Escape to Des Moines: Baymont Wyndham's North Des Moines Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Des Moines: Baymont Wyndham's North Des Moines Oasis Awaits! - A Review From the Trenches (Warning: May Contain Opinions)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay down the gospel truth on the Baymont Wyndham in North Des Moines. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished travel blogs – this is real life, baby. And trust me, I've seen some things.
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Getting Started: The Hustle of Arrival (And How They Handled It)
First impressions are everything, right? Pulling up, the exterior gave off that "slightly updated motel of the 90s" vibe. Nothing wrong per se, just…unremarkable. But hey, I wasn't here for curb appeal. I needed a place to crash, and maybe, just maybe, a little R&R.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Personal Anecdote)
Okay, listen up because disability is huge for me. Wheelchair accessible? YES, pretty good! The grounds were relatively flat, and I could maneuver pretty well, I think. The elevator worked, thankfully (always a gamble, you know?). However, this is where things get slightly messy. I was told the rooms were accessible with the ramp and everything. Here's the kicker: when I got to the room, the door was a little too narrow for my wider wheelchair. Had to use the emergency call button just to get the door open with some force. That wasn't very good. The hallway was not very good.
- Accessibility Score: 7/10 (Room, accessibility, hallway issues)
Rooms: The Good, the Bland, and the Questionable
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (bless), Alarm clock (who uses these anymore?), Bathrobes (fancy!), Bathroom phone (I never understand why), Bathtub (needed a good scrub), Blackout curtains (a lifesaver!), Carpeting (meh), Closet (adequate), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (yay!), Daily housekeeping (thank you!), Desk (functional), Extra long bed (thank goodness, I’m a giant!), Free bottled water (always appreciated!), Hair dryer (meh again), High floor (got a decent view), In-room safe box (security!), Interconnecting room(s) available (not applicable), Internet access – LAN (didn't even bother), Internet access – wireless (yes!), Ironing facilities (needed them!), Laptop workspace (useful!), Linens (clean), Mini bar (barely stocked, typical hotel!), Mirror (check!), Non-smoking (praise!), On-demand movies (bleh), Private bathroom (of course), Reading light (appreciated), Refrigerator (useful!), Safety/security feature (yep), Satellite/cable channels (standard), Scale (why?), Seating area (cushy), Separate shower/bathtub (a nice touch), Shower (good pressure), Slippers (now that is a luxury!), Smoke detector (vital!), Socket near the bed (thank you, hotel gods!), Sofa (comfy enough), Soundproofing (mostly worked), Telephone (redundant), Toiletries (generic), Towels (fluffy enough), Umbrella (didn't need it), Visual alarm (thankfully didn't need it), Wake-up service (never use it), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (fresh air!).
What I liked: Nice and spacious for the most part. Great location.
What I wasn’t crazy about: The decor was bland. Seriously, could they have tried a little harder to make it feel less chain-hotel-y?
Cleanliness and Safety: They Try (and I Appreciate It)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms
I’m a germaphobe, okay? Let’s get that straight. I need to know things are clean. The Baymont gets points for effort here. They’re definitely trying - hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff wearing masks, etc. The room seemed clean, but I always give it a quick wipe-down with my own stuff anyway. They are really trying.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Bleeds into Lunch
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
Breakfast was…well, let's call it "adequate." A buffet. The food was standard hotel fare (eggs, sausage, waffles, etc.). Nothing to write home about, unless you're really into lukewarm scrambled eggs. It was free, and I did eat, so I can't complain too much. The coffee was…coffee.
I didn't try the other dining options. I was out and about and didn't want to take the risk.
Things to Do (or Ways to Relax): A Mixed Bag
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
The Pool: The outdoor pool was okay. It wasn’t a spectacular view. It was a pool. I swam, didn't die, therefore: good.
Fitness Center: I glanced at the gym, but I'm not the fitness type. It looked functional.
The Spa: Didn't check it out, unfortunately.
Services and Conveniences: Standard Stuff
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
All the usual suspects. The Wi-Fi was decent. The staff was friendly and helpful.
For the Kids: Not My Area of Expertise
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
I'm kid-free, so I can't speak to this.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
Plenty of free parking. Didn’t need the other services.
The Verdict: Baymont Des Moines – Worth It?
Look, the Baymont isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it’s a decent, functional, and, I feel, a safe place to be in Des Moines.
Pros:
- Great location in North Des Moines.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Free parking.
- Friendly staff.
- Relatively Clean.
- Good location.
Cons:
- Decor is bland (I won't shut up about this).
- Accessibility could be improved.
- Breakfast
Okay, buckle up buttercup! We're heading to the Baymont by Wyndham in Des Moines North, Iowa. Honestly, the "North" part already feels a little… off. Like, where's the South? Did it wander off? Is it cold? I'M ALREADY A MESS – let's do this!
My Totally Unofficial, Hugely Biased, and Probably Wrong Baymont Des Moines North Itinerary (Because Why Be Organized?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Iowa Unknown
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Panic Check: Okay, flight lands. I hate flying. The air pressure, the pretzels, the existential dread of being suspended miles above the earth… ugh. Praying my luggage makes it. Praying I make it. Arrive at Baymont. Check-in. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… something. I can't quite place it. Maybe ambition? (Joke.) Room key works! Always a win.
- 1:30 PM - The Room Reveal & Emotional Rollercoaster: Okay. First impression of the room: Meh. Clean enough. Gotta be honest though, I'm immediately sizing up the bed for quality. I'm a light sleeper and I need all the sleep I can get. The TV remote has approximately 800 buttons. 800! I will be a master the remote by the end of this trip, damn it.
- Anecdote: Once, on a trip to… shudders… Las Vegas, the entire bed collapsed in the middle of the night. I woke up with a mattress in my face. The guy at the front desk just shrugged. "Vegas, baby!" This room? Holding up so far, fingers crossed.
- 1:45 PM - The Snack Procurement: Oh, God, the snacks. I forgot to pack snacks. This is crucial. I can't function without a steady stream of questionable carbohydrates. Time for a foray into the vending machine – a true gamble of the modern age. Hoping for something other than stale chips and sadness.
- Emotional Reaction: Found some Cheetos! Success. Pure, cheesy, orange-fingered success.
- 2:30 PM - Des Moines, Here I Come (Maybe): Okay, time to explore. After a lot of online research, I think (I hope) I will start by heading to Des Moines Downtown, maybe check out some of the local shops, and find, if I'm really lucky, a decent coffee shop. I got a headache, but I got to get out there.
- 3:30 PM - Downtown Delights (or Disappointments): Traffic…lots of traffic. Finding parking is an Olympic sport. Eventually did find a parking space, and the coffee shop was… fine. The shops were mostly chains. Des Moines is not quite bursting with character. I might have had higher expectations, but I was tired and cranky, so maybe I'm being unfair.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner & Re-evaluation: Found a decent burger joint (thank the heavens!). Feeling a little less grumpy with a full stomach. Iowa, you’re growing on me! Perhaps. Maybe.
- 7:00 PM – The Hotel's Hidden Gems (or Not So Hidden): Back at the hotel. Time to check the amenities. Honestly, not expecting much, but who knows? Maybe a hidden pool? A secret sauna? Or… a really good continental breakfast? Wandering around, found a gym – it’s filled with equipment that looks straight out of the 80’s. The pool is… closed for maintenance. Ah, well.
- 8:00 PM - Room Sweet Room & Pre-Sleep Angst: Back in the room. Ordered pizza (because self-care). Watching bad TV (also self-care). Mentally preparing for tomorrow. The unknown is really the worst part. What sights will Iowa bless me with? What horrors? Will room service even come to my door?
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime & the Dream Realm: Lights out. Praying for a good night's sleep. Iowa, don't disappoint me.
Day 2: Diving Deep (or Maybe Just Dipping a Toe) Into Iowa
- 7:00 AM - The Continental Breakfast Conundrum: Wake Up. This is important. Do I risk the continental breakfast? It could be a culinary delight! Or, it could be a depressing display of stale pastries and weak coffee. I'll do it for the story.
- Emotional Reaction: Decided to suffer. The coffee tasted like… well, like the lobby smelled. The pastries were… sad. But the waffle maker! The Waffle Maker was salvation. Fresh waffles. Everything is better with waffles.
- 8:00 AM - Exploring the Area & a Quest for Charm: Today's mission: Find something charming. I'm talking cute little boutiques, quirky art galleries, maybe a historical society with a surprisingly interesting collection of… something.
- 9:00 AM - The Quest Begins: Started driving. Okay, driving. I ended up on a windy road. Why do I even try?
- 10:00 AM - More Driving: Driving to somewhere I didn't plan to be. Took a wrong turn. Ended up next to a bunch of cornfields.
- 11:00 AM - Lunchtime Adventures: Found a diner! The waitress was friendly, and the food was… comforting. A classic Iowa experience.
- Anecdote: They had a booth dedicated to the local high school football team, complete with faded photos and a trophy case. It felt… quintessentially American.
- 1:00 PM - Deep Dive into Single-Mindedness: The Sculpture Garden! I'm doubling down on a single experience. Got back into the car (again!) and went to the Des Moines Art Center Sculpture Park. Honestly, art isn't really my thing. But I’m trying to branch out. And the reviews were decent.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay. I’m in. I walked around, and the giant, metal contraptions, the towering abstract shapes… they were kinda cool. The park was quiet. The sun felt nice on my face. I sat on a bench and stared at a sculpture that looked like a giant, rusty… something-or-other.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a family trying to take the perfect selfie with a sculpture. They were failing miserably. It was oddly entertaining.
- 3:00 PM - The Aftermath of Art & the Search for More Snacks: Feeling… cultured? Exhausted? Probably both. Hit the local gas station for more snacks. I've developed a serious Cheetos habit. No judgement, please.
- 4:00 PM - Rest & Contemplation (Maybe): Back at the hotel for a bit of R&R. Staring at the television or staring out the window. Contemplating life, the universe, and the perfect shade of beige.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Decisions & Hotel Debrief: Dinner time. Should I be bold and try a new restaurant, or order pizza again? The pizza calling my name. Discussing with myself which is the better choice.
- 7:00 PM - Evening Rituals & Pre-Departure Blues: Packing. The trip is almost over. This sucks. I do not want to go back to my life.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime & Goodbye to Iowa: Iowa, you were… a thing. A place. An experience. Mostly. I had mixed feelings. I’ll probably be back. Maybe. Goodnight.
Day 3: Departure (and the Sweet Taste of Freedom)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast & The Great Evacuation: Morning. Get up. Eat. Pack. Checkout. Leave.
- 8:00 AM - Farewell & Final Thoughts: Saying goodbye to Iowa. I’m out! Overall, the Baymont was fine. Iowa? Well… it's complex. Now, off to the airport!
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on my whims, my stomach, and my general inability to make concrete plans. You have been warned. I'm sure the Baymont is a perfectly fine hotel. I'm just… a lot. And Iowa? Stay curious.
Hyatt Place Roseville: Your Dream Roseville Getaway Awaits!
Okay, so... "North Des Moines Oasis?" Seriously? What's the *real* deal with Baymont Wyndham?
Alright, alright, "oasis" might be stretching it a *little.* Let’s be honest, Des Moines isn't exactly known for its... well, jungles. But look, after battling I-80 traffic for like, three hours, anything that involves a bed and hopefully NOT a screaming child next door starts to feel pretty darn oasis-y. The Baymont? It's your standard, reliable, slightly-dated-but-cleanish motel. Think of it as a solid B+. It’s not the Ritz, folks, but it’s a darn sight better than sleeping in your car, trust me, I've *been there*. (Don't judge.)
The pool is... well, it exists. I wouldn’t describe it as "crystal clear," more like "slightly chlorinated." But hey, post-road-trip dip is a post-road-trip dip! And the free breakfast? Okay, now we’re talking. Waffles! (Pre-made, but still!) Scrambled eggs that *might* be from actual eggs! Coffee that's… well, it’s coffee. It gets the job done and fuels your Des Moines adventures.
Speaking of adventures... Is this place *actually* near anything fun? I don't want to be stranded in a parking lot.
Okay, so this is where the "North Des Moines" part comes in. You’re not exactly smack-dab in the middle of downtown… which, depending on your goals, could be a *good* thing. My first visit? HUGE mistake. I thought I was near the Botanical Garden. Wrong. So wrong. Instead, I was next to a really good BBQ place, thankfully. (Smokehouse, I think, get the brisket, seriously, do it.) You definitely need a car. Like, desperately. Everything's a short drive away, but you're not wandering out the door with your morning coffee and stumbling into a vibrant cultural center. Think more... suburban convenience. Quick access to the interstate is a plus, especially if you're making a broader road trip a real escape.
But hey, there are grocery stores, gas stations, and the obligatory strip mall within a reasonable distance. And the best part? It's generally pretty quiet. Which is a win if your escape involves escaping screaming kids. *Especially* if they are yours.
Let's talk about rooms. Are they… bearable? I have high expectations, you know. (Just kidding. I have *low* expectations.)
Look, "bearable" is the operative word here. Don't expect anything jaw-dropping. The rooms are… functional. The furniture is likely from the 90s (maybe early 2000s, I'm not an expert in motel decor). But they're clean! Crucially clean. And the beds? Surprisingly comfy. I’ve slept worse (see: sleeping in car anecdote above).
My biggest gripe? The air conditioning. It's a bit of a crapshoot. Sometimes it's a roaring polar vortex, sometimes it's a gentle puff of warm air. Pack layers, people, layers! And maybe a portable fan just in case. That said, the water pressure in the shower? *Chef's kiss*. Always a bonus after a long day of... well, whatever it is you're escaping *to*. I took three showers, one for each day I was there. (Don't judge me.)
You mentioned "free breakfast." Is it *actually* free? And is it edible? Cause often one cancels out the other.
Yes, it's *actually* free. And listen, as someone who’s lived on gas station coffee and granola bars for far too long, I ain't exactly complaining about the free breakfast situation. The waffles are the star, honestly. You make 'em yourself, which is fun, and they come out perfectly golden brown. (Unless you’re me, then you burn the first one, because you always do.)
The scrambled eggs? Let's just say they're… eggs. Texture is questionable, flavor is… present. The coffee? It's like a warm hug. A warm, slightly watery hug, but a hug nonetheless. There's also cereal, yogurt, and, if you're lucky, some fruit. It's enough to get you started for the day. And did I mention the waffles? They're my true love.
But get there early. The good stuff disappears fast. And don’t be surprised if you end up sharing a table with a family battling over a last sausage. It's all part of the charm, right?
What about parking? Is it a nightmare? I've had parking nightmares at motels before.
Nope. Parking is ridiculously easy. Plenty of spaces. You won’t be circling the lot like a vulture. Huge plus. It's probably the best part of the entire experience, come to think of it. Free, convenient parking. I'm actually getting a little choked up just thinking about it. (Probably just allergies, though.)
Okay, so the pool... Tell me more. Be honest. I can take it if it’s a sad, neglected puddle.
Right. The pool. Let me put it this way: It *exists*. It's outdoors, which is kinda nice, weather permitting. It looks like a pool. It has water in it. The water may or may not be a shade of green. Okay, I'm being dramatic. It's usually clean enough. Sometimes it’s a bit…busy. Like, kids splashing, parents yelling, the whole shebang. If you’re looking for a tranquil, spa-like experience, this is not it.
But if you want a place to cool off after a long day of exploring or you just want to pretend you’re on vacation, and hey, aren't we all pretending a bit? It works. Just bring earplugs and your own towel. (Seriously, always bring your own towel.) I'm not sure the towels they provide are 100%…absorbent. I might be remembering that wrong, I think it was a *very* long day.
Is it a good place for families? Or is it more like a… solo traveler's hideout?
Both! It's fine for families. It's got the pool, the free breakfast (waffles!), and generally, plenty of space. Plus, it's budget-friendly. However, it's also perfectly adequate as a solo traveler's hideout. I saw both! So if you're seeking a getaway from the chaos of life (or of your own kids), it's a decent choice. It's not a luxury resort, but it can be a sanctuary. No one's bothering you and you can go and eat waffles in peace. It's an ideal escape from chaos and responsibility. So consider it a blank canvas for whatever vacation you need to have!
Overall, isRooms And Vibes
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