Escape to Luxury: Revel Hotel Des Moines' Unforgettable Getaway
Revel Hotel Des Moines: My Whirlwind Weekend of "Escape to Luxury" (Spoiler: I Almost Got Lost in a Robe)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a weekend at the Revel Hotel Des Moines and I'm still processing the sheer… everything. They call it "Escape to Luxury," and honestly? They ain't lyin'. But it’s not all perfectly-orchestrated pampering, folks. Oh no. There are, like, moments. And those moments… those are the story.
First things first: Accessibility. I’m not personally dealing with mobility issues, but I'm a big advocate, and I was thoroughly impressed. From the easily accessible entrances, the elevators (yes, an elevator!), to the detailed information on their website, the Revel really seem to get it. Didn't personally test the wheelchair accessibility of every single nook and cranny, but the vibe was definitely inclusive. Plus, they actually list "Facilities for disabled guests" as a feature. Points, Revel, HUGE points.
Rooms: Let's talk bedrooms, shall we? I booked a non-smoking room (duh, thanks for the reminder, Revel!) and my jaw genuinely hit the floor when I walked in. Blackout curtains? Check. Seriously, I could have slept through a zombie apocalypse. Air conditioning that worked like a champ? Double check. This girl needed the escape, ya know? And a bathtub that I may or may not have spent a solid hour soaking in with a cocktail and a book. I’m not naming names. Let’s just say, the bathrobes… holy moly. I legit considered, for a hot second, just ditching my luggage and living in that robe. I might have also spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out the bathroom phone. Why?! Who am I calling, the ghost of Joan Crawford? I eventually gave up. And the free Wi-Fi? Glorious, and it reached everywhere! Seriously. Even into the depths of my "bathtub contemplation."
Internet Access was pretty standard. They offered free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and the LAN option. The Internet services themselves were also pretty quick. You can do the basics: checking emails, browsing and of course, uploading tons of silly photos of myself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where the Revel shines. They've got the Anti-viral cleaning products plastered all over the place (which is reassuring), and implemented a lot of new Covid-era policies. The daily disinfection in common areas, the hand sanitizer stations, and the rooms sanitized between stays all made me feel much safer, but the fact they were using professional-grade sanitizing services gave me a little more peace of mind. They had all the bases covered.
But here's where things got… interesting. I saw a couple of the staff members wearing masks, but I can't say if staff were trained to adhere to safety protocols…and sometimes I'd see them slip. Sometimes the tables in the dining area would need more sanitization. It wasn't a perfectly executed, and it felt human. It wasn't some sterile, clinical experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh, the food! The Revel really gets it. I indulged in the breakfast buffet, which, let me tell you, was a masterpiece of carbs and bliss. They offered Asian breakfast and Western breakfast (so everyone could enjoy the meal). The coffee/tea was always hot and the coffee shop area was very comfy. The pool bar was awesome. They had a poolside bar, which let me say was the perfect way to relax while sipping a mimosa. And the happy hour? Let's just say my wallet wept a little. The A la carte in restaurant had amazing dishes. Their international cuisine in restaurant was exceptional and the Western cuisine in restaurant was also great. I highly recommend the appetizers! It’s what got me hooked. I felt like I had several meals in one (I may need a detox now).
I'll be honest: navigating the menu was a little overwhelming at first. So many things to choose from. I also found myself ordering something at the Poolside bar and running up a bill when they didn't have to charge my room. I wish I had a solution for that.
Ways to Relax: Okay, so this is where my weekend REALLY took off. Because that spa. The spa. I didn't get to experience the fitness center (judging me?) but I did manage to sneak in some time at the spa/sauna. There's a pool with view and the steamroom was heavenly. I also loved the massage. It was pure bliss. I had a Body scrub and Body wrap, too! I think after the weekend, I have entered a new dimension. The way they have set up the atmosphere is fantastic. I don't know how to put it into words, but I would absolutely go back for a spa date!
Services and Conveniences: They got it all. Concierge, check. Daily housekeeping, double-check. Laundry service, triple-check (because, you know, the robe incident). They even had a convenience store for emergency chocolate runs. I didn’t use many of the business facilities. The car park [free of charge]was amazing. The elevator was something I used a lot. I don't have too much to say about this category.
For the Kids: Not my department, but they have it! Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal. Sounds like a win-win.
Getting Around: Pretty standard, really. They have Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. I mostly walked, because, post-spa, I was basically radiating serenity and didn't want to risk messing it up with a car.
Overall: The Revel Hotel Des Moines is a fantastic escape. It's not perfect, it's not flawlessly executed everywhere, but it's real. It's got a soul. It's got an incredible spa, a fabulously comfy bed, great food, and staff who, despite the occasional minor hiccup, truly care about making your stay special.
Okay, Let's Talk Persuasion: Your "Escape to Luxury" Offer!
Headline: Ditch the Everyday: Revel Hotel Des Moines – Your Luxurious Getaway Awaits! (Robe Optional)
Body:
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a weekend of pure bliss? The Revel Hotel Des Moines is calling your name! We're offering an exclusive "Escape to Luxury" package designed to melt away your stress and leave you feeling utterly rejuvenated.
Here's what you get:
- Luxurious Suite: Sink into our plush beds with blackout curtains, a cozy seating area, a private bathroom, and a relaxing view.
- Spa Indulgence: Unwind with a complimentary spa treatment of your choice! (Think massage, facial, body wrap – you deserve it!)
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy a delicious breakfast to get your day started.
- Unrivaled Relaxation: Access our pool, plus all the hotel amenities.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnect, your choice!) with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
But Wait, There's More!
We're also offering a 15% discount on all additional spa treatments and a complimentary bottle of champagne to toast your well-deserved escape!
Why Revel?
We're not just a hotel; we're an experience. We're about creating moments – those delicious breakfasts, the joy the massages, and the sheer bliss of wrapping yourself in a robe and forgetting the world exists.
Limited Time Offer! Book your "Escape to Luxury" weekend by [Insert Date] and use code REVELBLISS at checkout!
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway! [Link to Hotel Website]
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Grand Boracay Resort: Paradise Found (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is a journey, a vibe, a glorious, chaotic mess of adventure in the Des Moines-Urbandale area, all orchestrated around… well, the Revel Hotel, bless its heart, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Asparagus
- 1:00 PM: ARRIVAL. (Cue dramatic music). Okay, so I'm here. Ugh. Traveling solo is supposed to be empowering, right? More like, "How do I make small talk and find the elevators at the same time?" The Revel is… uh… nice enough. Modern, clean lines. I'm already worried I'll accidentally leave my passport in the mini-fridge. Wish me luck.
- 1:30 PM: Room Check & Panic. Okay, the room is… fine. The tiny toiletries are a letdown. Where's the real travel-sized body wash? Did I pack enough socks? I'm suddenly convinced I forgot everything. Deep breaths, Sarah. Deep breaths. The view, though… a parking lot and a slightly less depressing parking lot. Still, better than a prison cell, I guess.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring the Immediate Vicinity. Lunch at a local spot, some kind of burger joint. Should have checked the reviews because the service was slow. The burger was okay. The fries, though… soggy sadness. I did, however, overhear a conversation about someone's cat and the impending squirrel apocalypse. This is Des Moines.
- 4:00 PM: Pool Time (and existential dread). The indoor pool is small, but warm. The chlorine smell is comforting. I’m convinced everyone else here knows each other. I'm definitely being judged for my slightly-too-loud splashing. Why do hotel pools always feel so… voyeuristic? Like, I'm just a blob of humanity floating in a chlorinated sea.
- 6:00 PM: Early Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (or is it?) It's supposed to be good. They’re calling it “upscale casual.” I'm hungry, so I'm hopeful. Oh my god, asparagus, perfect asparagus! I order the asparagus appetizer… and the salmon. The salmon is mediocre. The asparagus? Divine. If I could live in a world of perfect asparagus, I would. I'd name my firstborn Asparagus. (Okay, maybe not.)
- 7:30 PM: The Room, The Books, The Loneliness. Back in the room. Channel surfing until the anxiety wins. I'm trying to read a book, but keep rereading the same sentence. Why is travel so… complicated? I'm lonely, but also, I cherish the alone time. It's a vicious cycle.
- 9:00 PM: Room service. The hotel's menu has limited options. I order some overpriced dessert. Maybe sugary food will fill the void.
- 10:00 PM: SLEEP. Or, attempt to sleep. The air conditioning is too loud. The pillow is too flat. The existential dread continues, whispering in my ear.
Day 2: Small Town Charm, Big Breakfast, and a Brewery Breakdown
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast in the Hotel's Restaurant. Coffee. Lots of coffee. The buffet is… okay. The scrambled eggs taste vaguely of sadness. The bacon is a tiny, crispy miracle. I devour it. Fuel for the day!
- 9:00 AM: Exploring Urbandale. I decide to drive to a few of the local parks. I’m not sure what I'm looking for. Something… authentic, maybe? There's a playground with kids screaming. The park's a lovely escape
- 11:00 AM: Shopping Trip. Went to a few stores. Nothing much. Nothing that grabs my attention really, I decide to save for later.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a casual spot. The food is pretty normal, but the server gave me this big smile.
- 2:00 PM: Brewery Tour & Meltdown. Okay, so I'm at a local brewery, and the beers are… interesting. I'm not a huge beer person, tbh. I order a flight, because, you know, experience. The IPAs are aggressive. The stout tastes like liquid chocolate (in a good way). I'm starting to feel a little… fuzzy. Okay, maybe more than a little. I overshared with the bartender about my life. Ugh. This is mortifying. I’m gonna run, I’m gonna leave. I’m not gonna remember this. They're gonna be laughing at me.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. The beer nap. God, I’m such a disaster.
- 6:00 PM: I've gathered my courage again. I'll go out to dinner alone, I hope I can make it through the day.
- 8:00 PM: Hotel bar. The same one now.
- 9:00 PM: Back in the room. Again. Is it the end.
Day 3: Departure (and a promise to learn to love myself).
- 9:00 AM: Check-Out. I leave the room. It’s over. I didn't even break anything. I'm ready! Time to go back home.
- 9:15 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel Restaurant. Again. Pancakes. They're okay.
- 10:00 AM: Head for wherever. In my imagination, I'm leaving empowered. I'm a changed woman! I'm ready to embrace my imperfections. I should have gone somewhere different, but I didn't. I'm ready to be on the move! I'll see you guys next time!
- 12:00 PM: Arriving home. All over.
Escape to Luxury: Revel Hotel Des Moines - Ask Anything (and We Might Actually Answer!)
Okay, so what's the *real* deal with the Revel Hotel? Is it worth the hype?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the hype is... well, it's *there*. Look, I'm a Des Moines local. I've seen things. I've eaten things. I've *lived* things. The Revel? Depends on the "thing" you're looking to do. If you're picturing a glitzy LA hotel, *slow down*. This is Des Moines. But, for Des Moines? Yes. Absolutely, *yes*. Think sophisticated Iowa. Think "Hey, this is nice but also, I can probably snag some free snacks from the lobby." (Which, by the way, TRY THOSE COOKIES. Seriously. I may or may not have judged a family for taking *all* the cookies last week. Not proud, but... damn those cookies.) The hype stems from a lack of truly *luxe* options in the area before. Revel fills a niche, a welcome one.
What's a "Revel Experience?" Sounds kinda... vague.
"Revel Experience" is corporate speak, right? Essentially, it's their attempt to make your stay more than just a bed and a tiny shampoo bottle. They push packages - think "Romantic Getaway!" which... *eyeroll*... but hey, if you're into that, knock yourself out. My "Revel Experience" involved a late-night existential crisis fueled by a poorly made Old Fashioned at the bar (more on THAT later), and then an AMAZING breakfast burrito. So, your mileage may vary. Don’t expect fireworks. Expect... a solid, comfortable stay with some nice touches. The gym *looks* amazing. I have, uh, heard things about it. From the front desk when I was asking about something completely unrelated, and then, after I asked, “So you’ve heard good things about the gym, huh?” It was just a quick, “yeah,” so I’m inclined to believe it's good. I should have remembered how to keep my mouth shut.
Is the food at the restaurant any good, or is it overpriced hotel food?
Okay, *this* is where we get real. The restaurant? It's… inconsistent. Let's call it that. I went once and had a steak that was drier than my ex's Instagram bio after our breakup. Another time? The pasta was *divine*. I'm convinced they have two chefs, a culinary god and a guy who just learned to boil water. The breakfast burrito, consistently good. The bar food is decent, especially after a few drinks when your standards plummet. Here's my advice: Go with an open mind. Read recent reviews. And be prepared to possibly send something back. But the *ambiance* is lovely. Seriously. Even if you end up eating dry steak, the lighting is flattering. And the service? Generally, pretty darn good. The servers seem genuinely happy to be there, which is a rarity in the service industry.
The bar. Tell me about the bar. Is it actually a vibe?
The bar. Ah, the bar. This is where things get…complicated. The space *itself* is gorgeous. Mid-century modern, sleek, all that jazz. My *first* experience? Utterly, horribly, memorably *failed*. It was a "trying to impress a date" night. I ordered an Old Fashioned. What arrived was a sugary abomination that tasted suspiciously like cough syrup. I, mortified, tried to act cool. This was when I realized my cocktail knowledge started and ended with “I like beer” and my date, bless her heart, just ordered a glass of what she knew, red wine. I ordered a second. Same disaster. Said nothing. That date… didn’t last. I still blame the drink.
But here’s the *thing*, the next time, and the time after that? *Much* better. Different bartender. Apparently, the skill level can vary wildly. They make a decent martini, a good Manhattan, whatever you would expect. So, go for the aesthetics, enjoy the sleekness (they're doing okay, I'm getting there), but maybe… maybe ask someone to "make it strong." Or have a backup drink in mind. And for the love of all that is holy, don't order an Old Fashioned on a first date. Not if you have a shot at a second one at least.
What's parking like? Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Thankfully, no immediate nightmare. They have valet – gasp! – which is a godsend if you're feeling lazy (or, you know, it's freezing cold, which, hello, Des Moines). You can also usually find street parking, but it might involve circling for a bit, especially on a busy weekend. I'd say, pony up for the valet unless you *really* enjoy driving in circles. I’m also terrible at parallel parking, so… valet. Worth every penny.
Are the rooms actually luxurious?
Let's define "luxurious." Is it Buckingham Palace luxurious? No. Is it a step above your average chain hotel? Definitely. The beds are comfy, the linens are nice, the bathrooms are modern. They usually do a pretty good job with the details - nice toiletries, a decent coffee maker. I've been in rooms with the most amazing city view, and others… well, they faced a brick wall. So, you're taking a chance. Ask for a view, and be prepared to tip the housekeeping. They work hard. And honestly, a comfy bed and hot shower are all you really need, right? That’s what I constantly tell myself.
Any hidden fees or surprises I should be aware of?
Standard hotel fees apply, of course. They usually hit you with a resort fee, which, honestly, seems a bit…much, considering we're in Des Moines. But you'll get it. Check before you book, so you're not caught off guard. Otherwise? Keep an eye on the mini-bar, those little temptations add up *fast*. And tip generously! Everyone from the bellhop to the barback works hard. And deserves it. You want good service. You gotta tip. It's the law of the land, people.
Would you go back?
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the hit-or-miss food, the occasionally dodgy cocktails, and the slightly inflated prices...Book a Stay
