Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines-northwest By Ihg

This hotel is frequently chosen for its convenient location and the significant advantage of having an attached restaurant, Bennigan's, which many guests find highly beneficial for dining. While the property has undergone some recent updates, guests often note a mix of modern and dated elements. The staff consistently receives praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the overall experience. However, a recurring and serious concern for some guests has been the presence of pests, including both mice and bed bugs, which significantly impacts their stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers attending meetings on-site, families utilizing the pool, and cross-country travelers seeking an easy stop off the highway. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to confirm breakfast inclusions and thoroughly inspect your room upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest convenience and enjoyment. The pool area is a notable highlight, described as large, clean, and heated, with ample towels available, making it a popular spot for relaxation. Guests also appreciate the presence of a fitness center or weight room for their exercise needs. For those requiring meeting spaces, the hotel provides conference facilities. On-site, a snack market and vending machines offer quick access to refreshments. However, some guests have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, describing it as slow or unreliable. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the functionality of in-room refrigerators and coffee makers, and the AC units are sometimes noted for being noisy or ineffective. The elevators have also been mentioned as needing updates, with some guests finding them small and noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Many guests commend the hotel for its cleanliness, noting that rooms are often well-maintained and made up daily. The comfortable beds are frequently praised, though some find them too soft or unusually tall. Rooms are generally described as spacious, offering ample room for guests. Positive mentions include clean showers free of mold and the provision of shampoo and conditioner. However, a significant number of reviews highlight severe issues with bed bugs and mice, which caused considerable distress and discomfort for affected guests. Other concerns include leaking ceilings, the presence of black mold in some areas, non-working showers or loose fixtures, and noisy AC units. Some guests also reported a persistent hallway odor, dirty towels left in rooms, and issues with TV functionality.

Dining & Food Quality
A major advantage for many guests is the Bennigan's restaurant directly attached to the hotel, providing convenient access to dinner and breakfast. Many guests praise the food quality at Bennigan's, particularly for dinner, and appreciate the friendly service and pleasant restaurant atmosphere. It is often highlighted as a great spot for groups to gather. However, a frequent point of contention is the lack of a complimentary breakfast, with many guests expressing disappointment that they have to pay for it, especially given the room rate. While some find the paid breakfast buffet to be good, others describe it as expensive, so-so, or not fresh, leading them to seek dining options elsewhere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is a significant draw, offering easy highway access from major interstates, making it an ideal stop for travelers. Guests appreciate its proximity to attractions, various restaurants and shopping options, and the fact that it remains relatively quiet despite being near the interstate. For guests traveling with pets, the hotel's location offers good dog walking areas in nearby neighborhoods. However, some truck drivers have noted difficulties with parking lot access for oversized vehicles. A recurring negative point is the condition of the designated pet area, which many guests describe as poorly maintained, with issues like broken bottles, overflowing waste bins, and scattered pet waste, despite the hotel being pet-friendly.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to be accommodating with requests, such as moving rooms or addressing issues. Their customer service skills are frequently commended, contributing to a positive experience for many. However, there are instances where guests reported encountering rude staff members, particularly at the front desk, and some felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed or followed up on, especially regarding refunds or rewards points. There were also isolated but serious complaints about staff being unhelpful, noisy, or engaging in inappropriate behavior, including alleged racial profiling, which negatively impacted some guests' stays.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their animals, though an additional fee is typically charged. However, as noted, the maintenance of the outdoor pet area has been a significant point of dissatisfaction for many pet owners. While the hotel participates in a rewards program, some guests have reported issues with receiving their earned points or promised discounts, leading to frustration. The property has also been noted for its conference space, making it a suitable venue for business meetings and group events. Guests should be aware that, despite the convenience of the attached restaurant, complimentary breakfast is not a standard offering.