Escape to Des Moines: Your Ankeny Oasis Awaits at Days Inn!
Escape to Des Moines: Days Inn Ankeny - My Honest Take (Because Let's Be Real, Reviews Can Be So Fake!)
Okay, so you're thinking about a little getaway near Des Moines, huh? And the Days Inn in Ankeny popped up. I get it. These chain hotels can be… well, let's just say variable. But I've spent a lot of time in motels and hotels like this, so I'm here to give you the real deal, warts and all. Let's dive into what the Days Inn Ankeny really has to offer – and more importantly, if it's worth your hard-earned cash.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof, Sadly)
Pulling up, it's a Days Inn. You know the vibe. Cleanish lines, predictable architecture. Looks… fine. I did notice they've got a car park, and it's free. Score one for budget travelers! They also have a dedicated spot for car charging, which is pretty cool, and could be a big selling point. Getting to the front desk was easy enough, which is always a bonus when you've been driving for hours.
Accessibility is a bit a mixed bag. They mention "facilities for disabled guests" but I couldn't see specifics on their website, so I'd absolutely call ahead and ask for the lowdown. Elevator? Always a must. Ramps? Crucial. It's the little things that can make or break a trip for folks, and it's crucial to know before hand.
The Rooms: Your Home Away From… Well, Not Really Home, But You Get It
Okay, let's talk rooms. They've got everything you'd expect: Air conditioning (thank GOD), Wi-Fi (free!), a desk to pretend you’re productive, and a coffee/tea maker. That morning coffee is a lifesaver, seriously. They do have non-smoking rooms – a HUGE plus. And there's an ironing board & iron (because wrinkles are embarrassing, right?). I'm also a sucker for blackout curtains – crucial for getting some decent shut-eye. Seriously, there is NOTHING worse than hotel rooms with those flimsy drapes. Thank you, Days Inn, for the blackout curtains of champions!
Room specifics, which can be a blessing or a curse, The interconnecting rooms could be awesome if you've got a family, or pure torture if you don't. Think about those neighbours with screaming kids. Some rooms are on high floors, so those with fear of heights (me!) may want to specify. And the most important thing for any tired traveller is a comfy bed.
Cleanliness & Safety (Important Stuff, Folks!)
This is where I got a little hopeful… The Days Inn does tout its commitment to cleanliness. They list anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. That’s comforting in this day and age, and important! However, I always, always suggest bringing your own wipes and giving everything a good wipe down. You can't be too careful. They also mention individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup, which means they're taking this seriously. They also offer cashless payment service.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling Your Adventures (or Just Trying to Survive)
Okay, let's be honest, the dining situation at most hotels is a mixed bag. Days Inn boasts a breakfast buffet, which, depending on the quality of the food, could be a lifesaver. I'm hoping for the good stuff: scrambled eggs that actually taste like eggs (not that weird yellow stuff), crispy bacon, and decent coffee. Fingers crossed! The coffee/tea in the restaurant is a must.
Things to Do (Beyond Staring at the Four Walls)
This is where things get a little… interesting. The Days Inn itself doesn't scream "activity central." They do have a swimming pool [outdoor]. Now, I'm a pool person. I love a good dip, even if it's just a quick splash. Is it a pool with a view? My expectations are not high, but it'll do the trick.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Lots of basic services and conveniences - they offer daily housekeeping, – which is a must. Laundry service if you need a quick refresh is a plus. The 24-hour front desk is hugely important, especially if you arrive late. Luggage storage is a godsend if you arrive early or have a late flight.
The Big Pitch: Why You Should Consider Days Inn Ankeny (My Take)
Okay, here’s the truth: Days Inn Ankeny is not a luxury resort. It's a solid, practical choice for travelers looking for an affordable and convenient base near Des Moines. I wouldn't get too excited, but I wouldn't completely write it off either. It could be the perfect choice for:
- Road trip warriors: Need a clean, comfortable place to crash for the night before hitting the road again? This is it.
- Budget-conscious travelers: It's not going to break the bank, and the free Wi-Fi is a huge bonus.
- Anyone looking for a convenient location: Ankeny is conveniently located near Des Moines, so if you have activities planned, the location cannot be beaten.
My Emotional Reaction (Because I'm Real)
Am I thrilled about a stay at the Days Inn? No. Am I expecting a life-changing experience? Nope. (Though that's always the hope, right?). But am I expecting a bad experience? Probably not. It's a functional place to rest your head – and sometimes, that's all you need. I really hope that the pool and breakfast make this a reasonable option.
To book or not to book? That is the question…
This is, like, a standard motel in the suburbs of Des Moines. However, the things they offer have the potential to make this a surprisingly pleasant experience! Days Inn may be the best choice for your trip.
Book Now!
Here's the offer:
*Escape to Des Moines: Your Ankeny Oasis Awaits at Days Inn!*
Unwind and explore, starting at from just \$[Insert Competitive Price] a night!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected without extra charges.
- Convenient Location: Easy access to Des Moines areas.
- Breakfast provided!
- Outdoor Pool: Relax after a long day.
Book your stay today and discover your perfect getaway!
[Insert Booking Link]
(Pro Tip: Always read recent reviews. They can be surprisingly helpful!)
Ho Chi Minh's Hidden Gem: Lam Kinh Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to the Days Inn in Ankeny, Iowa, and believe me, it's gonna be a wild ride. I'm calling this… "Ankeny: A Symphony of Mild Disappointment and Unexpected Charm."
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and the Quest for Free Wifi
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival and… Oh, God, Ankeny. Okay, first impressions. The Days Inn looks… like a Days Inn. You know, the kind of place that smells vaguely of stale chlorine and desperation. Seriously, did I just leave a whole life behind for THIS? But hey, at least the parking lot isn't full of suspiciously clean vans. Small victories, people. Check-in was about as smooth as sandpaper on a baby's bottom. The guy at the desk looked like he hadn't seen the sun in a decade. I swear I caught him rolling his eyes when I asked about the free breakfast. (More on that potential tragedy later.)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Room: A Study in Beige. Okay, room. It's… fine. Two queen beds that look like they've seen better decades (probably the 80s judging by the floral pattern on the bedspread). The TV is one of those ancient beasts the size of a small refrigerator. I swear I saw a dust bunny waving at me from under the desk. Finding a plug that actually works has become a major life achievement. And the bathroom? Well, let's just say the water pressure is… a suggestion.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wifi Woes and the Crushing Realization. Okay, the free Wifi. This is a crucial life-or-death situation. I have emails to check, a digital life to maintain. The password they gave me? Non-existent. Like, it's just a series of random letters and numbers that lead to nothing. I mean, come on! I've spent longer trying to connect to this pathetic WiFi than I did writing my thesis! Finally, after a good 30 minutes, I get a connection. The internet is slower than a snail on Ambien. I'm losing my mind, mostly from hunger. Oh, and is that the sound of a washing machine?
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Ankeny Search for Food. Okay, time to face the outside world. I'm starving. I've pulled up a generic search engine for local food options. They're mostly chain restaurants. Okay, it begins.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner At a Local Diner: The Meat and 3 Experience. Okay, I found a good spot. This place is named "The Diner". I went with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It wasn't fancy, but it was comforting. The waitress knew everyone's names and even managed to make me feel like a local, which is impressive considering I've been here for what feels like a month. The meatloaf didn't win any awards but that's okay, it was exactly what I needed.
Day 2: Breakfast, Mild Adventure, and Existential Dread
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Free Breakfast: A Comedy of Errors. And now… the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The free breakfast. Pray for me. The menu is your standard continental offering: sugary cereal, questionable pastries, and fruit that looks like it's seen better days. The coffee, however, is surprisingly decent. I try to avoid the "scrambled eggs" situation (suspect), and end up making a waffle. It comes out resembling a geological formation, but at least I have carbs.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Pool. I figured why not? It probably won't be the most hygienic pool, but, it's there. After the first few dips, the chlorination had finally gotten to me.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Back to the Room. Trying to find the perfect way to spend the day. I realize I'm more than a little bored.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Des Moines Art Center Experience. I'm heading outside to explore. Des Moines has an art center. I decide to experience it. It's a beautiful building, but frankly, the art itself felt a little… pretentious. Abstract this, minimalist that. I found myself wandering around, scratching my head, and wondering if I had the wrong glasses on. I did find a painting of a dog with a monocle though. That was pretty great.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Des Moines. I'm starving. I found a place to eat at, it's called the 'Fong's Pizza'. This place is wild. They serve pizza with pho toppings. I ordered the pho pizza and it was amazing.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to Ankeny I'm back in the hotel, feeling weirdly content. I've embraced the mediocrity, and it's… oddly freeing. The noise from the washing machine still hasn't stopped - is this a permanent fixture?
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great TV Hunt. The evening's Entertainment. I decide to watch TV. Finding a functioning remote control is another Olympic sport. I finally find one, but all the channels are either religious programming or infomercials. I end up watching reruns of "Law & Order: SVU." At least Olivia Benson understands my emotional turmoil.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner I have no desire to leave my room. I order a pizza locally. It came on time, and didn't disappoint.
Day 3: Departure and Reflection (Maybe)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Last Breakfast, The Last Waffle. Same as yesterday, but somehow, the coffee tastes even better.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-out and the Big Question. Did I truly experience Ankeny? The question weighs on me. Truthfully, I don't think so. Maybe I'll be back one day. Maybe not.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Drive Home. I don't know where I'm going, but maybe back the life I left.
Final Thoughts:
Ankeny, Days Inn, you weren't perfect. Hell, you were far from perfect. But you had a certain something. A quiet charm. A certain… je ne sais quoi of mild disappointment and unexpected pizza. I survived. I might even have to come back. Who knows, maybe next time, I'll get a room with a working shower. Until then… Ankeny, you were something. Or maybe nothing. But hey, at least I have stories now, right?
(And yes, I'm still mildly traumatized by the room's décor.)
Hy-Lo Hotel: Calera's BEST Kept Secret? (Stunning Hotel Reveal!)
Escape to Des Moines: Your Ankeny Oasis Awaits at Days Inn! (Uhmmm, Maybe?) - FAQ's That Aren't Exactly FAQs
Okay, So…Days Inn in Ankeny. “Oasis” is Pretty Strong, Isn’t It? What's the REAL Deal?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Oasis" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Think more… a perfectly functional… pit stop? Look, this isn't a Four Seasons. I mean, I went in expecting, you know, *something*. I’d had a day. The kind where your car mysteriously loses a tire and your boss thinks "constructive criticism" equals a public shaming. So, yeah, "oasis" felt a tad…optimistic. BUT! (and this is BIG)… the guy at the front desk, bless his soul, was *amazing*. Totally friendly. He cracked a joke about the Iowa wind, and suddenly, the slightly… worn… lobby seemed a little less depressing. So, yeah. Functional. Clean-ish. Friendly. Maybe, *maybe*, a budget-friendly respite from the soul-crushing reality of life at times. That desk guy pretty much *was* the oasis, though, seriously.
The Free Breakfast. Let's Talk About the Free Breakfast. Is It… Edible? And Is the Coffee, You Know, *Coffee*?
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, here’s my experience and I'm being *brutally* honest here. The coffee? Let's just say it's… caffeinated water. I had to drown it in sugar just to feel *something*. The "continental breakfast" itself is a roll call of beige-colored items. Think: pre-packaged danishes that look like they’ve been through a war, possibly stale bagels (I'm not even sure how they get stale *that* fast), and… well, you get the picture. But hey, it's free! I mean, it *is* fuel. And after the day I’d had, I wasn’t exactly looking for gourmet. I'd classify it as "sustenance-level breakfast." Just don’t expect to write home about it. I'm more concerned about whether the waffle maker is running. Because if that's broken, I'm not sure I could even consider it a place to consider staying in. And if that waffle maker *is* functioning, then it's a different story entirely.
What About the Rooms? Are They… Creepy? (Because I've Seen Horror Movies Enough to Know…)
Creepy? Okay, look. I didn’t see any ghosts (thank God, after the day I'd had!). The room was… adequate. Definitely not a modern masterpiece. Think slightly faded wallpaper, a TV that probably predates the internet, and a bed that, well, I *slept* in it. I can confirm. I slept. It wasn't the *best* sleep I've ever had (my own bed is way better), but I survived. The bathroom was clean-ish, but again, nothing to write home about. Basically, it felt like a room. A place to crash. A place to *hide* from the world. Yes, maybe I *needed* to hide. I got it. Maybe I was a little weirded out at first, but I'd come to terms with it. It wasn't the Bates Motel or anything. Unless the guy who had the room before me was... you know... a heavy snorer. And honestly? At the end of a day like that... anywhere safe and remotely clean is a win, I tell ya.
Is There a Pool? Because Sometimes, A Pool Can Solve Everything. Or At Least Distract Me from My Existential Dread.
Yes, there is, *allegedly*, a pool. I didn't see it because I'm a hermit who goes to hotels specifically to avoid people. But according to the website, yes. There is a pool. I heard some kids having fun by it. The website *promised*. But I'm a firm believer in viewing pools from the safety of my room. I'm a "watch from afar" kind of person. So, if you are looking for the perfect escape, be wary of the pool's power. They can be *dangerous*. I've seen cartoons.
Ankeny Itself. Is There… Anything To Do? (Besides, You Know, Existential Dread)
Okay, Ankeny. I didn’t wander *too* far. After that day, I was in hibernation mode. But there do seem to be a few restaurants nearby. I saw a few fast food joints and a couple of places that looked… vaguely interesting. It’s not exactly a bustling metropolis. My mission was to *recover*, so I didn’t do a lot of sight-seeing. I saw a Walmart. If you like Walmarts, you're in business! The key, I think, is that it’s reasonably close to Des Moines. Maybe you could make a day trip out of it. I'm not the best person to ask, as I was primarily concerned with wallowing in my own misery and watching late-night TV.
Would You Stay There Again? (Be Honest!)
…Maybe? Look, it depends on the day. If I'm looking for a cheap, basic place to crash after a truly awful day, then yes. The price was right, and the friendly desk guy almost single-handedly saved my sanity. If I'm looking for luxury? Absolutely not. If I’m already miserable and need to hide from the world, Yes. If I'm looking for a spa-like getaway: no. I'd probably need a double dose of whatever medication prevents existential dread. Is it perfect? Nope. But it’s a *place*. And sometimes, a place is all you need. A place to lick your wounds, eat a beige pastry, and contemplate the meaninglessness of existence. And sometimes, that's just enough. Especially if the waffle maker is working.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Des Moines: Your Ankeny Oasis Awaits at Days Inn!"