What is the Best Hotel in Ames/Des Moines?

**ccyclonepower25** · 11-23-2011, 10:42 AM

What is the nicest, classiest Hotel in Ames? Maybe something with a cool view of the city?

Same question for Des Moines.

**capitalcityguy** · 11-23-2011, 10:44 AM

Des Moines (in this order IMHO): 1) Suites of 800 Locust 2) Downtown Marriot 3) Hyatt 4) Embassy Suites 5) Renassiance Savory 6) Hotel Fort Des Moines

Note: The Suites of 800 Locust is downtown, but probably would rank 4th or 5th on the list for having "cool views of the city".

**VTXCyRyD** · 11-23-2011, 10:44 AM

Lincoln Lodge on Lincolnway in Ames

**cyfanman** · 11-23-2011, 10:46 AM

Grandstay by Ole Chicago in Ames is nice.

**ca4cy** · 11-23-2011, 10:52 AM

The rooms at the Memorial Union aren't anything great but they're not bad either. If you can get one of the rooms that look out at central campus and the Campanile, it's very cool.

**ribsnwhiskey** · 11-23-2011, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by VTXCyRyD

Lincoln Lodge on Lincolnway in Ames

Good recommendation. Although I think it got torn down a few years ago. However, the Ames Motor Lodge is still open...

In all seriousness, the Gateway is probably the nicest hotel in terms of overall amenities. Lucky for us Ames residents, we have Matthew Goodman on city council who is opposed to building a nice new hotel in campustown because he would have to move his burrito business again. And why would we want a hotel in the middle of campustown to help revitalize the crap hole its' become? Rant done.

**RayShimley** · 11-23-2011, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by ribsnwhiskey

Good recommendation. Although I think it got torn down a few years ago. However, the Ames Motor Lodge is still open...

In all seriousness, the Gateway is probably the nicest hotel in terms of overall amenities. Lucky for us Ames residents, we have Matthew Goodman on city council who is opposed to building a nice new hotel in campustown because he would have to move his burrito business again. And why would we want a hotel in the middle of campustown to help revitalize the crap hole its' become? Rant done.

Didn't Goodman run unopposed in the city election a couple weeks ago? Doesn't sound like any pro-growth Ames residents are willing to put their money where their mouth is.

**CloneFan03** · 11-23-2011, 11:43 AM

Best hotel chain, which has a very nice hotel in W.Des Moines, is Drury Inn and Suites. Very nice rooms, Great breakfast, and their 5:30 Kickback is great. Everyday at 5:30 they have free drinks (3 per guest, yes alcoholic) and some decent food such as baked potatoes, chicken wings, salad, etc. Reasonably priced as well. Anytime I travel I always check for a Drury.

**Cyhart** · 11-23-2011, 12:16 PM

I always enjoy staying at the Memorial Union. Very unique, old fashioned, little rooms. Plus its cool to stay on campus. I dont get to campus all that often anymore.

**drednot57** · 11-23-2011, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by VTXCyRyD

Lincoln Lodge on Lincolnway in Ames

The old Lincoln Lodge is gone -- not even a rafter remaining. LOL

**BigBake** · 11-23-2011, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by CloneFan03

Best hotel chain, which has a very nice hotel in W.Des Moines, is Drury Inn and Suites. Very nice rooms, Great breakfast, and their 5:30 Kickback is great. Everyday at 5:30 they have free drinks (3 per guest, yes alcoholic) and some decent food such as baked potatoes, chicken wings, salad, etc. Reasonably priced as well. Anytime I travel I always check for a Drury.

Ditto...I've been very happy with my stays at Drury's.

**drednot57** · 11-23-2011, 12:26 PM

The best, IMO, is the Embassy Suites in DSM. Very classy place to stay, but very pricey. Great view of the River Walk and downtown DSM as well.

**Cycsk** · 11-23-2011, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by ccyclonepower25

What is the nicest, classiest Hotel in Ames? Maybe something with a cool view of the city?

Same question for Des Moines.

Cool view of the city of Ames? Is there such a thing? The closest to a cool view is from the view of the campus from Legends restaurant and Memorial Union.

Gateway is usually recognized as the best Ames hotel and it has the Iowa Stater restaurant, but I also like the Hilton Garden Inn because it is newer.

**Naughtius** · 11-23-2011, 01:04 PM

Living in Nevada, I haven't stayed in the one in Ames, but have stayed in several Hilton Garden Inns, and they've all been very nice.

**ccyclonepower25** · 11-30-2011, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

Des Moines (in this order IMHO): 1) Suites of 800 Locust 2) Downtown Marriot 3) Hyatt 4) Embassy Suites 5) Renassiance Savory 6) Hotel Fort Des Moines

Note: The Suites of 800 Locust is downtown, but probably would rank 4th or 5th on the list for having "cool views of the city".

How are the Suites at 800 Locust as far as views of the city? What room would you reccomend?