Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection, is one of the more distinctive upscale hotel choices in downtown Des Moines. Autograph Collection is a Marriott group of independent-minded hotels, each meant to have its own personality rather than follow a template. That makes it a good fit for travelers who want the reliability of a large hotel company together with the feel of a boutique stay. Alongside the grand historic hotels and the familiar chains, it gives the city a modern and stylish alternative. Expect rooms with quality bedding, thoughtful lighting and a modern bathroom, along with a work area for those on business. Public spaces typically include a restaurant and bar that serve guests and locals, and a lobby with a more refined mood than the casual brands. Because each Autograph hotel is individual, the specifics of the decor, dining and extras are best checked when you book, as room categories and facilities change over time. The downtown address puts you near the skywalk system, the Western Gateway parks, the Capitol and the Court Avenue district, with restaurants and bars within a short walk. At this end of the city you can explore without a car, and an evening out can begin and end within a few blocks. If you are in Des Moines for a wedding, a concert, a business trip or a romantic weekend, this hotel is a stylish, central base.
This hotel suits couples, business travelers, small groups and anyone treating themselves. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere is more grown-up than at the value hotels, and travelers who want a pool or a kitchen may prefer a different type of hotel. The trade-off for the polish is price: expect higher rates than at the mid-range hotels nearby, particularly on event weekends.
Plan around the city calendar. The State Fair in August, large conventions, concerts and college events fill downtown rooms and push up prices. Midweek stays outside those windows can be much cheaper. Compare flexible and non-refundable rates, ask about packages that include dining or parking, and confirm what the rate includes when you book.
A good plan for a weekend is to spend the first day in the downtown core, with a walk through the sculpture park, a visit to the library and the science center, and a long lunch. Save the second day for the East Village and the river trails, and finish with dinner at a favorite restaurant. The hotel restaurant and bar are convenient on a tired evening, and a nightcap in the lobby is a pleasant way to end a day.
Practical tips
Ask for a higher floor and a quieter room, check the parking arrangement and cost, and confirm check-in and check-out times if you have an early flight or a late event. If you are celebrating something, mention it when you book, as hotels at this level often add small touches. All told, this is a refined and central base for visitors who want comfort and character in downtown Des Moines.
Why stay here
- ✓Downtown Des Moines location
- ✓Autograph Collection hotel
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Close to the skywalk system
- ✓Near the Western Gateway
- ✓Work area in rooms
- ✓Parking available
Good questions
Where is Surety Hotel?+
In downtown Des Moines, near the skywalk, the Western Gateway and the Court Avenue district. Check the map when you book.
What is the Autograph Collection?+
A group of independent-minded Marriott hotels, each with its own character and design.
Who is it best for?+
Couples, business travelers and anyone who wants an upscale, central hotel.
