Hotel Review: Des Moines Embassy Suites
I love Des Moines. Family in town, I've been visiting annually for over 30 years.
However, it pains me to share something negative, even if it's just a hotel experience.
A family member recently moved within walking distance of the Capital Dome... So many fun restaurants and attractions nearby, I was motivated to stay within walking distance of their apartment.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of staying at the Embassy Suites Des Moines.
My goodness... what an awful experience.
Rattling off the details:
- Dark, dank, and a g*d-awful smelly room. Think school dormitory in late June, just after all the students have left.
- Slimy bathroom. Hair in the sink, water near the top of the bowl (on purpose), shower that constantly leaked onto the floor. I wondered why I got so many extra bath towels. Now I know why.
- Heating did not work... Couldn't get it over 65 degrees.
- Broken phone. Thankfully there were two... But still...
- Stains on the carpet, plus beat up furniture straight out of 2005.
- Old TVs with hit-or-miss reception. In 2026, I would think it would be pretty easy to fix satellite or cable. I guess not.
- Sub-standard breakfast... Desiccated eggs, old fruit and foul coffee. Thankfully, I walked a few blocks to Early Bird and had a wonderful experience.
- Indifferent staff. I'm sure there are good folks on the premises who care about the jobs they do. Unfortunately, management doesn't give their team the proper tools/resources to succeed.
My only positive comment to share -- I escaped without bed bugs.
Bottom line: Ick. I would suggest avoiding at all costs. How do such places stay in business?
Wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience staying here...