Wonderful and charming hotel. Loved the history and style. Room was spacious and comfortable. Our valet, Mr. Paris, was friendly, helpful, and took care of us.
Service: 5
B-Man
Stayed here. Nice hotel. Boutique very old building with nice rooms. Valet was $33 so we parked on the street for free. Really nice gym. Connected to the sky walk which is cool to wander around.Rooms: Very clean.Walkability: Easy walking.
Service: 5
Matt Lassen
Enjoyed the stay. Paris was incredible at the
Service: 5
Ann Rankin
We had an excellent, fun stay! Clean room, great experiences and drinks at the restaurant, coffee shop, and speakeasy, and our valet, Paris, was pleasant and quick! Breakfast was delicious and every staff member we encountered was kind.
Service: 5
Neil Strub
Beautiful hotel in downtown Des Moines. Great service and close to all the night life!Nearby activities: Right downtown close to all the nightlife!
Service: 5
Shay Tickle
Fantastic service from the hotel and valet staff.
Service: 5
Randy Souder
Nice room. Comfortable bed. Traffic noise was a little distracting.Rooms: Rooms are nice but I had a corner room with 2 windows and the traffic noise was noticable.Walkability: On the city skywalk system.Noteworthy details: Lobby has all of the original woodwork and has been kept in good repair.
Service: 5
Tobias Madigan
NO PARKING at the hotel or ANYWHERE in easy walking distance!This hotel and my room are BEAUTIFUL so far and I wish I could just enjoy it—I hate writing bad reviews for such a nice place—but the check-in experience was so horrific that I’m beaten. Why? It’s the worst parking setup of any nice hotel I’ve ever been to and they are too understaffed to take the time to explain it to you and more or less unapologetic about the MAJOR hassle.I pull up at 10:30 pm to the surprise that it’s valet only at the hotel— at LA prices of $35 a night plus tip, in Des Moines!! And I don’t even like valet if it’s free, I want access to my car without waiting in line. Then he explains (outside in the dark and the rain, no awning even) that there is no other parking— AT ALL!! The valet guy suggests free street parking—get out and walk around in the dark and in the rain in a downtown that you don’t know anything about until you find a spot somewhere a few blocks away, absolutely freaking ridiculous.I called the hotel and it takes several menus to get a live person. After 20 rings Chloe picks up and asks if I can hold. I say “no, I can’t because I’m driving around in the dark and rain trying to find parking.”She tries briefly to help saying there is a “ramp” nearby. I’m American and also traveled to 50 other countries, and I’ve never in my life heard someone call a parking garage a “ramp”. I had to ask if this is what she meant, and she acted surprised.We clarified that there was a parking garage in the back, but she doesn’t know how much it cost or if there was any availability. Awesome. And she couldn’t talk anymore because she was helping someone else and made that very clear that I was bothering her. Apparently no one free in the whole hotel she could’ve handed me to, to help explain the parking mess that they surprise you with as you’re driving around the neighborhood in the dark.I finally find a Public parking garage and I have no idea if it’s the one she’s talking about because there isn’t one “in the back”, but I drive up a few floors and find a parking spot that costs $10, which is the least of my worries, and then I try to figure out how to get to the hotel, but of course there are no signs saying how to get to the hotel, because the parking garage is not affiliated with the hotel, and actually isn’t in the back of it or attached in any way.Finally, after walking out into the rain, and getting drenched, I find my way from the unaffiliated parking garage that has no signs or directions, to the hotel, which also has no signs directions or information regarding parking.Chloe is doing her best to be friendly and dodge any explanation for why it’s such a hassle for Hilton guests and leaves me with really no good excuse for a Hotel of such a reputable brand having no parking garage, no parking instructions, and no one available to help somebody who can’t figure out where to park in the dark and the rain.At least she gives me a quiet room.Hilton—do better. We choose you because we want less hassles not more.Give guests clear info upon booking regarding parking options and how to access them. And build a connector and signs so we can get in the hotel without getting wet.P.s. I’ve seen now in other reviews this is an ongoing issue, the “owner” responds to the reviews without addressing the actual issue and offers no solutions below. Looks like chat GpT is responding. DO BETTER!Safety: Can’t safely walk from parking to hotel as there is no parking at all!!Walkability: Can’t easily walk from parking to hotel
Service: 2
ShiQuela Barnes
This hotel is beautiful and I wish we were here for a week rather than 1 night. There are many options on the premises for food/drink along with walking distance. The staff was so nice accommodating and prompt. Valet is $18 for if you are there for dinner, and $33 overnight. However we did encounter numerous street parking options as we walked the block, I did see the parking garage that other people mentioned, from my room window, but did not see the entrance on the street. Bubba's which is about a 3-minute walk down the street was a nice stroll and good eats. Hobnob the breakfast/brunch restaurant within the hotel is lovely and photo worthy. the speakeasy we did not get to go to as we were told it's only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.The elevators were so cool to me. overall my husband and I would love to come back. If I lived here I would for sure have a Gatsby-themed party here, or prom.
Service: 5
Michael G (MG)
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and I was thoroughly impressed by this historic gem. From the moment I walked through the doors, I could feel the weight of history surrounding me. This hotel has been beautifully maintained, with modern amenities seamlessly integrated into its original architecture.My room was comfortable and stylish, with a large and comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom with a relaxing tub. But what really made my stay stand out was the hotel's rich history. Did you know that this hotel was the site of the first-ever caucus, held in 1972? It's amazing to think about all the political heavyweights who have walked these halls and slept in these very rooms.Despite its storied past, the hotel feels anything but stuffy or outdated. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the amenities were top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the evening reception, where I was able to mingle with other guests and enjoy some delicious snacks and drinks.Overall, I would highly recommend the Hotel Fort Des Moines to anyone looking for a unique and memorable stay in the area. Its combination of history, comfort, and modern amenities makes it a truly special place. And who knows - maybe you'll even run into a presidential hopeful or two in the lobby!
Hotel Fort Des Moines is the most enjoyable hotel I’ve stayed at in a long time. The rooms are great and incredibly ergonomic. The hotel feels exquisite without being intimidating.
Service: 4
Alexa Mitchell
We love staying at the fort right in the neighborhood of our favorite speakeasy’s as well as the one underneath the fort! The beds are comfy the rooms are boujee and the staff are excellent! We always look forward to our next weekend away here ✨Food & drinks: There is a speakeasy below the hotel!
Service: 5
Julie Gfeller
Beautiful hotel, great service to match!
Service: 5
Arlin Hurst
I ate at Hobnob and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of the lobby.
Wonderful and charming hotel. Loved the history and style. Room was spacious and comfortable. Our valet, Mr. Paris, was friendly, helpful, and took care of us.
Service: 5
Stayed here. Nice hotel. Boutique very old building with nice rooms. Valet was $33 so we parked on the street for free. Really nice gym. Connected to the sky walk which is cool to wander around.Rooms: Very clean.Walkability: Easy walking.
Service: 5
Enjoyed the stay. Paris was incredible at the
Service: 5
We had an excellent, fun stay! Clean room, great experiences and drinks at the restaurant, coffee shop, and speakeasy, and our valet, Paris, was pleasant and quick! Breakfast was delicious and every staff member we encountered was kind.
Service: 5
Beautiful hotel in downtown Des Moines. Great service and close to all the night life!Nearby activities: Right downtown close to all the nightlife!
Service: 5
Fantastic service from the hotel and valet staff.
Service: 5
Nice room. Comfortable bed. Traffic noise was a little distracting.Rooms: Rooms are nice but I had a corner room with 2 windows and the traffic noise was noticable.Walkability: On the city skywalk system.Noteworthy details: Lobby has all of the original woodwork and has been kept in good repair.
Service: 5
NO PARKING at the hotel or ANYWHERE in easy walking distance!This hotel and my room are BEAUTIFUL so far and I wish I could just enjoy it—I hate writing bad reviews for such a nice place—but the check-in experience was so horrific that I’m beaten. Why? It’s the worst parking setup of any nice hotel I’ve ever been to and they are too understaffed to take the time to explain it to you and more or less unapologetic about the MAJOR hassle.I pull up at 10:30 pm to the surprise that it’s valet only at the hotel— at LA prices of $35 a night plus tip, in Des Moines!! And I don’t even like valet if it’s free, I want access to my car without waiting in line. Then he explains (outside in the dark and the rain, no awning even) that there is no other parking— AT ALL!! The valet guy suggests free street parking—get out and walk around in the dark and in the rain in a downtown that you don’t know anything about until you find a spot somewhere a few blocks away, absolutely freaking ridiculous.I called the hotel and it takes several menus to get a live person. After 20 rings Chloe picks up and asks if I can hold. I say “no, I can’t because I’m driving around in the dark and rain trying to find parking.”She tries briefly to help saying there is a “ramp” nearby. I’m American and also traveled to 50 other countries, and I’ve never in my life heard someone call a parking garage a “ramp”. I had to ask if this is what she meant, and she acted surprised.We clarified that there was a parking garage in the back, but she doesn’t know how much it cost or if there was any availability. Awesome. And she couldn’t talk anymore because she was helping someone else and made that very clear that I was bothering her. Apparently no one free in the whole hotel she could’ve handed me to, to help explain the parking mess that they surprise you with as you’re driving around the neighborhood in the dark.I finally find a Public parking garage and I have no idea if it’s the one she’s talking about because there isn’t one “in the back”, but I drive up a few floors and find a parking spot that costs $10, which is the least of my worries, and then I try to figure out how to get to the hotel, but of course there are no signs saying how to get to the hotel, because the parking garage is not affiliated with the hotel, and actually isn’t in the back of it or attached in any way.Finally, after walking out into the rain, and getting drenched, I find my way from the unaffiliated parking garage that has no signs or directions, to the hotel, which also has no signs directions or information regarding parking.Chloe is doing her best to be friendly and dodge any explanation for why it’s such a hassle for Hilton guests and leaves me with really no good excuse for a Hotel of such a reputable brand having no parking garage, no parking instructions, and no one available to help somebody who can’t figure out where to park in the dark and the rain.At least she gives me a quiet room.Hilton—do better. We choose you because we want less hassles not more.Give guests clear info upon booking regarding parking options and how to access them. And build a connector and signs so we can get in the hotel without getting wet.P.s. I’ve seen now in other reviews this is an ongoing issue, the “owner” responds to the reviews without addressing the actual issue and offers no solutions below. Looks like chat GpT is responding. DO BETTER!Safety: Can’t safely walk from parking to hotel as there is no parking at all!!Walkability: Can’t easily walk from parking to hotel
Service: 2
This hotel is beautiful and I wish we were here for a week rather than 1 night. There are many options on the premises for food/drink along with walking distance. The staff was so nice accommodating and prompt. Valet is $18 for if you are there for dinner, and $33 overnight. However we did encounter numerous street parking options as we walked the block, I did see the parking garage that other people mentioned, from my room window, but did not see the entrance on the street. Bubba's which is about a 3-minute walk down the street was a nice stroll and good eats. Hobnob the breakfast/brunch restaurant within the hotel is lovely and photo worthy. the speakeasy we did not get to go to as we were told it's only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.The elevators were so cool to me. overall my husband and I would love to come back. If I lived here I would for sure have a Gatsby-themed party here, or prom.
Service: 5
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and I was thoroughly impressed by this historic gem. From the moment I walked through the doors, I could feel the weight of history surrounding me. This hotel has been beautifully maintained, with modern amenities seamlessly integrated into its original architecture.My room was comfortable and stylish, with a large and comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom with a relaxing tub. But what really made my stay stand out was the hotel's rich history. Did you know that this hotel was the site of the first-ever caucus, held in 1972? It's amazing to think about all the political heavyweights who have walked these halls and slept in these very rooms.Despite its storied past, the hotel feels anything but stuffy or outdated. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the amenities were top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the evening reception, where I was able to mingle with other guests and enjoy some delicious snacks and drinks.Overall, I would highly recommend the Hotel Fort Des Moines to anyone looking for a unique and memorable stay in the area. Its combination of history, comfort, and modern amenities makes it a truly special place. And who knows - maybe you'll even run into a presidential hopeful or two in the lobby!
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Hotel Fort Des Moines is the most enjoyable hotel I’ve stayed at in a long time. The rooms are great and incredibly ergonomic. The hotel feels exquisite without being intimidating.
Service: 4
We love staying at the fort right in the neighborhood of our favorite speakeasy’s as well as the one underneath the fort! The beds are comfy the rooms are boujee and the staff are excellent! We always look forward to our next weekend away here ✨Food & drinks: There is a speakeasy below the hotel!
Service: 5
Beautiful hotel, great service to match!
Service: 5
I ate at Hobnob and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of the lobby.
Fantastic staff & gorgeous boutique hotel. Can't wait to stay again.