Sleep Inn & Suites Pleasant Hill - Des Moines

This hotel is frequently chosen for its convenient location, particularly for event attendees visiting the nearby fairgrounds, and its appeal to families seeking amenities like a pool and breakfast. While some guests have found their stays pleasant, a significant number of reviews highlight pervasive issues with cleanliness and maintenance, suggesting the property is in dire need of updates. The staff generally receives praise for their friendliness, though they often appear overwhelmed by staffing shortages and management issues. For those planning a stay, it is advisable to inspect your room thoroughly upon arrival and confirm the operational status of amenities like the pool and hot tub, as these are frequently reported to be out of service or in poor condition. Business travelers might find the location suitable for quick overnight stays, but should be prepared for potential inconsistencies in room quality and service.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback on the hotel's facilities is notably mixed, with many guests expressing significant disappointment. The pool and hot tub are frequently cited as major issues, often reported as being out of order, having broken pumps, or being unacceptably cold, dirty, or murky, sometimes with visible debris or excessive chlorine. Some guests, however, did find the pool warm and enjoyable. The elevator is another point of concern, with reports of it being broken or appearing unsafe. While a fitness center is available, some equipment has been noted as out of order. Guests also mention issues with Wi-Fi connectivity being spotty or nonexistent. Room amenities like air conditioning and heating units are frequently reported as broken, noisy, or having dirty filters, and refrigerators are sometimes not cold enough or are found unclean. The TVs in rooms are often described as having non-functional remotes, limited channels, or being slow.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness and room comfort are major areas of concern for many guests. Numerous reviews describe rooms as being filthy, with reports of hair in showers and sinks, stains on carpets, walls, curtains, mattresses, and pillows. Guests have found dust throughout rooms, crumbs under beds, and pervasive musty or wet dog smells. Some rooms have even had reports of mold on lampshades, ceilings, or in AC units, and instances of ants or other bugs. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others described them as rock hard or noted issues with stained sheets and dirty pull-out couches. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, hallways, and even highway traffic to disturb sleep. Bathrooms are often described as unclean, with cracked sinks, non-draining tubs, broken doors, and dirty mirrors.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining experiences, particularly the breakfast, is quite varied. Many appreciate the convenience and variety offered, noting options like eggs, waffles, and sausage, and describing the breakfast as good, hot, and tasty. However, a significant number of guests express disappointment, finding the breakfast offerings limited, unappetizing, or consisting mainly of processed, sugary, or cold items like "frozen garbage scrambled patties" and microwave bacon. Some reviews mention a lack of fresh fruit or cream cheese, and issues with coffee availability or quality. There are also concerning reports of poor food handling practices by staff in the breakfast area. The breakfast area itself has been noted as sometimes being closed off or noisy, impacting the overall experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a significant positive, particularly for its convenient proximity to the fairgrounds and easy access to the highway or interstate. This makes it an ideal choice for guests attending events or passing through the area, with several popular attractions like Adventureland and the casino being a short drive away. While some guests appreciate the nearby convenience store and gas station for quick needs, others note a lack of diverse dining options within immediate walking distance, suggesting guests might need to drive for meals. The hotel offers parking, which is generally described as easy and plentiful, though some larger vehicles like trucks may also utilize the lot. Despite the convenience, some guests have reported that the proximity to the highway can lead to noticeable noise in the rooms, potentially impacting sleep quality.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives positive remarks for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Many guests commend their accommodating nature and willingness to assist with requests, contributing to a pleasant experience. However, a recurring theme indicates that the staff, particularly at the front desk, often appears overwhelmed or short-staffed, leading to slow check-in processes and occasional unavailability. Housekeeping services are a frequent point of contention; many guests report a lack of daily service, requiring them to specifically request towels or room cleaning, sometimes with a 24-hour advance notice. While some staff members are praised for their efficiency and attentiveness, others are described as unhelpful or even rude when faced with guest complaints or issues, particularly regarding room conditions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and policies that may impact their stay. The hotel has a strict no check-in before 3 PM policy, which has caused inconvenience for some early arrivals. Housekeeping services are not daily and require a 24-hour advance request, meaning guests may need to proactively ask for fresh towels or room cleaning. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though some guests with pets have noted issues with room odors or the suitability of carpeted rooms for animals. There are also frequent mentions of noise from other guests, particularly children from sports teams or choir groups, impacting the quiet enjoyment of the stay. Some guests have also reported issues with fire alarms going off unexpectedly during the night.