IA Des Moines Fairfield Inn and Suites West

[KC-Matt]

I made this as a new entry as the other property listed here, IA West Des Moines/Clive Fairfield Inn is no longer a Fairfield Inn and has been re-branded as a Ramada.

My review is of the new Fairfield Inn & Suites West Des Moines which I have stayed at three different times now (my review encompasses all three since they have been close together).

Location: This hotel is located just off I-80 (and easily accessible if travelling on 35 through Des Moines) and is located near a number of other hotels. Location has quick freeway access and is located near the Jordan Creek Mall and numerous restaurants and the ever growing Jordan Creek area.

Property: This is a four story, fairly new, well maintained facility, interior corridors, pool/whirlpool, fitness center, business center, etc.

Check-In: Check-in has always been fast and simple. There is one lady who always seems to be present when I check in and she always has my cards ready to go. I usually call the hotel the morning of arrival to request a specific room and have never had a problem getting it (I always stay in one of two rooms on the 4th floor).

Room: I have always stayed in the whirlpool suites as I prefer to have the private whirlpool available if needed. The room includes a couch, king size bed, microwave/fridge, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, safe, whirlpool spa and fireplace (located in a offset cove) with a 32" LCD above the fireplace directed at the whirlpool,and a large TV facing the bed. A CD/tape player with remote is located above the TV facing the bed in the entertainment center. Bathroom is somewhat small, although it also has a tub & shower with a curved shower rod. The LCD is a new addition that was added during their recent renovation that put new furniture in the rooms and new carpet in select areas. Room has always been very clean and the beds some of the most comfortable I have ever slept on. High speed wired internet is free and has always worked well for me via my laptop. Safe would be better if it was large enough to fit a laptop in, but I have left my laptop in the room on all three stays and had no issues with housekeeping messing with it.

Notes:

This property was recently renovated (although I personally did not think it needed it yet) which replaced many of the beds and furniture. Although I will wear off over time, there is a scent of recent construction and from the new carpet. The pool tends to send it's chlorine smell into the elevator and lobby areas, but I personally like the smell of chlorine so that does not bother me. Prices were raised roughly $15/night since the renovation (if you book direct).

If you have a choice, try to choose a room away from the elevators...the dings these give off are extremely loud and would likely bother those in rooms directly near them (note that the whirlpool suites are located at the end of each hall away from the elevators in the center, with the lower numbered rooms being the farthest away).

Continental breakfast is nothing to write home about, but sufficient for my needs...typical fruit, cereal, doughnut/muffin offerings along with the "Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich" you can heat up.

So in conclusion, I would recommend this hotel for most people and highly recommend splurging for the whirlpool suite if you can afford too...the whirlpool, fireplace & LCD make for a nice touch.