm that the Sauna and the Steamroom looked inviting, if, again, I didn't actually use them!
I should have used the spa, by gosh..
Cleanliness and Safety - The Anxiety Erasers
Let's be honest, we're all a little COVID-19 paranoid these days, right? The Residence Inn really went above and beyond on the Cleanliness and safety front. Constant hand sanitizer stations, visible cleaning staff, and the feeling that everything was continuously sanitized. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed to be on point in their safety procedures.
I felt genuinely safe. And that, my friends, is priceless.
I'd happily recommend the Anti-viral cleaning products as they seem to work.
The Room sanitization opt-out available is a great option for those who like more of a personal touch on that.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public areas? Check. Essential!
Daily housekeeping? Absolutely adored. The staff provided a warm welcome every day.
Luggage storage? Yep, useful when I was checking out.
Elevator? Efficient. Needed to access all floors of the hotel.
Room Details - My Sanctuary (With Fluffy Towels!)
My room. Ah, the room. First impression: clean. Second impression: spacious. Okay, maybe a bit too spacious for a solo traveler, but hey, more room to spread out!
I can tell you, the Air conditioning worked a treat.
The Complimentary tea was a lifesaver in the mornings, and the coffee maker was… also a coffee maker.
The Free bottled water was crucial for hydrating after that pizza-fueled board game marathon.
The bathroom was spotless. And the… the towels. Oh, the towels! They were impossibly fluffy. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just loving those towels. Seriously, the fluffiness of those towels deserves its own award.
The Desk was perfect for working (or pretending to work). The Free Wi-Fi was excellent.
Some Minor Gripes (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
- The lighting in the bathroom was… intense. Like, interrogation room intense.
- I may have gotten slightly lost trying to find the ice machine. Twice.
- I wish they had a better selection of late-night snacks in the hotel lobby, but I got over that.
The Verdict - Worth Your Time (and Money!)
Overall, the Residence Inn in Downtown Des Moines delivered. The Accessibility was exceptional, the staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms were comfortable, and the cleanliness was top-notch. The complimentary breakfast was great! Would I stay there again? Absolutely. And I'll be sure to pack a second suitcase to smuggle home some of those magical towels.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Mostly because of those towels!)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the real Des Moines experience, circa me, staying at the eh-okay Residence Inn Downtown. This ain’t your perfectly polished Travel Channel fluff. This is the raw, the real, the “did I REALLY eat that many cheese curds?” version.
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown: My Messy, Honest, and Probably Overly Dramatic Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Elusive Parking Spot
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Hotel Shenanigans. Right. So, I pull up to the Residence Inn. First impressions? Nice lobby. A little… generic. Like, a very nice airport hotel lobby. But Hey, free coffee! (I hoard those little packets; don't judge). Anyway, I check in. The woman behind the desk, bless her heart, seems a little overwhelmed. I swear, there's a subtle whiff of “I just got here and I’m already tired” emanating from her. I get my keycard, and the hunt for a parking spot begins. Seriously, the parking situation downtown? A total nightmare. Ended up circling the block three freaking times. (Mental note: Next time, pay extra for valet. Worth it.)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & the Great Bed Mystery. Okay, room unlocked. First order of business: bed test. Essential. It's a king. Thank GOD. Because after that parking ordeal, I needed a land to spread out on. Okay, bed… passable. A little firm, maybe? This could be an issue. I mean, I'm a Princess-and-the-Pea type. (Okay, maybe more like the Princess-and-the-Mountain-of-Cheesecurds-and-Netflix-and-a-Firm-Bed).
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Downtown Stroll & the Des Moines Public Library Fiasco. Alright, time to explore! I, like a good tourist, decide to walk around a bit. First, let's hit up the library. Library's are supposed to be tranquil. I needed some tranquility. But I get there and… it’s closed for a “special event.” Seriously? “Special event” sounds like a code for “we’re having a book-burning bonfire.” Disappointment Level: High.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Dinner at Centro (and the Cheese Curd Debate). Ah, Centro. Supposed to be the place. I'm starving and let me tell you, the smell coming from their kitchen was AMAZING. I order pasta. And, for the appetizer… THE CHEESE CURDS!!! And wow. It was a moment. I devoured some of those… and then felt slightly guilty about consuming so many cheesy, fried, delicious things. It's a struggle, folks. The cheese curd. The battle. Is it worth it? YES. Yes, it is. And those that I ordered? The best I've ever had!
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Post-Dinner Walk & Staring at the Skywalks. The skywalks… They intrigue me. They’re like elevated hallways to the future. I admire them for a bit. Then… I get tired.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Back to the Room, Netflix, & the Mattress Verdict. Ahhh, back to the room. Netflix and chill. The mattress? Yeah, still firm. Jury's still out. Sigh. I'm getting old. sigh.
Day 2: Art, Breakfast Blunders, and the Triumph of Self-Care
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Free Breakfast Attempt & Waffle Rage. Ugh, the free breakfast bar. Okay, let’s be real: free breakfast is a gift from the hotel gods. Until. The waffle machine. It’s a nightmare. I attempt a waffle… it sticks. I try again… it explodes. I end up just eating some sad, overripe fruit and the coffee of the gods, which isn't half bad, tbh. (I'm beginning to think I'm just not a morning person.)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Des Moines Art Center & Existential Dread. Okay, I needed some culture. So I headed to the Des Moines Art Center. Honestly? It's pretty good. The architecture alone is worth the trip. I wandered around and felt “cultured”. It's a total "look at me! I'm appreciating art!" vibe. But also… a little existential dread kicked in. Seeing the really abstract stuff? Made me question everything. Am I missing something? Are they missing something? Am I making an idiot of myself by even thinking about this? (probably).
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & the Quest for "Real" Coffee. I wander around town looking for some "real" coffee. A barista with tattoos and an attitude. Is that such a lot to ask for? I find a little cafe. The coffee is strong! Victory! The sandwich is okay.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Yoga Class & the Miracle of Stretching. Alright alright. Feeling lethargic. Yoga! I take a class. It’s a beginner's one. I was actually pretty decent. I felt better. My body thanked me. My brain thanked me. I felt… human. And not just a cheese curd-eating, Netflix-binging blob.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Retail Therapy & The Curious Case of the "Des Moines" Souvenir. Okay, I needed a little retail therapy. Went to some little boutiques. I'm looking for a souvenir. The "Des Moines" t-shirts are… underwhelming. I ended up buying a mug with a picture of a farm. It's a good mug.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Pre-Dinner Drinks & the People-Watching Spectacle. One thing I love about hotels is that they are perfect for people-watching! Saw this amazing couple who acted like they were on an episode of The Bachelor. I'm getting my drink. It's good! Cheers.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at HoQ (and the Pricey But Delicious Food). Got dressed up and went to a nice restaurant. HoQ, it was. Expensive. But. Worth. It. The food was gorgeous. I felt fancy. I felt important. Then, back to reality.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Another Night, More Netflix, and the Bed's Revenge. Netflix again. The bed? Still…firm. I’m starting to think I may need to request a mattress topper. (I'm an absolute diva, let's be honest.)
Day 3: Departure & the Cheesecurd Hangover
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Free Breakfast Round Two & the Waffle Machine Confrontation. I mentally prepare myself for battle. This time, I succeed. The waffle is… edible! (It’s a win, people, it’s a win.) The coffee is, as always, a ray of sunshine.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Checkout & the Quiet Hum of Leaving. Checkout is easy peasy. The staff seem… less overwhelmed today. Victory!
10:00 AM - onward: The long drive, the cheesecurd hangover, and the vague longing to be back downtown.
Final Thoughts:
The Residence Inn Downtown? It’s fine. Solid. A safe choice. But Des Moines itself? It's surprisingly great. The art, the food, the people… even the firm bed grew on me. (Maybe.) I mean, I survived, right? (And the cheese curds? Absolutely worth it.) I'd return. Maybe. With a better mattress topper. And a more strategic parking plan. And definitely more cheese curds. Seriously.
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Des Moines Downtown Getaway: Your Perfect (Maybe?) Residence Inn Stay! - Let's Get Real!
So, the Residence Inn... Is it ACTUALLY a good spot for a Des Moines getaway? 'Cause the internet's always gushing...
Okay, *gushing* is a strong word. Let's be honest, the internet tends to over-hype EVERYTHING. I stayed there last month, and yeah, it's decent. Not a life-altering experience, but perfectly serviceable. Here's the deal: location is AMAZING. You're right in the heart of downtown Des Moines, which means all the good stuff (breweries, restaurants, that damn art museum I *still* need to go to) are within stumbling distance. My wife and I literally walked everywhere. Though, getting back after one *particularly* joyous brewery hop might have involved a slight wrong turn and a panicked text to the front desk about finding the *actual* way in the building. Ah, memories!
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it, like, cardboard eggs and sadness? Be honest!
The breakfast… Okay, okay. Deep breaths. It's not *cardboard* eggs. They've got the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes questionable, let's be real), sausage (okay-ish), waffles (pretty good, actually!), and all the yogurt/cereal/fruit you could want. My kid loved it, which is a huge win in my book. The downside? It gets *insanely* crowded. One morning, I was wrestling for a waffle, fending off a rogue toddler while trying to snag a decent coffee. My breakfast philosophy at that point: Survive. Obtain calories. Get out. The struggle... it's real, folks. Also, the coffee… let’s just say I might have snuck in a Starbucks run *just* for the caffeine kick.
Okay, let's talk rooms. Are they, you know, *actually* as spacious as they look in the photos? And are they clean? My OCD kicks in at hotels.
Spacious? Yep! They're suites, so you get a separate living area, a kitchenette (which I *never* used, because who wants to cook on vacation? Unless someone is making mimosas), and a bedroom. Gives you room to breathe. Cleanliness is…generally good. I’m not a germaphobe, but I do look. I did find a stray Cheerio under the sofa in our living room that… clearly, had been partying quite a while before our arrival. Made me wonder, right? BUT, on the plus side, the bathroom was sparkling. And the bedding was comfy. So, overall, a solid win on the cleanliness front, despite the mystery Cheerio's presence. Let's chalk it up to character, yeah?
Parking? A nightmare or doable? Because parking can make or break a trip.
Parking is… well, it's downtown Des Moines. It's not ideal, but it's survivable. The hotel has its own parking garage, which is convenient. However, it wasn't *free*. I think we paid like $20 a night? Worth it, in my opinion, to avoid circling the block and fighting for a spot. One morning, I did see a guy having a full-blown meltdown outside the Starbucks because he couldn't find parking. Trust me, pay the money. Save your sanity. Your blood pressure will thank you. And, you know, consider earplugs for that nearby construction noise. It's… a persistent symphony
Is the gym any good? Or is it a sad little closet with a treadmill?
The gym? Okay, it’s not a full-blown Equinox, let’s get that straight. But it’s surprisingly decent. A few treadmills, ellipticals, some weights. I actually used it one morning, which is a small miracle (I much prefer beer to bicep curls). It wasn't *completely* empty, but there was enough space. The only thing I found myself annoyed with was the lack of the little towel dispensers. Did have carry around huge towel from the room to wipe the sweat off my face, which was kinda of a drag. But if you're trying to maintain some semblance of fitness while on vacation, it works. Just don’t expect any serious gains.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? You know, the basic human interaction stuff.
The staff? Mostly friendly. The front desk people were your standard hotel pleasant - helpful, efficient. I had a minor issue with the air conditioning, which they fixed promptly. They were definitely better than some of the surly hotel folks I've encountered over the years. There was this one guy in the breakfast area, though… pure sunshine. He was constantly refilling things, wiping down tables, and genuinely *smiling*. It was almost unsettling. But in a good way! Like, "Wow, someone actually enjoys their job!" So yeah, good staff overall. They make the whole experience…well, not *mind-blowing*, but pleasant. And that's what matters.
Is it good for families? We have kids. And by 'good,' I mean 'will it survive our chaos'?
Families? Yes! Absolutely. The suites are ideal for kids. You've got the separate living area, so your kids can watch cartoons at 6 AM without waking you. The kitchenette is useful for snacks (which you’ll need, trust me). The pool... it's small, but it's there. My kids LOVED it. One particularly memorable afternoon, my son decided to reenact the Titanic (sans any actual iceberg, thank goodness). I spent the entire time on the edge of my seat, ready to jump in at a moment's notice. Did I mention it's close to everything? Seriously, you can wander off with the kids and avoid needing to load and unload the car a million times a day, which is a HUGE win with kids. I survived the chaos, and if I can, you definitely can!
Okay, the big picture: Would you stay there again?
Honestly? Yeah, probably. For a standard Des Moines getaway, it's a solid choice. It's not perfect. The breakfast can be a bit of a zoo. The parking isn’t free. There's the occasional rogue Cheerio. But the location is fantastic, the rooms are spacious, and the staff is generally pleasant. It's convenient, it's comfortable, and it's… well, it’s easy. And sometimes, on a getaway, easy is the best thing you can ask for. Plus, if you are in Des Moines, you're probably there to eat. Which, conveniently, I did a lot of. So, yeah, I'd go back. Just stock up on coffee before you go. You'll thank me laterSleep Stop Guide
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