Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

From the moment we checked in until the time of our departure, we were treated exceptionally well by the staff throughout the hotel. They were friendly, helpful and informative. However, our room itself was something of a disappointment. It was incredibly small, holding only the king-sized bed with nightstands and a wall unit with the dresser/TV in the center and a desk on one end and a small table on the other. At first glance, I thought this would be fine - what else do you need, right? Yes, I'm used to having a recliner or other side chair, but it was no big deal ... until I tried to sleep in the bed. Within 30 minutes of lying down, my hips and knees were aching due to the hard mattress. I thought I'd turn from my side to my back, but that was even worse.

I was trying not to complain because my fiancé and I only live about eight miles away and it was my idea to stay at a hotel to get a good night's sleep - because our home mattress is so uncomfortable - but soon my fiancé got up to go to the bathroom and when he came back he suggested we try sleeping sideways on the bed. Then I knew he was in pain, too. Nothing seemed to work for us, as we tossed and turned and ached all night - and that side chair or recliner suddenly became a thing of much longing. :)

But, the 24 hour fitness room, hot tub and pool were great - though this was among the smallest pools I'd ever seen. Also, after soaking in the hot tub in the morning before checking out, I was planning to take a dip in the supposedly heated pool before one more soak in the hot tub - oh no!!! The heater wasn't working in the pool and it was frigid! Now, I'm one who loves to go back and forth from the pool to the hot tub, but this was simply too cold.

However, breakfast was an absolute delight. Lots of places have waffles, but for some reason, the waffles here seemed much lighter and fluffier on the inside and crispier on the outside than others. I was in heaven. The scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon were excellent, as well. There was plenty of fresh fruit - including bananas and apples at the front desk throughout the day. Yogurt, cereal and oatmeal were among the other offerings. We truly enjoyed our breakfast time!

The location was super easy to get to, right off the interstate and in the midst of a new development housing an outlet mall and a couple of restaurants. Contrary to what others had told me, while it was right along the interstate, we didn't find that to be detrimental.

All in all, we enjoyed the hotel, but wish we'd just gone home for a good night's sleep.

Fairfield Inn Altoona is a gem! This is a newer property and very modern. Even nicer than some of the older Courtyards I've stayed at (West Moines for example). Since it was only a quick overnight stay, I didn't get to use the gym, but a quick peek inside through the glass doors showed a well equipped and decently spacious for a hotel gym. They especially won me over with the pears and bananas at the front desk - thoughtful and health conscious.

I was really impressed by this hotel! It was very clean and modern, the staff was so nice, and the included hot breakfast was really good. The beds were comfortable, and the rooms were very clean. Overall, I was very impressed! My one complaint is that the walls were a little thin, and I could hear doors slamming at all hours of the night. But overall, I was very impressed by the friendliness of staff, cleanliness of the hotel, the amenities (pool, gym, printers), and I'd definitely recommend this hotel to others who are looking for a comfortable place to stay!

Came to town for the state fair and chose this hotel as it had a good price/location. Very good pick! Rooms were very clean, staff was very friendly, huge parking lot. We were even next to the elevator (which I detest in a hotel) and it was quiet. Good free breakfast in the mornings (although they were out of some things on Monday AM). Location was great - right next to 80, by an outlet mall and Adventureland. We would definitely stay here again if in the area.

This newer hotel is located conveniently off of the interstate and close to Adventureland Park. Traffic noise was non-existent!! Friendly staff and clean rooms. 24 hr fitness center offered more than just treadmills! Clean rooms.

I have stayed here twice and both times came away impressed. Friendly staff. Impeccably clean rooms and common areas. Comfortable beds and quiet rooms. Nice!

We recently spent an evening in this hotel when we got to Iowa and both my husband and I were thoroughly impressed. We had our baby and toddler with us and I couldn't have been happier with the service and accommodations. We have traveled all over the world and stayed at some pretty amazing hotels and I will add this to being on par with many 5-stars we've stayed at. Spacious clean rooms and amenities. So clean in fact that I didn't cringe letting my infant crawl around the room (I'm a big germaphobe). Michelle greeted us and checked us in and was friendly and helpful in making suggestions for dinner choices in the area.

Really nice motel. New and beautifully decorated. Great complimentary breakfast. Close to Bass Pro where there is shopping for all ages. Nice restaurant close by.

I stay at Marriott properties almost every week and typically stay away from the Fairfield Inn because they have been at the low end as far as quality and comfort. Not having a choice while in Altoona we stayed at the Fairfield Inn and I was pleasantly surprised. Very friendly staff and extremely clean and comfortable rooms. I would definitely recommend this property.