Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Ctr

The hotel's signature feature is its indoor waterpark, which is the primary draw for many guests, especially families with young children and those planning kids' birthday parties. While the waterpark offers slides and play areas that children often enjoy, the overall guest experience is frequently marred by significant issues across the property. The hotel is generally perceived as run-down and in need of extensive updates. For those considering a stay, it is advisable to verify waterpark operating hours directly with the hotel before booking, as these are subject to change and often limited. Additionally, guests should consider bringing their own towels, as these are frequently unavailable.

Facilities & Amenities
The waterpark is the hotel's main attraction, featuring water slides and a pirate ship area that are popular with children. However, numerous guests report issues with the waterpark, including limited operating hours, unexpected closures, and cold water in some pools. The hot tub is a frequent source of disappointment, consistently described as broken, lukewarm, dirty, or out of order. The arcade is generally well-received and provides additional entertainment for kids. In contrast, the fitness center is noted as poorly equipped with broken cardio machines. Guests also experience problems with unreliable Wi-Fi and frequently out-of-order elevators, adding to overall inconvenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room cleanliness and comfort are major concerns for many guests. Reviews frequently describe rooms as dirty, filthy, musty, or having unpleasant odors, with common complaints of stains on beds and carpets, dust, and trash left from previous occupants. Some guests even reported encountering roaches or ants. The rooms are widely considered outdated and poorly maintained, with issues such as holes in walls, rusty fixtures, broken furniture, and non-functional TVs or phones. A recurring problem is the lack of hot water for showers, and bathroom doors that do not close or lock properly. Noise levels are often high, with children running and yelling in hallways late into the night.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives overwhelmingly negative feedback. It is consistently described as cold, minimal, and of poor quality, typically consisting of cereal, pre-packaged muffins, yogurt, and fruit. Guests frequently report a lack of hot food options, dirty tables, and slow or absent staff for refills. The on-site restaurant also garners mixed reviews; while some praise the pizza, many experience extremely slow service, incorrect orders, and cold or burnt food. The bar is often noted as unstaffed or having slow bartenders, further impacting the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy reach of restaurants, the highway, and a nearby mall. Its proximity to major interstates makes it convenient for travelers. While specific details about parking are not extensively highlighted, the overall accessibility to local amenities and transportation routes is consistently viewed as a positive aspect of the hotel's offering, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding area.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly inconsistent, often leading to frustration. The check-in process is a major pain point, with many reporting extremely long waits due to an understaffed front desk. Guests frequently find their key cards stop working, requiring repeated trips to the front desk. While some staff members are noted as friendly and attempting to be helpful, many reviews describe staff as rude, unresponsive, or disinterested, often ignoring phone calls or requests for assistance. Housekeeping services are also frequently criticized for failing to clean rooms or replenish essential items like towels.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently experiences issues with key cards malfunctioning, requiring multiple re-activations during a stay. The building itself is often described as humid and having a pervasive musty smell, particularly in common areas, which some attribute to the indoor waterpark environment. Many reviews highlight a general need for extensive updates and maintenance throughout the property, indicating that the hotel's facilities are showing significant signs of wear and tear.