noplasticshowers

I’ve never been to Iowa before, but my seven years in Indiana seems to have prepared me well. Nice people in this vowel state. Flat land. Impossible to get lost unless your IQ is very low indeed.

Getting here on United was two sucky hops. No upgrade as usual on the Chicago leg. And a pretend airplane on the Des Moines hop. Gate change in Chicago caused a 35 minute useless round trip bus trip to F. United airlines sucks.

The Suites at 800 Locust is about as close to boutique that you can get in Des Moines. (That is, not very close.) It’s more of an old school hotel in the center of town. The lobby tells all.

Ornate lobby from another century

Attempt number one at getting a room resulted in a plastic shower and a room with an interior view. Room 322 lasted only 10 minutes.

Here is ill fated room 322 (avoid).

322

plastic shower

The inner courtyard has not much light.

So they switched me seamlessly to 402. This room is much better. Glass shower. Better layout. Outside window (a bit noisy it turns out so request the East side of the building if you stay here). But the furniture is still veneer on particle board. Really?

Sit.

sleep

402 shower = glass

shiny

Dinner at Django was passable. Good charcuterie. Fair wine list. Great bread. Boring steak.

All told, four showerheads for the Suites. Kimpton, what’s the chance of Des Moines??