We stayed here with the Romance package for my wife's birthday, it's in town, and my folks stay here every time they come into town so I thought we would give it a shot. Totally worth the effort and price. They have an exceptionally good staff, this is also the nicest appointed hotel in town, and though the elevators are a bit slow, the value is very good. They also have a full breakfast now, which was very nice, full chef service with custom eggs made to order, very good breakfast. THe romance package was a very nicely appointed set up, Champagne, rose petals through out the room, classical music as you enter, candle light. NIcely done and a good start to a weekend. Positives: Beautifully appointed room. Great front desk service. Nice hot tub and sauna area. Good spa services (my wife got the full body massage). Good breakfast. Negatives: Its downtown Des Moines, you are of course limited on your dining choices and grocery stores (ask the front desk for locations, there are more choices opening regularly in DSM). It ain't cheap, if you want first class impression you get that, but it definitely isn't cheap. Summary: A really nice getaway weekend location in the heart of Iowa.

This hotel is overpriced for what it is and where it is. There seemed to be only one elevator that took forever most times we used it. The room did have a fireplace, sofa, and wet bar, and the bathroom was very nicely appointed. However, there were stains on the bedspread and carpet, and there was no restaurant or other services on site. The lounge areas are plentiful and nice for meeting and talking to people.

Pleasant stay at the Suites of 800 Locust. Our room was a fireplace corner on the 5th floor and was more spacious than expected with a foyer/entrance, adequate sized bathroom and large seating area and bedroom. Highlights were a lofty 20 foot ceiling and dramatic wrap around windows with high quality draperies and interesting views of downtown; a very comfortable king bed with high thread count linens and bedding; a beautiful gas fireplace with cherry mantle, wide crown molding and traditional furnishings. Quiet room with no background noise. Common areas are equally formal and luxurious. Staff was curteous and pleasant. Spa area good with large hot tub and adjacent steam room and adequate quality and number of exercise machines and weights. Full hot breakfast in the morning was served in a small lounge area on the main floor. A chef was present and made to order omlets which were good. Various fresh fruits, dry cereal, juices, coffee, danish and hot waffles were served. The negatives were the lack of restaurant in the hotel, small and often crowded eating area in the lounge for breakfast during prime time, location requires driving to most hot spots for dining and pricey room rate ($229/night). Overall, a superior choice for luxury and formality and likely a top choice in Des Moines.

We just returned from a one-night stay in a corner fireplace suite (about $275 plus tax), room 311. The room was very large, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was huge, with whirlpool tub and glass/marble shower. Maybe it's not much to say this is the best hotel in Des Moines (and probably in Iowa) but if you find yourself in Des Moines needing a place to stay and don't have to stay somewhere cheap, this is your best choice. See my photos of the lobby and our room.

This place is very average. Rooms are decent sized and in good condition. But unless you like REALLY hard water, don't plan on enjoying your shower. Also, don't plan on any room service because there is none available. And if you want to grab a beer/cocktail outside of what is in the mini-bar......good LUCK! Nearest convenience store/grocery is about 4-5 miles down Locust. HO HUM>>>>