City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (515) 221-2345 or (866) 788-70

Address: 1450 NW 118th St.

Description: Part of the cluster of hotels grouped around the intersection of I-235 and I-35/80, this 62-room hotel caters to business travelers but is a good value for leisure visitors to Des Moines as well. Rooms are simple but stylish, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queens. Some rooms have microwave and refrigerator, and all rooms include hair dryer, alarm clock, coffeemaker, and iron and ironing board. Flat-panel televisions are gradually being added to all rooms. There’s no extra charge for up to 2 additional guests. A complimentary hot breakfast is served every morning, and the hotel is near several restaurants. Mon through Wed there’s a reception in the late afternoon with free beer and snacks. The pool and spa are both saltwater and thus chlorine-free, part of a growing number of “green” pools that eschew chemicals. This hotel is very pet friendly: In addition to a very modest pet charge, there is a pet exercise area on the premises.