La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines

The hotel consistently impresses guests with its modern and clean aesthetic, often described as new or recently updated, providing a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Its signature feature is its strong pet-friendly policy, making it a top choice for travelers with pets who appreciate the available green spaces for walking and the reasonable pet fee. The hotel is also highly recommended for families due to its spacious rooms and appealing breakfast, and for road trippers or business travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stopover with easy interstate access. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional value for the price, noting the overall quality exceeds expectations for its category. To enhance your stay, it's advisable to confirm the pool's operational status before arrival, as it is occasionally closed for maintenance, and if sensitive to noise, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or away from the interstate.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Many guests appreciate the presence of a lobby bar, providing a relaxed space for evening unwinding. The fitness center is available for those wishing to maintain their routine, though some guests have noted it can be neglected, with issues like missing towels or equipment. The swimming pool is a popular feature, especially for families, but it is frequently reported as being closed for maintenance or inspections, or being smaller than anticipated, which can lead to disappointment. Other conveniences include free Wi-Fi, readily available ice machines and vending machines, and a free guest laundry room, which is a significant plus for longer stays. Some guests also noted the presence of a well-equipped business center with modern equipment. However, there have been occasional reports of elevators being out of service and issues with cable TV functionality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, frequently describing rooms as immaculate, modern, and well-maintained, often noting a pleasant, fresh scent upon arrival. The beds are widely reported as very comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found the pillows to be too firm. Rooms are generally spacious and updated, featuring convenient amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. The bathrooms are typically clean, with some offering walk-in showers and good water pressure, though isolated issues like loose toilet seats, soap scum, or minor leaks have been reported. Noise can be a concern for some, particularly highway noise from the nearby interstate or sounds from adjacent rooms and AC/heater units. Housekeeping is generally effective, but some guests noted a lack of daily service or issues with towels being coarse or insufficient.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, often described as a significant highlight of the stay. Guests appreciate the variety of options available, which typically includes hot items such as eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and hashbrowns, alongside lighter fare like waffles, cereals, and bread products. Many reviews specifically mention the quality and taste of the food, often exceeding expectations for a complimentary hotel breakfast. The breakfast area is noted for being spacious and well-maintained, with staff diligently keeping items stocked and clean. However, some guests have experienced issues with food being served cold or with limited selections, and the coffee quality has received mixed feedback, occasionally described as weak or lacking decaf options. Despite these minor points, the breakfast is largely seen as a valuable and enjoyable amenity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly valued for its easy access to the interstate, making it a convenient stop for travelers. It is situated in a generally safe neighborhood with numerous nearby restaurants, shopping opportunities, and close proximity to local attractions like the casino and Adventureland. Guests find it easy to navigate to and from these points of interest. While the location offers great convenience, a recurring concern is the highway noise from the adjacent interstate, which can be noticeable in some rooms. Parking is generally ample, though some guests have noted issues with large vehicles like trailers occupying multiple spaces. A few guests found the hotel's entrance somewhat difficult to find initially, despite its overall accessibility. Overall, the location is considered a strong asset for its convenience and proximity to amenities.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by front desk personnel, who are often described as professional, pleasant, and efficient during check-in and check-out. Staff members are frequently commended for going above and beyond to assist guests with requests, resolve issues, and create a welcoming atmosphere. However, there are isolated reports of less positive interactions, including instances of unresponsiveness to requests for amenities like extra pillows, or perceived disinterest from some staff members. A few serious complaints mention issues with management regarding billing disputes or handling of specific guest concerns, which impacted overall satisfaction. Despite these occasional setbacks, the majority of reviews emphasize the positive impact of the dedicated and caring staff on the guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of the hotel is its pet-friendly policy, which is highly appreciated by guests traveling with animals, often for a reasonable fee. However, some pet owners have reported issues with rooms smelling of pets or with other guests' dogs barking excessively. A notable point of frustration for many guests is the frequent and unannounced closure of the swimming pool, often due to maintenance or inspection delays, leading to disappointment, especially for families. There are also recurring complaints about billing discrepancies, with guests being charged multiple times or facing difficulties in obtaining refunds, often compounded by unhelpful management responses. The hotel's housekeeping policy requires guests to specifically request room cleaning or fresh towels, which is not always communicated clearly at check-in, leading to unexpected lack of service.