Embassy Suites Des Moines - On the River is the premiere all-suite hotel in the downtown Des Moines area, and the closest hotel to the Iowa State Capitol, the trendy East Village and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. The Principal Riverwalk is right outside our hotel door featuring walking paths and an ice-skating rink. Just a few steps away, the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is home to many concerts and fun festivals throughout the year. Many eclectic shops, restaurants, attractions and corporations are also within walking distance.
The Embassy Suites Des Moines hotel features 234 two-room suites in an eight story tropical atrium and 16,000 square feet of flexible social and corporate meeting space, wireless high-speed Internet access throughout, and a beautiful, relaxing decor. Doozie's Bar and Grill offers fine American cuisine within a fun, sporty environment. A complimentary cooked-to-order daily breakfast and evening manager's reception add to the extensive list of amenities for which Embassy Suites hotels are known.
All suites provide the security of electronic door locks and open to the lush atrium below.
Numerous reviews highlighted significant cleanliness problems, including dirty rooms, dead bugs, and musty odors.
Staff Performance
While some guests praised the staff for their friendliness and helpfulness, others reported rude or indifferent service, particularly at the front desk.
Room Condition
Many guests noted that the rooms are outdated and in need of renovation, with complaints about worn furniture, uncomfortable beds, and poor maintenance.
Breakfast and Amenities
The breakfast received positive feedback for its variety and quality, and the happy hour was appreciated by many guests.
Parking Concerns
Guests expressed frustration over the parking situation, including additional fees and limited availability.
NA
Nicholas Andersen
6 days ago
5.0
Paula was amazing and Ruben the cook was amazing. We were here for the Iowa Attorneys Association and Paula saw us sitting at the table and asked if we had something to eat we said no and she invited us to breakfast. We saw Ruben on the grill and decided on an omelette. It was amazing. Staff checked in on us several times making sure that we were okay. What a staff you all have. I never leave reviews but this was definitely a notable experience. Thank you for making us feel like family!
TR
Troy Roberts
6 days ago
5.0
I was just an attendee for a fall conference taking place here.
All I know is the staff team was extremely professional, personable and nice as can be. Smiles balance with help and friendly conversation. I want to highlight Paula and Rueben( amazing omelette)as well as the rest of the team present during the morning who made me feel like a valued guest even though I wasn’t staying there.
GREAT JOB TEAM!
RR
Rosie Rnk
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
Service and staff were wonderful, really nice. Our room was dingy, we walked into a big dehumidifier in the living room area, with a hose strung into the sink. Odd. Wondering if there was a water issue or something. Staff denied any issue
Bathroom sink cracked, not leaking but cosmetic damage.
The cool cell phone charger on night stand isn’t functional.
The lamp plug ins also non functional.
Beds good, plenty of pillows, clean sheets. No extra blanket, but not a big issue.
Happy hour always nice. Good breakfast.
Didn’t appreciate the unruly dog sniffing the plates and on a long leash begging for breakfast food. Clearly not a service animal. Staff should have been on top of that. Customers stepped in. And I removed the plates that got nosed.
We will stay again the location is awesome
SW
Sheila Walter
Nov 2, 2025
2.0
The best part of this property is the location. The rooms are dated. The bathrooms are old and the towel hooks didnt hold towels. The showers dont have a full door. So the water gets on the floor. And the tiles on the shower are grubby. Even after the room is to be cleaned.
The beds are hard and uncomfortable.
The parking is expensive. And it is very limited.
Only 1 elevator was working to go to the garage. That made it hard when people were needing to get their rooms. It was a busy Saturday when I checked in for a work thing.
The front desk staff that checked me in was barley friendly.
Its a cashless hotel..when I went to get change for some cash tips for housekeeping and the restaurant, I was told they dont have any cash.
The thermostat only has one mode at a time. Either the heater, or cooling. No in-between. The day I got there I froze. I couldn't get the heat to come on. It was 64 in my room. I got them to come in to turn the furnace on, but later that week it got warm and then I couldn't get the cooling to turn on.
The restaurant staff was great. And the food was good.
The morning breakfast is very good and made to order.
The free breakfast is not going to bring me back. A remodel would.
DS
David Stein
Oct 29, 2025
1.0
This hotel is run down, disgusting, and an embarrassment for Hilton.
My room was in an absolutely unacceptable state. There was a hole in the ceiling, the bathroom sink didn't drain, one of the soap dispensers was ripped off the wall, the bar sink was not only leaking, but also had some sort of black slime dripping out of it, the wallpaper was peeling off, and the air vent filter was so dusty, I doubt it had been changed in years.
In the hotel proper, one of the elevators was broken for an entire three day period. The other two working ones were so slow and unreliable, getting around the hotel was a nightmare.
When I complained of these issues to management, they had said they would comp one of our nights, but when looking at my credit card statements, I was in fact charged full price.
Avoid this hotel at all costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
What types of suites does Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown offer?
Embassy Suites Des Moines offers 234 two-room suites featuring a tropical atrium and electronic door locks with a secure and lush environment.
Is breakfast included when staying at Embassy Suites Des Moines?
Yes, a complimentary cooked-to-order daily breakfast is available to guests.
Are pets allowed at Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown?
Yes, both cats and dogs are welcome at the hotel.
What accessibility features does Embassy Suites Des Moines provide?
The hotel offers accessible parking and an accessible elevator to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
Does the hotel have facilities for business travelers?
Yes, Embassy Suites Des Moines features a business center and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with wireless high-speed internet.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
Doozie's Bar and Grill is the on-site restaurant providing fine American cuisine in a sporty environment, along with a bar and vending machines.
What amenities does the hotel offer for recreation and wellness?
The hotel has an indoor pool, a free fitness center, and kid-friendly activities available.
Is parking available at Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown?
Yes, the hotel offers both self-parking and valet parking options for guests.
Which nearby attractions can guests visit around Embassy Suites Des Moines?
Guests can enjoy the Principal Riverwalk with its walking paths and ice-skating rink, and attend concerts and festivals at the nearby Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater.
What nearby public transportation options are convenient for hotel guests?
Guests can use the DART State Fair Shuttle bus station located near the hotel for convenient public transit around Des Moines.