Hilton Des Moines Downtown

The hotel is a popular choice for business travelers and event attendees due to its direct connection to the skywalk system and proximity to the convention center and Wells Fargo Arena. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's modern design, cleanliness, and the spaciousness of its rooms. The staff generally receives praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. However, a recurring concern is the cost and availability of parking, which many guests find to be a significant drawback. Some guests also report issues with noise from neighboring rooms, particularly during large events, and the lack of microwaves in the rooms. To ensure a smoother stay, it is advisable to clarify parking options and costs beforehand, and consider bringing earplugs if you are a light sleeper during peak event times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that generally receive positive feedback. The fitness center is described as well-equipped, spacious, and modern, providing ample options for workouts. The indoor pool is a notable feature, praised for its beauty, cleanliness, and saltwater system, with some rooms offering a view of the city. Guests appreciate the convenience of keyless entry via phone for rooms, elevators, and the pool. A complimentary shuttle service is available for airport transfers and destinations within a two-mile radius, adding to guest convenience. The lobby area is highlighted as a large and inviting space with various seating arrangements, a bar, and a well-stocked convenience store. However, some guests experienced issues with the pool being too cold or temporarily closed due to maintenance. There are also mentions of overpriced vending machines and grab-and-go pantry items, and a few guests noted that some gym equipment was broken or that outlets in rooms were loose.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms are largely commended for their cleanliness, modernity, and comfort. Guests frequently praise the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, contributing to a restful sleep. The bathrooms are noted for being clean, modern, and well-appointed, often featuring glass walk-in showers and lighted makeup mirrors. While most rooms are described as quiet, some guests reported noise from neighboring rooms, especially when large groups like high school teams were present. Common complaints include the absence of microwaves in rooms, which many find inconvenient, and occasional issues with inconsistent water temperature or pressure in showers. Some reviews also pointed out specific cleanliness oversights, such as dirt under beds, sticky garbage cans, or uncleaned sheets, though these appear to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue. The thermostat is generally easy to use, though a few guests found it difficult to maintain a sufficiently cool temperature.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed feedback. The restaurant is generally praised for offering delicious food with a good variety, and some guests found the prices reasonable, especially for dinner. The bar in the lobby is a popular spot, described as large and well-stocked, with bartenders capable of making good drinks. However, many guests found the food and drinks to be overpriced, particularly the breakfast buffet, which some deemed sub-par despite its cost, citing issues like crispy pancakes or dry eggs. Service at the restaurant and bar can be slow, with some guests experiencing long waits for food or drinks. A few reviews mentioned rude or unhelpful bartenders. Additionally, the bar has early closing times, which was inconvenient for guests returning late from events. The hotel also has a policy against bringing outside food into public lobby areas, which some guests found restrictive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it ideal for accessing downtown attractions and venues. Its direct connection to the skywalk system is a significant convenience, allowing guests to reach the Wells Fargo Arena, convention center, and various downtown restaurants and shops without having to go outside, which is particularly appreciated in inclement weather. Guests find it easy to walk to many popular destinations. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle service and transportation within a two-mile radius, further enhancing accessibility. While the location is praised for its convenience, some guests noted that it is somewhat far from most downtown restaurants if not using the skywalks.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently commend the front desk staff for their welcoming demeanor, efficiency during check-in and check-out, and willingness to assist with inquiries and requests. The shuttle service drivers are consistently described as accommodating and pleasant. Housekeeping personnel are often noted for their attentiveness and ensuring rooms are clean. However, there are isolated but strong complaints about rude staff members, particularly at the front desk and some bartenders, with a few guests reporting unhelpful or condescending interactions regarding billing issues or service requests. Despite these negative experiences, the overall sentiment points to a dedicated team committed to providing good service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that impact their stay. The hotel has a strict policy regarding outside food and beverages not being allowed in public lobby areas, which can be inconvenient for those wishing to socialize or eat takeout in common spaces. There are also reports of unauthorized charges to rooms, with some guests experiencing issues with billing accuracy and difficulty resolving these with the front desk. The hotel has a policy of charging a fee for early check-in, even for short durations, which some guests found unexpected and frustrating. While the hotel is generally considered pet-friendly, specific details or associated fees are not widely discussed in reviews. The hotel's rewards program benefits are appreciated by members, though not explicitly detailed. Some guests noted that the pool can be cold or temporarily closed for maintenance.