Wyndham Garden Ankeny: Des Moines' BEST Kept Secret Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, sometimes-slightly-murky waters of the Wyndham Garden Ankeny: Des Moines, the hotel that apparently wants to be a secret. And honestly? Maybe it should stay one a little bit longer, just to preserve its… charm? Let's find out.
Wyndham Garden Ankeny: My Rollercoaster Ride of "Best Kept Secret" (Maybe Not Secret Anymore… Oops)
First things first: Accessibility is a big deal for me. I love to be able to move about freely. The Wyndham Garden gets a solid… well, let's say a "B+". They say they’re wheelchair accessible, and, from what I saw in the… um… lobby (I may have… wandered around a bit), they seem to be. The elevators were swift, which is a win in my book. I'm not sure if the entire hotel is, and I didn't take my wheelchair out to check on the rooms, but I'm going to assume they are following the rules. They had all the things needed, so far, and that makes me happy. Also, the Front Desk [24-hour] service was super friendly and helpful. Seriously, they seemed actually happy to be there, which, for a hotel employee, is an absolute miracle.
Let’s Talk Food, Because Let's Be Real, That's Why We're Really Here
Oh, the food. Where to even begin? The Wyndham Garden Ankeny boasts a buffet. I love a buffet. The Breakfast [buffet] was a… well, it was a buffet. Buffet in restaurant. Western breakfast. Eggs, bacon, the usual suspects. No earth-shattering culinary masterpieces, but it got the job done. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay, and I have a high standard. They have Coffee shop options. It's Coffee/tea in restaurant. I just… want the coffee shop to have cool baristas.
Asian breakfast looks good, I wasn't quite brave enough yet. Asian cuisine in restaurant woulda been great, but it was a dream for my trip. International cuisine in restaurant does give you some options, which is great.
I will say, the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver at 3 AM when I was craving something… well, anything after a long drive. Thankfully, the Snack bar was pretty good and the Bar kept my spirits up with some… happy hour escapades. (Don't judge, I needed to unwind.) I heard they have Poolside bar service too, which I missed out on because, well, I was mostly inside avoiding the Iowa heat. But honestly, having options and an A la carte in restaurant is definitely a plus. Vegetarian restaurant is also nice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are They Keeping It Real?
Alright, let's get serious: the pandemic has us all a little… twitchy. Thankfully, the Wyndham Garden seemed to take things seriously. I certainly noticed the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They had Anti-viral cleaning products in use, as well as Professional-grade sanitizing services in use. You can also choose the Room sanitization opt-out available. Daily disinfection in common areas was also done. I saw the staff cleaning regularly. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol doing their job, and it made me feel a lot safer. They have Safe dining setup. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Hot water linen and laundry washing is also present.
The Spa-ish… Zone…
Okay, now for the Spa/sauna… Or, well, the spa-adjacent area. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] which was okay. There was a Pool with view, but wasn't as wow-ing. They also have a Fitness center, which I, in my utter lack of self-control, avoided entirely. I did peep the Sauna, and it looked clean. I heard they have Massage. Body scrub and Body wrap are also present. But honestly? I was mostly interested in finding the steamroom! If you like to sweat it out, this is your spot.
The Room, and the Battle Against the Blackout Curtains
My room? Available in all rooms: Air conditioning that blasted to your liking—a godsend in Iowa! Alarm clock did its job. Bathrobes were fluffy. Okay, the Blackout curtains were really good. Like, really good. Too good. I nearly missed breakfast the first morning because it was like being in a tomb in there. Seriously, the Bed was Extra long, which was nice for a taller person like me. More importantly, the Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, which is essential for any modern traveler. They had Complimentary tea. The Coffee/tea maker was very helpful. Every room had Daily housekeeping, which was great. You have Desk, *Extra long bed, *In-room safe box,* and the Refrigerator was great. They have Satellite/cable channels to watch. A Seating area is a plus for those who want to work in the room. Separate shower/bathtub is also nice. Slippers were available to use. There were Smoke detector and Soundproofing was done. Toiletries are always a welcome. Towels were fine.
The Extras and Bits and Bobs (Because Life Is Never Simple)
Services and conveniences: they offered Concierge services. The Daily housekeeping was efficient. They have Laundry service, Dry cleaning along with Ironing service; all good. Food delivery is provided. Gift/souvenir shop is there too. Also, Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Valet parking is an option, as well.
The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth (and Maybe a Complaining Session…)
My overall experience with the Wyndham Garden Ankeny was a mixed bag, so to speak. It was like… a really long buffet line. Some things were fantastic, some were average, and some were, let's say, memorable. I'm not giving you an exact breakdown here. It's hard to say exactly what the Hotel chain is like, and what makes it special… but if you want a solid, reasonably priced place to stay in Ankeny, with a bit of… character (and maybe a few surprises), the Wyndham Garden is worth a look. Definitely check the Internet access for the best rates. And don't forget to bring your own… well, let's just say, bring your own bottle of water. Just in case. They do provide it.
Unbelievable Tenerife Views: Hotel Alta Montana Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic world that is… the Wyndham Garden in Ankeny, Iowa. Yes, that Ankeny. Not exactly the Amalfi Coast, but hey, we're going to make the most of it, aren't we? This ain't a polished travel brochure, it's a diary of potential triumph and probable disaster.
Wyndham Garden Ankeny/Des Moines (IA) – The Epic Adventure (or, More Accurately, The Mildly Interesting Staycation)
Day 1: Arrival and the Undeniable Allure of the King Suite
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival and the "Pre-Check-In Shuffle". Okay, so, the plan was to arrive fashionably early, like, before the actual check-in time. But the highways were clogged with… well, something. Who knows. Anyway, we arrived with our luggage tumbling out of the backseat like a small, disorganized explosion. I hate that feeling of anticipation when you get there and your "pre-check-in shuffle" has to wait for 20 or so minutes. The receptionist, bless her heart, was juggling a screaming toddler and a mountain of paperwork. She saw my dead-eyed stare and I think she felt sorry for me, so we got the keys.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Sweet Suites!. Okay, so we booked the King Suite. (Why? Because we deserve it, dammit.) And the room? Honestly, it's… a room! Comfy bed, TV that probably works, and the view overlooks… a parking lot (I’d take that over a view of a wall, it’s the little things right?). But it's ours for a precious, fleeting moment.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking & the Initial Assessment. Okay, the room is clean-ish. There's no sign of any obvious infestations, which is a win in my book. Unpacking. This is the moment of zen before the inevitable chaos of living in temporary accommodation. I check for the usual, plugging in all charger cables for my phone, headphones, and everything that I may need to entertain myself later.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Pool (Or, The Questionable Waters of Leisure). Now, here's the kicker: the pool. I'm going to be honest. The pool situation at these places is the eternal unknown. I was expecting a shimmering oasis, a refuge from the Iowa heat. What I got was… a small rectangle of water. A toddler was currently peeing in it. I'm not entirely sure about the hygiene, but the temperature was nice and warm. The wife went, I didn't.
Day 2: The Ankeny Adventure Blitz (or, Making the Most of Mediocrity)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Free Breakfast Buffet - A Culinary Adventure (Sort Of). Alright, the free breakfast. I'm expecting the worst, but it’s free, so let's be optimistic. I can smell the instant oatmeal already. Pancakes. That’s what I was waiting for. It's a free pancake, a beacon of hope? Turns out, they’re pretty bland, but slathered with enough syrup, they're passable. The coffee? Let's just say it's capable of waking you up, and leave it at that.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Ankeny's Finest (or, "Things To Do In Ankeny" Is Not A Novelty). Okay, so the pressure is on - the wife wants to go to the local mall, where it feels like nobody spends time at all. I did find myself getting myself some new shoes, though. I took the opportunity to stroll around town and feel like a regular, and I loved that moment.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (or, Finding Food That Doesn't Disappoint). We find a local diner. It’s a classic, the kind of place that’s been around since the dawn of time. The food? Comfort food at its finest. Burgers, fries, and endless refills of soda. This is the good stuff.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to the Room… We head back to the room, get some downtime.
Day 3: Departure and the Echoes of Ankeny
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Redux (or, Surviving Round Two). Yup, back to the free breakfast buffet. This time, I'm armed with strategies. More syrup, more coffee, and a steely determination to make it through.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM : The Last Moments Pack up your things, check out of the hotel.
11:00 AM: Adieu, Ankeny!. We leave.
Final Thoughts:
Did we have an amazing, life-altering experience? Maybe not. Did we experience the simple joys of a quiet hotel, the anticipation of a vacation, and the simplicity of eating meals with each other. Absolutely. And honestly, sometimes, that's enough.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go unpack. Again. And maybe make a real cup of coffee. Because, the Wyndham Garden's coffee? Let's just say it's an experience.
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Wyndham Garden Ankeny: Des Moines' "Best Kept Secret" (Spoiler Alert: Maybe Not So Secret Anymore... But Still Good!) - My Honest FAQ
So, is this place *actually* a "secret"? Are we talking hidden speakeasy vibes or what?
Okay, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is a marketing thing. I mean, anyone who's *gone* to Ankeny, Iowa (shoutout, Ankeny!) probably already knows about Wyndham Garden. It's not like you need a secret handshake or a password. BUT, I will say, it consistently punches above its weight class. You go in expecting… well, a fairly standard roadside hotel experience. And what you get is… slightly better. Maybe it *was* a secret before the internet got ahold of it. Now? Let's call it a "well-loved, consistently reliable choice."
What's with the pool? Heard anything about that? Because pools are important.
The pool. Oh, the pool! Alright, so, my first time there? It was a scorcher. Like, melt-your-face-off kind of heat. I was picturing a blissful oasis, sipping a tiny umbrella drink, and basking in the sun. Reality? It was... fine. The pool itself is a decent size, especially for the kids (because, let's be honest, this place is a KID MAGNET). The water was clean, which is always a win. The hot tub… that's where things get interesting. One time, let's just say there was a *lot* of chlorine. Like, "eyes-watering, can't-breathe" levels. Another time? It was perfect. So, it’s a gamble. But a fun gamble. Seriously, though, check your eyes before you go in the hot tub. Just saying.
Is the breakfast any good? I'm a breakfast person and I need the truth. My happiness depends on it.
Breakfast. Alright, my fellow breakfast-lovers, listen up! This is where the Wyndham Garden Ankeny *really* shines… relatively speaking. Look, it's not a Michelin-star experience. But it's GOOD. Really, really good for a free hotel breakfast. They usually have a solid spread: waffles (yes!), scrambled eggs, sausage (sometimes bacon - praise be!), cereal, fruit… the usual suspects. The coffee? Not the best, but perfectly passable. And the best part? They actually keep it stocked! Unlike some places where you have to fight tooth and nail for the last sad waffle. They're on it. Be smart and get there before the kids. And be prepared for all the kids.
Okay, but what if something goes wrong? Like, say, the air conditioning dies in July? How's the customer service?
Okay, let's be honest. This is the true test of any hotel. And I've had… mixed experiences. Once, the AC sputtered and died on a particularly humid night. I was a sweaty, grumpy mess. I called the front desk, expecting a total disaster. But, to my surprise, they were super helpful! They immediately offered to move me to a different room, and even offered a discount on my stay (which they didn't have to do!). Other times? Not so smooth. Seems to depend on who's working that day. But generally, they seem to *try*. Which, let’s be honest, is more than you can say for some places. So, my advice? Be nice, be patient, and always have a backup plan (like a quick trip to the pool!).
What about the location? Is it actually close to anything interesting? Or am I stuck in Ankeny purgatory?
Location, location, location! Well, it *is* in Ankeny. Ankeny is… a place. It's got all the necessary things, like chain restaurants, a Target, and a few decent bars. The Wyndham Garden is conveniently located near the highway, which is a plus (especially if you’re road-tripping). It's not exactly in the heart of Des Moines, but it's a quick drive to get there. So, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want bustling nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene, probably not your best bet. If you're looking for a comfy basecamp for exploring the area, or just passing through, it works perfectly fine. It's not the greatest location ever, but it's certainly not a bad one.
Okay, so what are the rooms actually like? Are we talking pristine and posh, or…?
The Rooms. Right. They're… comfortable. Clean-ish. Not luxurious, by any means. You know what I mean? Basic but functional. I've stayed in a few of them, and they've always been… fine. Beds are okay, sheets are generally clean, bathrooms are standard. No crazy views, no high-tech gadgets. They're the kind of rooms you expect from a Wyndham Garden, if you get my drift. (And I’ve tried to be prepared in the past). I've never been *blown away* by a room, but I've also never had a truly awful experience. My advice? Adjust your expectations accordingly. And maybe bring your own pillow, just in case. Because really, it's the little things, right?
Any other perks beyond the breakfast and pool? (Like, a gym? Or even a decent bar??)
Alright, let's talk extras. Yes, they have a gym. Tiny, but it *exists*. I've used it. Treadmill, a couple of weights, that sort of thing. It gets the job done if you're desperate to work off that waffle from breakfast (I'm often desperate). And yes, they have a bar. It's… a hotel bar. Don't expect artisanal cocktails or a craft beer selection. But they pour a stiff drink, and it's usually pretty quiet. A good spot for a nightcap or to watch the game if you need to kill some time.
Overall, would you recommend Wyndham Garden Ankeny? Should I book it?
Here's the honest truth. Wyndham Garden Ankeny is a solid choice. It's not going to be the most *glamorous* hotel experience of your life. It might be a little rough around the edges, especially during peak times when it packed with kids, but it's reliable. You'll get a decent breakfast, a sometimes-iffy pool, and rooms that will do the job. It's convenient, especially if you're traveling through. It's generally clean, and the staff *usually* tries their best (bless them). Are there better hotels? Absolutely. But is the Wyndham Garden Ankeny: Des Moines a "best kept secret"? Maybe not. But it *is* a consistently good, perfectly acceptable option. Yeah, I'Scenic Stays
