Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

This hotel offers a welcoming "home away from home" experience, characterized by its spacious rooms and convenient location directly across from Drake University. Its modern design and comprehensive amenities cater well to guests seeking extended stays or a comfortable base for exploring the area. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families visiting the university or attending local events, offering ample space, well-equipped kitchenettes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pet owners will find it highly accommodating due to its explicit dog-friendly policy, making travel with companions much easier. Business travelers also appreciate the quiet environment and dedicated working areas within the rooms. To ensure a peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas or floors where pets are more concentrated, and for those planning to enjoy the complimentary breakfast, arriving earlier in the service window is advisable to experience the full selection.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities and amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Guests frequently highlight the indoor pool, though some note its water can be a bit chilly, and there is no hot tub available. A well-equipped fitness center is on-site for those wishing to maintain their workout routines. All rooms feature kitchenettes or full kitchens, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and dishes, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. The lobby offers 24/7 access to coffee and tea, a much-appreciated perk. For enhanced security, guests value the key card access required for elevators, providing peace of mind during their stay. Additionally, a self-serve snack center is available for quick purchases.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. The spacious rooms are often described as feeling like a home away from home, featuring comfortable beds that contribute to a restful night's sleep. In-room amenities like a dedicated desk/working area, ample outlets and USB ports, and effective curtains or blackout shades are frequently appreciated. The bathroom facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, though some minor issues like a broken mirror or lack of a fan have been noted. However, noise levels can be a significant concern for some, with reports of hallway noise, barking dogs from adjacent rooms, and occasional construction noise impacting sleep quality. While most find the rooms quiet, light sleepers might experience disturbances.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience primarily revolves around its complimentary breakfast, which receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests commend the breakfast variety, noting the availability of hot options such as omelets and breakfast sandwiches, alongside typical continental fare. The quality of the food is often described as good, with some guests particularly enjoying the coffee and tea available throughout the day in the lobby. However, a few reviews mention that popular items can run out quickly, especially later in the service, or that the overall taste can be somewhat bland. The presence of kitchenettes in the rooms also provides guests with the flexibility for in-room dining, allowing them to prepare their own meals and snacks at their convenience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, particularly for those visiting Drake University, as it is situated directly across the street, allowing for easy walking distance to campus events and facilities. Its proximity to downtown Des Moines is also a significant advantage, with many popular restaurants, shopping areas, and attractions just a short drive away. While the location is highly convenient, parking can sometimes be a challenge. Although free parking is available, the lot can become full, especially during peak times or events, occasionally requiring guests to find street parking further away. Some guests also noted that ongoing construction in the vicinity could affect views or accessibility, though this was generally considered a minor inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests. Many reviews highlight the exceptionally friendly staff and their helpful and accommodating nature, often going above and beyond to assist with requests. The check-in and check-out processes are frequently described as quick and smooth, contributing to a positive arrival and departure experience. Guests appreciate the attentiveness of the housekeeping team in maintaining room cleanliness and the promptness of maintenance staff in addressing any issues. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of less enthusiastic service or perceived unhelpfulness, but these are outliers compared to the overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding the team's dedication to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of the hotel is its very accommodating pet-friendly policy, which is a major draw for guests traveling with animals. However, this policy occasionally leads to noise from barking dogs, which some guests find disruptive. The hotel leverages modern technology, with a highly praised mobile app that facilitates seamless digital key access and convenient check-in/out procedures, enhancing the overall guest experience. Guests also appreciate the robust security features, such as the key card requirement for elevator use, which adds a layer of safety. While generally well-regarded, some reviews mention minor issues like booking discrepancies or the need to be aware of nearby construction, which can impact views or access to the property.