City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (515) 245-5500

Address: 700 Grand Ave.

Description: At 33 stories tall and with 417 rooms, this is the largest hotel in Iowa, standing high among downtown’s modest skyscrapers. It’s conveniently located just a few blocks from Wells Fargo Arena, Polk County Convention Complex, and Hy-Vee Hall, as well as the Iowa State Capitol, East Village shopping, and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. The inside is a little sterile, but there are great amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center and larger-than-average lap pool, which is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. An on-site business center and hair salon make this a convenient stop for business travelers, as does a Starbucks Coffee with “grab and go” breakfast bags. Access to the downtown skywalk makes this a good choice if you’re visiting Des Moines in the winter. Rooms were completely renovated in 2009 and are comfortable if a little bland. They feature either 1 king bed and an ergonomic chair with an ottoman, or 2 double beds with only the chair. All rooms have flat-panel televisions. There’s a charge for wired Internet in the rooms, although free wireless Internet is available in public spaces. A breakfast buffet is available in the hotel’s full-service restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner as well. Room service is available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pets are allowed for a fee and valet parking is available. A free airport shuttle runs from 5 a.m. to midnight every day of the year.