Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Our family of four, three adults, one child, and our dog, had to stop unexpectedly because of a storm. Stoney Creek got us checked in around midnight without any hassle, and the front desk woman was very friendly. The cozy log-cabin feel was perfect for December snow, and the place had a fun atmosphere. Our child had a great time and the adults were glad to be welcomed so easily and get some rest. The clean room had a nice view of the outdoor pool, and the bathroom was cute and clean. The water got hot fast. There was a lobby snack bar for late-night treats, and the pool, which connects indoors and outdoors, looked like a lot of fun. The hot tub was very nice too. Breakfast was alright. The pancake machine was broken, but we enjoyed everything else they offered. 10/10, we'd recommend it and come back if we're passing through again.

The most memorable part came after we got home. I realized I'd lost my Leatherman tool and flashlight, both things I normally carry in my pocket. After searching the car, I called the hotel. A staff member checked our room and the lobby couch where we'd sat the previous night, found both items, and arranged to ship them back. They had monetary and sentimental value, so I was incredibly grateful. Their honesty and willingness to help made a great impression. Thank you to the team at Stoney Creek for the excellent service. My wife and I had stayed at Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston, IA for an event in its convention space, and had a very good experience. The facility was nice, although a little dated in some areas, and it looked like updates were underway. It was generally clean and well kept, with comfortable places to sit and relax in the evening. The bar was small but nice, and the staff there were friendly. Hotel staff were welcoming and tried to be helpful and accommodating. Breakfast in the morning was a nice bonus, and the conference area was spacious and worked well for the event.

The pool house heater was broken, and we were told to swim at our own risk. I'd called the day before and had been told everything was working properly. At check-in, the front desk said the heater had just broken that day, but that wasn't true. It had been broken for two weeks. The pool and hot tub were heated, but with temperatures feeling like -25, the pool house heater should have been fixed. There were never any towels at the pool, even though it wasn't busy. The hot tub was decently hot, but only two jets worked, and a broken jet let cold water flow into it constantly. Our room was clean and the bed was comfortable, but the heater made a terrible noise when it shut off. The carpet in the hallway was wrinkled and torn. Breakfast was a joke: the juice machine was broken, the eggs were cold and runny, and the potatoes tasted like plastic. Breakfast staff seemed too busy to ask for anything. The front desk staff were friendly, but often away from the desk when I needed help, with many other guests waiting too. Housekeeping was very nice and got me what I needed right away.

The kids still seemed to enjoy the pool, even though its room heater was broken, the hot tub wasn't very hot, and there were no towels. The bar area was nice, but freezing, and so was the breakfast area. The first floor was so cold that even employees had blankets on to stay warm. Our room was nice, clean, and comfortable, but we didn't sleep much after a kid pulled the fire alarm at 3am. Breakfast was good, but when we asked if they would make more eggs and potatoes because they were gone, staff said the oven had broken so they couldn't.