Escape to Des Moines: Luxurious SpringHill Suites Awaits!
Escape to Des Moines: SpringHill Suites - Did They Actually Deliver Luxury? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe!)
Alright, let's be real. Des Moines? Luxurious? My expectations were, shall we say, cautiously optimistic. But hey, the ad copy promised a SpringHill Suites experience that would actually make me want to escape to rather than from Des Moines. So, I booked it. And here's the unvarnished truth, warts and all. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to get messy.
Metadata & SEO Snippet:
- Title: Escape to Des Moines: SpringHill Suites Review - Is it Really Luxurious?
- Keywords: SpringHill Suites Des Moines, Hotel Review, Des Moines Hotels, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Breakfast, Des Moines Iowa, Family Friendly Hotel, Luxury Hotel Des Moines
- Description: A candid review of the SpringHill Suites in Des Moines, Iowa. Discover if its promises of luxury, accessibility, and amenities like a spa and pool hold up. Unfiltered opinions, personal anecdotes, and honest ratings.
- Category: Travel, Hotels & Accommodation
Getting Around (and the Initial Impression):
First off, finding the place wasn't a complete disaster. Free on-site parking? Score! Always a win. They also had valet parking, which felt a bit… extra for Des Moines, but hey, maybe the luxury thing was actually a thing. The airport transfer could be handy, I think the nearest one wasn't too far.
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that actually cares about accessibility, because, well, it’s important. This SpringHill Suites seemed to get it, at least on paper. I saw an elevator, ramps, and the promise of facilities for disabled guests. But, and this is a big "but," I didn’t see any specifics of the room, so whether it had proper access for wheelchairs could be a gamble.
Check-in/out - Smooth Sailing (Mostly):
The front desk was open 24 hours, always a bonus. The check-in was supposed to be contactless, and I could have used the express option, but I'm generally a chatty Cathy and went with the human interaction. The staff seemed well-trained in safety protocol. It was an easy process.
Rooms: All the Essentials (And Some Unexpected Treats)
My room! Okay, here’s where things got interesting. I wouldn't call it over-the-top luxurious, but it was clean, and the air conditioning actually worked. Blackout curtains? Lifesaver! I have a thing about light. I needed that. There was a fridge to keep my snacks (important), and a coffee maker (essential). Free bottled water? Nice touch! I opened the window and realized a little bit of fresh air and natural light never hurt anybody. There was a desk, which I used to catch up on some work, and a seating area to relax. I had a view, though not spectacular, it wasn't of a dumpster, which is a win. There was a hairdryer (needed), I forgot mine at home, and a safe for my passport, which, let’s face it, is never a bad idea. The bed was comfortable with a decent amount of pillows and the linens were fresh. And the internet? Free Wi-Fi, of course, in the room. In my experience, they always say that, but this one did work! I did not want to use internet [LAN] but it was there.
Bathroom Bliss (Or Not?)
The bathroom was a decent size, with a separate shower and bathtub which I always appreciate (I love a bubble bath!). The toiletries were… standard. Nothing to write home about (pun intended!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast…The Ultimate Test.
Breakfast is the make-or-break for me. And… it was okay. There was a buffet (sigh of relief), which is often a gamble, but it was clean, and there were hot items like scrambled eggs and sausage. I got a coffee, and that was good. There was a coffee shop which was a plus. There was some Asian cuisine available on the breakfast, but I did not partake
Lunch, I ordered room service. The service was fast and efficient, and the food was exactly what I wanted. The snack bar was okay. The options they had weren't bad, but I didn't feel very excited by them.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa, the Pool… and Reality
Okay, THIS is where I got most excited. The website boasted a spa! And yeah, they did have one, with a sauna, a steam room, and even a foot bath. I decided to have a massage. It was divine. Pure bliss. I was completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
The pool was a big draw (I love a pool!), and they had an outdoor one with a view. Not the most epic view ever, but it was still pretty and a perfect place to chill out. The pool was clean and towels and other basics were available.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Care?
COVID times. This is a biggie. And, to be honest, SpringHill Suites at least tried. They had anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff wearing masks. They offered room sanitization opt-out (appreciated!), and the rooms were cleaned between stays. The daily disinfection in common areas was visible and reassuring. They were even offering an option for the breakfast takeaway. However, a lot of restaurants were closed.
For the Kids (and Kid-Adjacent):
Family-friendly? Yes. Kids' facilities? Seemed to have the basics, but nothing groundbreaking. Definitely a good place for families, but maybe not a destination just for those with little ones.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had a convenience store. The front desk was always open. The laundry service could be helpful. They could provide an invoice. The business center was solid if you were there for work.
Quirks, Quirks, and More Quirks (aka My Random Observations):
- The "Luxury" Factor: Let's be honest, it's not the Ritz. But it's comfortable, clean, and with the spa and pool, it definitely aims for a step above basic.
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful. Not overly attentive, but they were responsive to requests.
- The "Soundproofing": While it seemed to have soundproof rooms, I'm still not convinced. I could hear a little noise from the hallway. Though it could have been from another room, I will never know.
- The Elevator: Thank goodness, I can't walk that much!
- The Gym: Didn’t use it, but it seemed to have the standard machines.
My Final Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Honestly? Yes, mostly. SpringHill Suites in Des Moines isn't going to blow your mind with over-the-top luxury, but it's a solid choice. The clean rooms, the decent breakfast, and the spa make it a genuinely pleasant place to stay. It's a great option if you're looking for a relaxing place. Plus, the free parking (and the valet as an option) and the reliable Wi-Fi are always winners. I’d definitely consider staying here again.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. It has its flaws, but overall, a surprisingly enjoyable stay.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is experience. We're talking SpringHill Suites Des Moines West in West Des Moines, Iowa. And, I'm already sensing a vague, yet comforting, feeling of "meh" washing over me. Let's roll with it.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great American Parking Lottery
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Okay, so, the airport wasn't exciting. Efficient, yes. But exciting? No. Found my rental car (a sensible sedan – because I'm adulting). This is where the chaos starts. Navigating the parking situation at the hotel felt like a master class in dodging rogue suitcases. I swear, I spent a good fifteen minutes just circling, muttering things like, "Is that even a parking spot?" and "Surely, someone has got to be leaving soon…" Finally snagged a spot that was arguably as close to the hotel as the moon is to earth. Victory! (And sweat.)
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at SpringHill Suites. The lobby? Standard hotel lobby. Clean, slightly antiseptic smell. Guy at the desk was friendly, though I suspect he's seen a lot of slightly-disoriented travelers. Got the keys. (Key card! Love those.)
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. (The joy! The pain!) Found a rogue bag of snacks in the car. Excellent. Hotel room? Pretty spiffy, actually. Surprisingly spacious. I'll give it to them; they got a good handle on the hotel rooms.
- 4:00 PM: Reconnaissance mission. (Or, "I'm-starving-and-need-to-locate-food mission.") Walked around the immediate area of the hotel. Lots of chain restaurants. My internal voice sighed. "Fine," it said wearily. "Let's do this."
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at… (drumroll)… Chili's! Look, don't judge. Sometimes you just need a Presidente Margarita and the comfort of a perfectly adequate burger. The waitress was sweet, if a little overworked. I left a generous tip because I've been there, sister.
- 6:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Watched some utterly forgettable TV. Ate some of the snacks. Fell asleep on the bed. The most important part is that the bed was comfortable and I didn't have to move to the couch.
Day 2: The Art of the (Maybe) Unexpected
- 8:00 AM: The "free" breakfast at the hotel. Clutches pearls. Okay, it wasn't gourmet, but the scrambled eggs weren't actively trying to kill me. Success! Coffee was…functional. I fueled up for the day.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to hit the Des Moines Art Center. I am a sensitive intellectual, etc. I'm not a huge art person, but I figured, why not? The architecture was pretty slick. I wandered. I looked. I thought about art. (Mostly, I was thinking, "Wow, that's… something.")
- 11:00 AM: Had a real moment with a Rothko. Okay, fine, maybe more of a "hmmm… is that… orange?" moment. But still. I felt something. I'm not going to lie, the Rothko, the room, the vibe… it hit me. I let myself sit for a while. A good while. I don't think I moved or said a word.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local deli near the Art Center. Okay, this was a win. The sandwich (a classic Reuben) was epic. The place smelled of roasting meats. The people were friendly. It was a nice, quiet meal. It felt… like a good day.
- 2:00 PM: Drove around. I wanted to see what Iowa was all about! Went to a shopping place and wandered around. I bought a t-shirt that's borderline offensive (but I loved it.)
- 4:00 PM: Returned to the hotel. Found a pool! (I brought a swimsuit! I am a prepared traveler.) The pool was… fine. Cleanish. A couple of small children were splashing around. I lasted about 20 minutes before retreating to my room.
- 6:00 PM: I had a strong craving for pizza. My hotel room was the perfect chill spot. I had the pizza. I didn't move from the bed.
Day 3: Departure and the Ghosts of Hotel Rooms Past
- 8:00 AM: Hotel breakfast, round two. Same deal, but I'm surprisingly used to it.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute packing. Cursing the fact that I packed so much stuff. Realized I probably wouldn't need half of it. Noted to self: Travel light next time. (Yeah, right.)
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. Smooth sailing. The lady at the front desk smiled, which I appreciated.
- 10:30 AM - End of Adventure: Time to go. Driving back to the airport. Thought of the parking spot. Did I even care? Maybe? Probably? Then I thought of the snacks in the car, and chuckled. Des Moines: I survived.
- 11:45 AM: Getting on the plane. Contemplating my next destination. Where could I improve my travel. Thinking.
- 12:45 PM: Back home. What now?
- 1:00 PM: Contemplated what I learned about myself.
- 1:30 PM: Ate some chips.
- 2:00 PM: The next adventure is coming!
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a life-altering trip. But, you know what? It was fine. I saw some things. I ate some things. I slept. I survived. And, honestly, sometimes that's all you need. The SpringHill Suites? Perfectly serviceable. Iowa? Not as boring as everyone says. Des Moines? I'd go back. Maybe. Probably. Okay, definitely. But next time, I'm bringing a better book. And ordering more pizza. And maybe, maybe, a slightly better sense of direction. This is real. This is life. And that's enough.
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Escape to Des Moines: Luxurious SpringHill Suites Awaits! (Or Does It...? My Honest FAQ)
Okay, so, *Luxury*... Really? Is this place actually fancy, or is it just... nicer than a Motel 6?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get *interesting*. "Luxury" is a subjective word, right? For me, coming from a home that doubles as a laundry basket, SpringHill Suites *felt* fancy, initially. Shiny hallways! A lobby that's not just a vending machine and the scent of stale coffee! But then... well, the reality sets in. The "luxury" is more, like, strategically placed. Think: Plush pillows that *might* have been fluffed within the last week (maybe?). A mini-fridge that seemed to be contemplating its own existence. The key highlight was the complimentary breakfast - the waffles! I'll get to that later.
So, is it a five-star palace? Nah. But compared to the stuff I'm used to? Yeah, it's a step up. Think: Upgrade from a cardboard box to a slightly fancier cardboard box with some decent lighting. Still, I felt good!
Tell me about the room. Sizes? Are they claustrophobic? Does it have a decent view... or just a brick wall?
Room size is where things REALLY get interesting. I booked a suite, which is, you know, *pretend* you're not living in a closet moment. And I appreciated the extra space, mainly because I could spread out my stuff without feeling like I was auditioning for a minimalist lifestyle video. It wasn’t palatial – I’ve seen apartments that are *smaller* BUT it was okay! They are a perfect balance between an open room and a claustrophobic box.
And the view? Oh, the view. My view was... well, let's just say it involved a parking lot, a slightly sad-looking bush, and a sliver of the Des Moines skyline. Not exactly postcard material. But hey, at least it wasn't directly into another room’s window! You could, in theory, catch some sun rays if you were up at precisely 7 AM. It's the little things that make the stay memorable!
Breakfast! This is important. Is this the sad continental breakfast of my nightmares, or is it actually worth getting out of bed for?
The breakfast... the breakfast. This is where SpringHill Suites *almost* redeemed itself. I have a deeply passionate relationship with hotel waffle makers. They are the unsung heroes of my existence. And they had one!!! They had that little button of pure joy, the golden-brown promise of syrupy goodness! And that was the highlight.
Beyond the waffle, it was your standard fare: scrambled eggs (of varying levels of moistness), an assortment of pastries that looked suspiciously similar to each other, some sad-looking fruit. It's not Michelin-star dining, but the staff were super friendly and the coffee was… drinkable. The waffle, however, was the main event. I ate three. Don't judge!
The pool. Must know. Is it clean? Lively? Is the chlorine smell overwhelming? Did you actually SWIM?
I swear, I had every intention of swimming. I packed my swimsuit! I envisioned myself, lounging poolside, sipping a (probably overpriced) drink, feeling all sophisticated and vacation-y. But here's the truth, the pool area was a *little* weird. The chlorine smell was definitely present. Not overpoweringly so, but it was there, like a persistent friend you're not entirely sure you want to hang out with. And the lighting felt… sterile, like a hospital waiting room. I opted to skip the swim and went for a hot shower instead. I had the impression the water quality was adequate, but not exactly Olympic-grade.
Anything Else? Any hidden gems or major screw-ups that you experienced at the hotel?
Hidden gems? Well, the staff was incredibly friendly. Like, genuinely friendly. There's something about that Iowa hospitality that's just… nice. They were always smiling and eager to help. That saved the day!
As for screw-ups? Let's just say the internet was… spotty. Constantly disconnecting. I had actual work to do, and I spent half the time yelling at the Wi-Fi router. Thankfully, I managed to find a spot where the connection was usable for about 5 minutes at a time. Frustrating.
Okay, final verdict: Would you stay again?
Honestly? Maybe. If I needed a place to rest and crash in Des Moines, and it was within my budget, I'd probably do it. The free breakfast and friendly staff are definite plusses. The waffles alone might be worth it. It's not the pinnacle of luxury, but it's a decent place to lay your head, get a decent(ish) night's sleep, and dream of perfectly golden-brown waffles.
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