Escape to Des Moines: Your Dream AmericInn Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Des Moines: My Dream AmericInn Getaway? More Like a Slightly Flawed, But Ultimately Charming, Adventure!
Alright, folks, buckle up! Because I just got back from a little sojourn to Des Moines, and let me tell you, it wasn't quite the pristine, perfectly-orchestrated "Dream AmericInn Getaway" the brochure promised. But hey, life rarely is, right? And honestly? I left feeling pretty darn good.
SEO & Metadata First (Gotta appease those algorithms!):
- Title: AmericInn Des Moines Review: Accessibility & Amenities - A Real-World Experience!
- Keywords: AmericInn, Des Moines, Iowa, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair, Spa, Pool, Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Dining, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Meeting Space
- Meta Description: Honest review of the AmericInn in Des Moines. Detailed look at accessibility, dining options, amenities (pool, spa), safety measures, and overall experience. Read before you book!
And now, the messy, honest, and likely rambling review you actually came for…
First off, let's be real: Accessibility. This matters. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate places that think about everyone. The AmericInn in Des Moines, according to the listing, should be up to par with this. However, the listing itself doesn't explicitly mention any details, meaning you would have to call the hotel directly to inquire.
The Room & Amenities – A Mixed Bag of Delight and Tiny "Hiccups"…
Okay, let's talk about the room. "Escape to Des Moines: Your Dream AmericInn Getaway Awaits!" – well, the Air conditioning was on point. Seriously, blessed relief. Other pros? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And it actually worked! Praise be!) This is huge for a workaholic like yours truly. The Internet access – wireless was also solid. The desk was functional (though I did nearly trip over the chair leg at one point – clumsy me!). The bathrobes and slippers? Nice touch! Felt slightly luxurious, even if I looked a bit like a disheveled marshmallow in them. Oh, and a mirror! Always important to check if your hair's a mess just before going down for a complimentary coffee.
BUT… but… the coffee/tea maker in the room was a little sad. I was craving a decent brew, and this thing… well, it wasn’t winning any barista awards. The Refrigerator was tiny, and there was definitely not enough room for all my snacks (again, clumsy me). The Extra long bed was great, though. So, the rooms are good, but not perfect.
And hey, even a great room can't make up for the hotel's shortcomings. The public areas, such as the restaurants, lounges, and other amenities, were missing. This would be a big loss for people with mobility issues, making the stay not desirable.
Things to Do (Or, “What I Did When I Wasn’t Working”):
Now, the "dream" part. Honestly, I spent most of my time working. But I DID get to use the Swimming pool [outdoor] once. It's not a "pool with a view" or an Olympic-sized thing, but it was clean, refreshing on a hot Iowa day, and I was able to enjoy myself. No complaints there!
Let’s see… there were lots of other features, such as a Gym/fitness but I was too lazy to go! Spa/sauna was also present - but, again, I preferred my bed and my work.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fuel for My Des Moines Adventure!
The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. The eggs were… eggs. Bacon, predictably, was bacon. I think I saw some fruit? The bread, though, was decent. The fact is, it's a free meal and it's convenient, although it was not particularly amazing.
The bars? Restaurants? The hotel itself didn’t have any. This forced me to venture out for lunch and dinner. Honestly, maybe that was a good thing. The local food scene in Des Moines is surprisingly vibrant!
Cleanliness and Safety – Because the World Is Kinda Scary, Right?
Okay, important stuff. This is where the AmericInn really shined. They seem to be taking this pandemic seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, definitely noticed that! Lots of Hand sanitizer stations. Staff were definitely trained in safety protocol. The Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch; respecting individual preferences. Professional-grade sanitizing services seemed legit. Not perfect, but they make an effort.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter… And Sometimes Don't
The Concierge wasn’t particularly helpful. The Cash withdrawal was a plus. The Daily housekeeping was efficient; the Internet access – LAN was present. The Laundry service – didn’t need it, but good to know it was there. Elevator present, which is great. The lack of some features was a downside, but the important things, they do well.
For the Kids (Because, Well, Life):
I didn’t have any kids with me, but the description mentions Family/child friendly. So, if you are travelling with kids, note that.
Getting Around (Or, How I Didn’t Get Lost):
Car park [free of charge] was a big win! I hate paying for parking. Taxi service was readily available.
The Verdict: Would I Escape Again?
Look, the AmericInn in Des Moines isn't perfect. It's got its quirks. It's not a luxury hotel, and it’s not a flawless experience. But it's clean, the beds are comfy, the Wi-Fi works, and they try their best to keep you safe. The location is decent, the staff are friendly. I’d definitely consider it again. For the price, it's a solid choice. Now go… escape! (Just pack some good coffee!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a weekend at the AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines. Let's be honest, it's not the French Riviera, but hey, it's Des Moines, and adventure, like a rogue french fry, can pop up anywhere. Here's the chaos, in all its glory:
Friday: Arrival and the Quest for the Elusive Pizza
- 3:00 PM - The Arrival (And the Sigh of Suburban Bliss): Okay, so the website promised "easy access from I-80." Lies. All lies. I swear, the road signs in Iowa are actively MESSING with you. Finally, we pull into the AmericInn parking lot. It wasn't the grand entrance I was hoping for, more of a "slightly sweaty, 'are we there yet?' vibe." The exterior… well, it's a brick rectangle. Functional. Perfectly… meh. The lobby's got that familiar hotel smell… a potent mix of chlorine, stale coffee, and hope. Check-in? Smooth enough, but the front desk guy seemed slightly glazed over. Probably seen it all.
- 3:30 PM - Room Inspection (The Quest Begins): The room! Okay, it's clean. That's a win. Two double beds. Perfect for a solo traveler. wink. The TV… ancient. Like, pre-HD. I'm already formulating my contingency plan in case of immediate boredom. "Netflix on my phone!" I declared triumphantly. The bathroom? A classic. Everything is clean but it's cramped and I was fearing a moment like when my neighbor's dog got stuck, I knew a moment like this was coming. The water pressure is okay, and I got a complimentary shampoo with a conditioner in the same packet that makes me feel like a million bucks… until I used it and now my hair smells like cheap pineapple and I am slightly concerned. But hey, let's just say I'm grateful for the clean towels and the promise of a fresh start.
- 4:00 PM - The Pizza Pilgrimage (A Desperate Plea): Okay, this is crucial. My mental health depends on it. I need pizza. The brochure for the hotel listed a few nearby restaurants, but I had to discover that one of the restaurants was already closed. With a heavy heart, I google "best pizza near AmericInn Johnston." The reviews are… mixed. Undeterred, I pick a place, call in the order, and head off to pick it up. Here's a tip: ALWAYS triple-check the address on your GPS. I ended up on a scenic tour of Johnston's industrial park. Finally, pizza! It's… pizza. Not life-altering, but it stops the existential dread.
- 6:00 PM - The Great Bed Couch of 2024: I ate the pizza. Then I watched a movie. It's late. A whole day of travel has finally caught up to me. So I lay down on the bedcouch, and I fall asleep.
Saturday: Exploring, Regret, And The Unexpected (But Awesome) Spa Day.
- 8:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle (Or, the Saga of Starchy Carbs): The free breakfast! This is a big sell for this place. I braced myself. Scrambled eggs (questionable texture), mini-waffles (overly sweet), instant oatmeal (clumpy). But they had coffee and that, my friends, is the nectar of the gods. I fueled up enough to face the day.
- 9:00 AM - The Johnston Scavenger Hunt (Or, Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?): So, in a moment of pre-caffeinated enthusiasm, I decided to explore Johnston. I found… a lot of subdivisions. And a park. Parks are good. I got some walking in. And looked around for a bit. I realized I'm more of a couch potato than a park adventurer. Oops.
- 11:00 AM - The Des Moines Dilemma (Or, Is This Really the Only Museum in Town?): I'm not gonna lie, I had high hopes for a museum. I had researched a few, but the first one was closed, the second one was out of budget. I ended up at a shopping center, but the stores were already closed.
- 1:00 PM - The Unexpected Spa Escape (My Personal Nirvana): Okay, this wasn't planned. But I googled "spas near Des Moines" on a whim. And there it was: a hidden gem. A small, local spa with amazing reviews. I booked an afternoon appointment, assuming the worst. OMG. It was glorious. A real-life massage. I was in a zen-like trance, I'm starting to remember why I came here. A facial. I felt like a new person. Seriously, this spa saved the weekend. I had a great time.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and reflection (The end of the day): After my day at the spa, eating dinner at a restaurant in the town, and reflecting on the day. It was a good experience which included a spa, and a dinner.
Sunday: Farewell and the Eternal Search for a Good Coffee Shop
- 8:00 AM - The Breakfast Encore (More Starchy Carbs, Less Enthusiasm): Same breakfast. Same meh feeling. But hey, coffee! I drank so much coffee.
- 9:00 AM - The Departure: Check out was quick and easy. Back on the road.
- 10:00 AM - The Search for the Perfect Coffee Shop: This is Iowa. I'm obsessed with coffee! So of course I make a 5 hour route to find a good coffee shop and I find one, and it was perfect.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so the AmericInn wasn't the Ritz-Carlton. But it was clean, functional, and served as a perfectly acceptable basecamp for my semi-successful weekend of adventures. The spa experience was pure gold! I'm leaving feeling a little less stressed, a little more relaxed, and with a renewed appreciation for the power of pizza and a good cup of coffee. Would I go back? Maybe. Depends on the proximity to a good coffee shop. And whether my hair smells like cheap pineapple.
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Okay, spill the beans! What *IS* this "Escape to Des Moines" thing, anyway? And why should I care? Seriously, Des Moines?
Alright, alright, settle down! "Escape to Des Moines: Your Dream AmericInn Getaway Awaits!" Sounds cheesy, doesn't it? (And honestly, it kinda is. AmericInn, folks!) But here's the deal: it's about... well, *escaping*. From the grind. From the same old routine. Maybe from your screaming kids (no judgment!). It’s a promotional package from the good folks at AmericInn (yeah, *those* AmericInns) in Des Moines. And honestly, it's surprisingly... delightful. I went in with zero expectations, figuring it'd be a polite, boring experience. I left... well, let's just say I'm already planning the next trip. Des Moines, you ask? Trust me, it's got a certain... *je ne sais quoi*. (Mostly, it has really good breweries.)
What's included in this magical package? Like, free pizza? (Please say free pizza.)
Okay, so free pizza... not usually. But, depending on the specific package you book (check the fine print, people!), you'll usually get the following: A room at the AmericInn (standard stuff, clean, comfy beds, the works). Some sort of "amenity" - think a bottle of wine (hey, I'm not complaining!), a gift card to a local restaurant, or tickets to a Des Moines attraction. (More on that later. Spoiler: the Science Center is actually pretty awesome.) And, most importantly, a break from reality. That alone is worth the price of admission, trust me. Oh, and usually, a continental breakfast. Don't get your hopes up for gourmet, but it'll do the trick.
What if, and hear me out, I'm not exactly thrilled about the whole "AmericInn" part of this equation? Is it... *that* kind of place?
Look, I get it. AmericInn isn't exactly the Ritz. But it's CLEAN. The beds are comfy. And after a long day of... well, whatever you do on your escape, you just want a decent place to crash. Think of it as a reliable, dependable friend. Not the most exciting friend, maybe, but always there for you. Plus, let's be honest, you're not going for the hotel; you're going for the DES MOINES. And the Des Moines scene is seriously underrated. I mean, I went in with baggage. Hotels of every stripe have let me down; however, the AmericInn was fine. More than fine; it was a sanctuary (after a day of being relentlessly out of the sanctuary).
Des Moines? What's even *in* Des Moines? I'm picturing cornfields and... disappointment.
Okay, okay, I get that. My expectations were LOW. Like, "I'm prepared to be bored" low. BUT! Des Moines surprised the heck out of me. Firstly, the food scene rocks. Seriously. Unexpectedly delicious restaurants. Secondly, the art scene is vibrant. I stumbled upon this amazing outdoor sculpture park, and it was genuinely awesome. Then there are the breweries. So many breweries! I may or may not have over-indulged, but hey, it's an escape, right? And, the people are super friendly. I'm a cynical New Yorker, and even *I* was charmed. Honestly, I left feeling... refreshed. More so than I thought I would. I hate to admit it, but Des Moines really has something special.
So, about those "attractions"... what should I actually *do* while I'm there? Give me some specific ideas!
Alright, here's a semi-organized list, though let's be honest, I'm making it up as I go:
- The Des Moines Art Center: Seriously, go. Even if you're not an "art person." The architecture is stunning, and the collections are surprisingly impressive. I would go just to sit in the sculpture garden and pretend to be profound.
- The Science Center of Iowa: Okay, maybe not the *coolest* thing for a solo adult, but if you have kids, it's a MUST. Also, I saw a really weird exhibit on the human body I won't soon forget. It included like, a giant eyeball or something. I don't know. I liked it.
- The breweries, the breweries, the breweries!: Exile Brewing Company, Confluence Brewing Company, and Lua Brewing are solid. Do your research, find one near where you're staying (or, you know, just follow my lead). I may have spent an entire afternoon at one, just people-watching. Bliss!
- Eat! Seriously, the food scene. Go to HoQ for farm-to-table goodness. Try Centro for amazing Italian. I had a taco (it might have been a breakfast taco. I don't judge myself.) that still lives in my memory.
- Catch a show: Des Moines has a surprisingly robust theater scene. Check out the Civic Center.
What if I'm going with my partner and... well, we haven't exactly been feeling the spark lately? Could escaping to Des Moines *actually* help?
Look, I'm no relationship guru. But a change of scenery can work wonders. Getting away from the daily grind, removing the distractions, and having quality time together... it can definitely reignite the flame. And even if it doesn't magically fix everything, well, at least you'll have a nice meal and a comfy bed. Plus, you'll get to blame the bad mood on the trip to Des Moines. See? Win-win. I went with my partner, and... well, let's just say we had a *conversation* that we probably wouldn't have had at home. And that's growth, baby!
Is this trip suitable for solo travelers? Or will I just end up feeling even *more* alone in a strange city?
Absolutely suitable! I went solo! And honestly, I loved it. You can do whatever YOU want, when YOU want. Read a book in a brewery, wander around the art center, have a late night taco. The only person you have to please is yourself. Des Moines felt safe and welcoming. I never felt like I was being stared at, just... accepted. That's saying something, even for me. (Which is usually a bad thing.)
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