Des Moines Hotel Guide: Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

Located in the heart of suburban West Des Moines, close to the business district and the largest mall in Iowa, the Sheraton has recently been entirely refurbished. The exterior is a modern 10-story structure of tan walls and tinted windows.

The elegant lobby is a towering funnel-shaped atrium complete with a 60-ft cascading waterfall and palm-fringed pools. With the stark white balconies of the rooms spiraling up to the top, the room has a space-age feel. The staff is friendly and efficient from check-in to checkout.

All dining and drinking takes place in the atrium. The Waterfall Grille Restaurant and Lounge offers casual dining for lunch and dinner. After dinner, guests can enjoy cocktails while resting in overstuffed chairs under drooping palm trees. The cuisine is typical American, focusing on steaks, seafood and pastas. The Park Place Restaurant serves made-to-order omelettes, pastries, juice and fruit for breakfast.

The hotel has an excellent heated pool for lap swimming and recreational dips. Around the spacious pool deck are chairs, tables, a whirlpool and a sauna. The new fitness center has an ample supply of cardio and weight machines. A small gift shop sells Des Moines souvenirs, newspapers and magazines.

Meeting space includes 20 separate meeting rooms with a capacity of more than 1,000. The elegant banquet room, which can be converted into a conference room, is furnished with white-linen-draped tables and chairs. There are also numerous breakout rooms and a wood-furnished boardroom. A round-the-clock business center has an executive workspace with a computer, printer, and fax and copy capability. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the facility. All audiovisual and technical needs are provided upon request. Self-parking is available, as is a complimentary airport and city shuttle.

The rooms are generally long but slightly narrow. All are clean and well-maintained with mahogany decor and comfortable leather sofas. Rooms have either single king or two double Sweet Sleeper Beds and linens, including fleece blankets. Rooms are furnished with small desks, TVs, refrigerators, safes, complimentary morning newspapers, coffeemakers, extra towels and linens, clock radios, and irons and ironing boards. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the premises for a charge. Shower-tub combinations are found in the spacious baths.

The best rooms are on the Club Floor. Club Floor Suites have marble whirlpools with reflecting mirrors, robes, complimentary breakfast and hors d'oeuvres in the Club Lounge, and large workspace. Presidential Suites have separate sitting rooms and small kitchenettes.

Small pets are accepted. A majority of the rooms are smoke-free, and several wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Room service runs from breakfast through dinner. All rooms have magnetic locks.

The millions of dollars spent on remodeling this hotel have paid off. Its design is elegant and edgy yet comfortable. The location and service cannot be beat. The only downside is its distance from Des Moines. For something closer to downtown, try the Hotel Fort Des Moines.