Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines North

The most prominent feature of this hotel, as consistently highlighted by guests, is its pervasive state of disrepair and neglect, which profoundly impacts the overall guest experience. Many visitors found the property to be in a condition far below expectations, often leading to immediate departures or highly unsatisfactory stays. While a few guests noted the convenient location near the highway as beneficial for transit, the overwhelming feedback points to a facility struggling with fundamental maintenance and cleanliness standards. The hotel primarily caters to budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a very brief overnight stop, but even these guests frequently reported conditions that proved too challenging for a comfortable stay. For those considering a visit, it is strongly advised to manage expectations regarding the property's upkeep and to prioritize recent guest reviews, as the actual conditions often diverge significantly from promotional materials. To enhance your stay, consider bringing your own essential toiletries and be prepared for potential issues with in-room amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently reported significant issues with the hotel's facilities and amenities, indicating a widespread lack of maintenance and functionality. The swimming pool was consistently described as being closed, unheated, or in an unsanitary condition, with mentions of cold water, dirt, and even debris. The fitness center was noted as being inaccessible, often closed for extended periods. Many guests experienced problems with in-room technology, including non-functional Wi-Fi and televisions with broken remotes or limited channels. Essential conveniences like ice machines and laundry facilities were frequently reported as broken. Furthermore, the general condition of the building was a major concern, with numerous mentions of broken windows, cracked walls, peeling paint, and loose carpeting. The absence of an elevator also posed a challenge for guests with luggage or mobility concerns, particularly in buildings separate from the main lobby.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness and room comfort were overwhelmingly cited as major deficiencies by guests. Many rooms were described as filthy, with pervasive issues such as crumbs on surfaces, food spills, and hair found on toilets, in tubs, and on bedding. Guests frequently encountered stains on sheets, blankets, mattresses, and carpets, along with unpleasant smoke or urine smells, even in designated non-smoking areas. Some reviews mentioned mold on ceilings or in bathrooms, and instances of mouse droppings or bugs were also reported. While some guests found the beds to be comfortable, many others described them as hard or sunken, and the provision of towels was consistently inadequate, often missing or dirty. In-room amenities like toilet paper, soap, coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves were frequently noted as missing, dirty, or non-functional, further detracting from guest comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining and food quality, specifically the breakfast service, was consistently negative. Guests frequently described the breakfast as a significant disappointment, often labeling it as "pathetic" or "awful." Common complaints included the breakfast not being ready at the advertised time, items running out quickly without being replenished, and the overall selection being extremely limited. Options typically consisted of basic items like waffles, cereal, and hard-boiled eggs, but even these were often presented poorly, with mentions of dirty waffle irons, cold food, or rubbery eggs. Many guests noted a lack of essential items such as milk, cups, or condiments. The breakfast area itself was often described as unclean, with food spills and even fruit flies reported, leading many guests to seek dining options elsewhere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location received mixed feedback, though many guests expressed significant concerns regarding the surrounding area. While some found its proximity to the highway convenient for travel, a large number of reviews described the immediate vicinity as "sketchy" or an "unsafe area," noting the presence of disruptive individuals and a general sense of unease. The parking facilities were often criticized for being poorly lit. Regarding accessibility within the hotel, a recurring complaint was the absence of an elevator, which posed considerable challenges for guests carrying luggage or those with mobility limitations, particularly when rooms were located in separate buildings. This often necessitated navigating multiple flights of stairs, impacting the overall convenience of the stay.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service were highly varied, with some individuals receiving praise while others were heavily criticized. A few guests highlighted specific staff members for being friendly, helpful, and efficient during check-in or when addressing minor requests. However, a more prevalent theme in reviews described staff as unresponsive, unwelcoming, or rude, with instances of guests being ignored or encountering argumentative interactions. The check-in and check-out processes were frequently reported as slow or problematic, often due to issues with room keys or overbookings. Housekeeping services were largely perceived as inadequate, with many guests noting a lack of room cleaning or essential amenities being replenished. Overall, the consistency and quality of service were significant points of contention for many visitors.

Additional Information
Several important details emerged from guest reviews that did not fit into other categories, often impacting the overall stay. A significant recurring issue was the hotel's handling of refunds and cancellations, with many guests reporting extreme difficulty or outright denial of refunds, even when conditions were deemed unacceptable. The hotel's pet policy appeared inconsistent, with conflicting signage and guest reports of pets despite a "pet-free" designation. Guests frequently noted the property's connection to an adjacent Super 8, often sharing facilities and exhibiting similar conditions. A pervasive concern was the overall safety of the environment, with reports of disturbances and a general feeling of insecurity. Many guests expressed profound disappointment that the hotel, operating under a well-known brand, failed to meet expected brand standards, leading them to reconsider future stays with the associated hotel group.