“Had a great stay at the Hotel Fort Des Moines”

This is an old school hotel and has a bit of histroy to it. The people couldn't have been nicer or more attentive to your requests. Rooms were dated but clean and comfortable. I would definetly stay here again but bring my own pillow for sure. Especially for the money you might spend for a downtown hotel in any city this is a great value.

“Impressed with the renovations”

I stayed in this hotel 8 or 9 years ago and my memories were of it being outdated. I was pleasantly surprised with the renovations.

“More advantages than not”

While I agree that the hotel has a bit of a dated feel, and some of the bathroom fixtures are showing wear (and the TV is an old tube-type, not a flat screen), I was very favorably impressed with the size of the room, the connection to the Des Moines Skywalk system, and the location. The woodwork in the lobby is terrific, and I loved the way the grandfather clock in the lobby "rang changes" like an English cathedral bell tower. I have been in hotels with the same sort of "gentility that has gone a bit shabby" and not been as impressed -- I would say the room was quite clean and the carpet didn't feel grubby (as has happened at other "shabby genteel" places). The fitness room machines were a bit the worse for wear, but they worked. For a visit to my niece (who lives half a block away), this hotel could not be beat.

“huskers”

Needs a major renovation but service was great

“Decent hotel”

Decent hotel for the price. Free parking on the weekends

“Interesting older hotel”

We are very pleased with the hotel. The lobby is very clean, well-maintained and has interesting decor from the old days, like the walls, chandelier, marble floors and wooden posts. The staff was very helpful and the location is great for travelers who would like to stay in downtown Des Moines. We actually were surprised how nice and clean the downtown area is. We were informed that the hotel would be going through renovation in early 2012 and this would even make this hotel a "treat". We highly recommend this hotel.

“Good Hotel”

Hotel was a little rough in the bathroom, peeling paint, lid that would not stay up. Does need some updating. However, staff was great. Good location easy to walk to restaurants and shops and Saturday morning market.

“Great character in downtown Des Moines”

This hotel has beautiful architecture and character. Downtown location is excellent and the area just keeps getting better! Kept very busy last weekend between the Oakley Night Cap Cross Bike races and IMT Marathon. Django restaurant was very good, try it!

“Bathroom was dated, but otherwise nice hotel”

Hotel Fort Des Moines is a lovely, historic hotel in the heart of the downtown area. The lobby is beautiful, the old elevators charming, and the room was adequately spacious. My only complaints are aesthetic: the bedspreads were quite outdated, as was the bathroom. The grout around the blue tile in the tub surround was mildewy in spots, but otherwise looked clean. Nice hotel for the price, and the complimentary British taxi service was a hit with my teenaged girls (& me, admittedly). I would recommend!