City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (515) 244-2151

Address: 401 Locust St.

Insider Pick:

Description: This Marriott Hotel, which dates to 1919 and has 210 rooms, has plenty of history both inside and outside—the Georgian redbrick building is on the National Register of Historic Places, while numerous presidential candidates have occupied the hotel during Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Several have stayed in the hotel’s two huge penthouses, which together occupy the entire top floor of the 12-story structure. Rooms are light and airy, with contemporary furniture and comfortable beds. Suites include a microwave and refrigerator. Some rooms have windows that look west at two of downtown’s most interesting high-rises: the neo-gothic Equitable Building and the sleek, pointed spire of 801 Grand Ave. Downtown attractions are a short walk, including performances at the Civic Center, shopping in the East Village, and numerous restaurants. The hotel’s 51 concierge rooms occupy 3 floors and include complimentary continental breakfast, evening snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages.Valet parking is available and there’s also a garage next door. Access to the downtown skywalk is on the second floor. There’s no complimentary breakfast, although the hotel’s restaurant offers a breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner. The first-floor lounge is a nice place to grab a drink before heading out for dinner. The hotel’s basement is impressively equipped with a 24-hour fitness center, pool, sauna, steam room, and lockers. The hotel’s business center has a charge, although the staff will print out your boarding pass for free. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. No pets are allowed. There’s a free airport shuttle.