Best Western Holiday Lodge

This hotel is in need of some serious updating. We found our room to be in terrible repair and filthy. It seemed like houskeeping tried to (unsuccessfully) cover up the worrisome, odd smell with a pungent deodorizer. The carpet was so dirty that we wore socks or shoes whenever we walked around for fear of what may be lurking. We only stayed at this location because the website made it seem like a good choice and my reservation was nonrefundable. I will not make that mistake again.

If you are sensitive to strong deodorizer scents DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL. After trying to sleep for a couple hours, I went to the front desk to ask if there might be a room that didn't have that horrible strong smell, but the man at the desk said they all smell the same. I went outside to breathe in some fresh air and to try to decide if I should sleep in my car. I decided that that would not be safe, so I tried to tough it out. I put the sheet over my nose and finally at 4:30 am I packed up and checked out. The man asked if I got any sleep and I said no, but I did get a huge headache and nausea. I asked for a bottle of water and he said there are some for sale in the other room. Wow. Such great customer service. I have never experienced anything like this at any other BW and I have stayed at BWs all across the US. I now do not trust the brand and will read all reviews before selecting another BW, or I might just switch to Fairfield Inns.

This venue is very clean and the location is very convenient. The staff is courteous and helpful. The onsite restaurant is very good and has a varied menu. I had a specific room request and that was not a problem. I was there for a conference and our experience got a favorable rating from our members.

Do not stay in the "tunnel" building. Elderly people cannot do the hike nor the 3 flights of steps. Also, burritos for breakfast - most elderly do not eat. Nothing worse than having to stop elsewhere for breakfast. The tunnel building they put us in was old and a hike from the front desk. My parents are elderly, and this was no picnic.

You won't regret staying at this Best Western! It has anything you could want for a pleasant stay, whether it's just one night or a week long vacation! With Bennigan's so close you don't need to worry about driving "tired" to find something substantial to eat before you settle in to sleep! We drove from a Days Inn in Ankeny that was so AWFUL we couldn't sleep there another night! Arriving at Best Western was like coming home!