I have not been paid by any entity in any way (financially, benefits) to write this West Des Moines Marriott review. Any airport, airline, lounge, hotel, and/or loyalty program policies may have changed since then.

Visiting family in Iowa is always a treat as I usually find myself staying at the West Des Moines Marriott in West Des Moines, Iowa. I became acquainted with this hotel when I was a kid, and I have always enjoyed its amenities.

Hotel Info

Hotel: West Des Moines Marriott
City: West Des Moines, Iowa
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Date: May 2024

Overview: West Des Moines Marriott Review

The West Des Moines Marriott is a full-service Marriott Hotel with 219 rooms, including 38 suites. Built in 1997, it has 9 floors and is located right near I-35, I-80, and I-235. Check-in was simple and easy, and we were upgrade to one of the suites, which is always a treat given the space you receive at this hotel.

While I did not snap pics of the gym or swimming pool, I can attest that they are actually good. Not the best, but pretty good for a hotel. There is also a business center, a boarding pass station, a complimentary shuttle to the Des Moines airport, and complimentary parking. It also seems to be a popular events venue, as I’ve seen weddings, conferences, and seminars held here.

Room

Upon entering, you are greeted with the living room area of this one bedroom suite, which includes one king size bed and a pull out sofa.

The rooms are fairly moderns, with updated fixtures and lighting. A refrigerator, coffee maker, and ice bucket were available.

The restrooms are modern, with great lighting and plenty of counter space. In the suite, you actually get two sinks.

Restroom features a walk in shower and a hair dryer.

And there is a closet for your clothes, an iron, an ironing board, as well as a safe and extra bedding for the pull out couch.

Restaurant and Bar

JC Craft & Co. is the name of the hotel restaurant and bar, and has a variety of menu options available. For those interested, you can take a look at their menus here.

Lounge

The West Des Moines Marriott features an M Club, which is the lounge concept you will find replacing existing “executive” or “concierge” lounges.

Access to the M Club is given when you book an M Club level room, or if you are a Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador, or Cobalt. Here, you’ll have complimentary breakfast and hors d’oeurves, however hors d’oeurves aren’t available Fridays or Saturdays.

As a kid, I remember this hotel having a fairly large restaurant space that included a full buffet with a ton of options for breakfast, including an omelet bar! There was also a random fountain in the middle of it, but those days are now long gone.

The lounge has ample seating, with two coffee stations, a refrigerator with Aquafina water, and a wine and drink stations featuring mini-fridges stocked with Pepsi products.

The coffee stations serve Starbucks coffee via a machine (that was broken during the stay) or traditional drip, and there are syrups available.

Waters are available hot or cold, and the refrigerator is stocked frequently.

The drink station has an automatic dispenser for wine and beer, and works off the honor system, where you write down how much wine or beer you consumed, and it will be charged to your room. This isn’t the case abroad, where alcoholic drinks are typically complimentary in lounges.

The lounge is 24 hours, so you are able to access it at any time for water, sodas, or some of the light snacks available.

Service in the lounge was great, with lovely attendants in the lounge making rounds and asking guests how things were during breakfast. It was a nice touch to have such attentive service.

West Des Moines Marriott Conclusion

The West Des Moines Marriott holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been staying at this hotel since I was in diapers, so I have a big soft spot for it. I’ve seen the hotel evolve into what it is today, and the updates to the facilities have been positive, keeping the hotel competitive with a fresh and premium vibe. Staff here have always been kind and attentive, and some of their past employees have left their mark, moving on to bigger and better things.

When I visit family in Iowa, there is no place I’d rather stay than the West Des Moines Marriott. I may be biased, but I will stand by my opinion that is is an absolutely solid hotel.

Have you had a chance to stay at the West Des Moines Marriott? Let me know on Instagram, Threads, Twitter, or TikTok!

As always, Live Life One Trip at a Time!

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