Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Reviews

• ES

  Eliana Snyder

  Aug 10, 2026
  1.0
  The hotel itself is very nice, clean, and well maintained. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the property and our room, and the staff member who assisted us was polite and tried to help. Unfortunately, our overall experience was disappointing because of two major issues: the air conditioning and the breakfast. ROOM 423 August 08 to 09. We paid around $200 for one night, and the air conditioning in our room simply did not cool properly. We contacted the front desk and were told that we should not set the temperature too low because the unit could freeze up. To help, a staff member brought us a fan to place in front of the air conditioner. We appreciated her effort, and for a short time the room felt a little better. However, about two hours after we went to sleep, the room became extremely hot. The air conditioner was not cooling at all, and the fan was only circulating warm air. We were uncomfortable for the rest of the night and barely slept. This was especially frustrating because we had to drive back to Minnesota the following day. For approximately $200 a night, guests should be able to expect a properly functioning air conditioner and a comfortable night's sleep. Breakfast was also very disappointing. The sausages were good, but unfortunately that was the only part we enjoyed. The eggs were severely overcooked, and the pancakes and pancake batter were extremely poor. The breakfast preparation definitely needs improvement, particularly the eggs and pancakes. It is unfortunate because this could otherwise be a very good hotel. The property is attractive and very clean, and we appreciated the employee who tried to help us with the room. However, management really needs to address the air-conditioning problem and improve the quality and preparation of the breakfast. A clean and beautiful hotel is important, but guests are ultimately paying to be comfortable and get a good night's sleep.
• JO

  Jessie Olson

  Aug 10, 2026
  2.0
  Everything about my stay was good aside from the Wi-Fi connection. For people who work remotely and travel for work (which are many these days), a reliable internet connection is a MUST. I paid $150 for one night specifically because I needed a quiet space with reliable internet. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi was not functional (in room 202, the connection was one bar), meaning the primary amenity I booked the space for was not available. Reliable internet is a basic amenity that is accessible in nearly any accommodation, so I was disappointed that it was not available here. Since I paid for an amenity that I was unable to use and it effected a very important work meeting, I would like to request a refund for my stay.
• CB

  Chad Boley

  Aug 10, 2026
  2.0
  Nice hotel to stay in however the staff were very rude and cleaning staff were loud around people's rooms. Then after 5 days after being told I'd have my deposit back in 2 days it's been a week now and still waiting. I called the hotel and spoke with a gentleman who gave me attitude and that I was over reacting to not having my deposit back.... I promise you I'll never stay at this hotel again
• MM

  mimrtnz5

  Aug 6, 2026
  3.0
  All the ladies at the front desk were exceptional and helpful and so were the drivers for the shuttle. I would stay at this hotel again because of them. However, this was a mediocre hotel. A bit rundown with rugs, bathrooms, curtains. The most disappointing thing was the main reason I choose this hotel was because they had a pool. However, we never used the pool because it was either under maintenance or it was green. The entire 6 day stay, the pool stayed green and murky. One time the staff said it was okay to swim. Which I know it wasn't. We had to go to Gray Lake Park and swim there instead. Thank God they enjoyed it!!! Upsetting that the hotel knew that they were expecting tons of children from the Jr. Olympics and no prior accommodations to properly clean the hotel were made. Overall, I would give this hotel 3 stars because of poor management but the staff made the experience better! They were awesome!!!!
• MF

  Monna Finkle

  Jul 25, 2026
  5.0
  I have stayed in several hotels near, or in downtown, Des Moines, Iowa. This hotel is the best! The rooms are very nice and clean with comfortable bedding. The location was ideal for my specific needs. A few cute shops and a Starbucks are across from the parking lot. The breakfast was quite adequate and even better than most hotels. The service was great. Eris deserves a raise in his salary or a promotion for being so helpful and professional. I had one small concern and he went above and beyond to ensure it was resolved quickly. He has a kind and thoughtful way about him that made me feel like he really cared about the quality of my stay. Because of him and all of the other first class amenities, this will be my preferred hotel in my future visits to Des Moines!

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