Embassy Suites by Hilton des Moines Downtown

I was on a solo road trip in April 2026 and had the opportunity to spend a Wednesday night at this Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines. Overall, it was a nice hotel! Great location... nice atmosphere overall. My check-in process on Wednesday afternoon was quick and easy, and my suite (#607) was clean and comfortable... no issues there. Plus, I got a good night's sleep... didn't have any issues with noise. Overall, the amenities at this hotel are quite nice. LOVED the happy hour with two free drinks and snacks at around 5:30 p.m., and breakfast in the morning was excellent (gotta love the make-your-own omelets that Embassy Suites hotels are known for). Overall, I'm rating the hotel 4 out of 5 stars. It's a bit of an older property. My understanding, though, is that it will be renovated soon. The indoor pool area looks kind of dated and does not have a hot tub which is a bummer. And the most frustrating aspect of my stay is that self-parking is no longer available for guests. When I had first made a reservation several months ago to stay here, I had opted for self-parking... but at some point between when I made my reservation and the time of my stay, self-parking was discontinued. I was fortunate that I didn't have any trouble parking across the street in the garage (and easily being able to pay for my parking with cash per my preference), but I don't understand why self-parking for guests at the hotel was no longer available. I don't like valet parking at all and try to avoid it whenever I can... despite my desire to stay at downtown hotels sometimes. Despite the annoyances, they were minor in comparison with my stay. I really did enjoy my stay... and I loved the location!

Worn out hotel. Fitness center is neglected. Peloton bike needs maintenance. Only comment I got was we don't maintain the Peloton bike. The hotel needs to schedule regular maintenance for the equipment in the fitness center. It is clear it is not a priority to this management. Years ago this was a great hotel. It is now old and management is clearly not interested in maintaining the integrity of the hotel.

The hotel is very old and run down. The bathroom is dirty. The rooms definitely need a remodel. The main hotel isn’t bad but still dirty.

Had a group reservation for an event. After my CC was billed for all expenses, we discovered that one of our guests was billed in error for over 700 dollars in error. Cannot reach anyone at the hotel to figure this mess out. EXTREMELY UNHAPPY. DO NOT RECOMMEND EMBASSY SUITES FOR GROUP BOOKINGS.

Our room was not refreshed after the first night. I had to ask for fresh towels. Surprised it was not refreshed.

The whole hotel could really use some updating. Cracked chipped paint everywhere. Our shower drain was severely rusted.

I hate leaving poor reviews because it's not the staffs fault, but Hilton needs to save this property. Great location but SO OUTDATED AND DIRTY!!! The beds feel like the 1980s spring loaded mattresses, and major water damage in our rooms window so much so the ceiling was falling in. The common areas were so worn and unkempt, but I do think they are also understaffed. The staff was kind, but the managers happy hour was terrible because the poor staff was being run ragged. The gentleman was so nice, but he was the only one. There was also a terrible thunderstorm and the entire atrium floor was wet due to the leaks from the ceiling. This hotel needs a major facelift, but worth the investment due to location.

Stayed here many times and it's a dated hotel that works for us. The location can not be beat, 3rd ward has grown and more to come. A lot of restaurants all over this town. Just take a walk in any direction you'll find a place to eat. Great food here at Liberty and very cozy bar, The staff here deserve recognition. Most have been here for years and their names are...Valerie, Kayla, Rachel and Manager - Lance. Great hard working team of a very warm welcoming staff. They are busy for Managers reception, two free drinks, 5:30/7:00 pm along with snacks. See ya next time, thanks for the hospitality. No more shuttle! This is unacceptable, so many guests need it. BRING IT BACK. Most Embassy Suites have a shuttle. Wth! Why has it been removed? Swimming pool is cold, no hot tub. All three elevators were operational and moved fast enough. Comfy bed.