This was an unexpected gem. My wife and I needed a DM airport hotel for one night after a late night flight arrival, and chose Baymont mostly because it was significantly less expensive than the ones closer to the airport. When we arrived, the night manager Randall was extremely friendly and helpful. The room was terrific, in every respect. They have better amenities than most hotels, including a room full of things you can buy that is more like a mini-convenience store than a hotel sundry shop. The fitness center is head and shoulders above what most hotels provide, and the arcade has pool tables, cornhole, pinball machines, and other fun stuff. And the best part is the breakfast -- because this hotel is owned (or managed) by a trucking company in large part for its truckers (the ones we met were friendly and fun to talk with), Baymont has a breakfast chef (James) whose buffet is at least one big notch above the breakfasts at most hotels -- it was so good that my wife and I loaded up and I then had what was essentially what the hobbits would call second breakfast. We'll stay at the Baymont anytime we come through Des Moines again.
