Though Des Moines, Iowa, is not thought of as a great golf destination, in the spring, summer and early fall it offers nearly perfect weather for the activity. Further, it also host a Champion's Tour event that is well attended at the Glen Oaks Country Club. Top golf courses within 30 minutes of downtown Des Moines include the Arnold Palmer-designed Tournament Club of Iowa, the nationally recognized Harvester and Waveland, which is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River.
Hotel Fort Des Moines
The hotel is not the oldest hotel building in Des Moines, but it could be the longest continuously-operated hotel, being built in 1919. The Hotel Fort Des Moines bills itself as a classic example of the high-rise hotel architecture of the early 20th century. It has housed presidents and movie stars alike. It has a 60-foot long lap pool, and offers suites and standard rooms, all with high-speed Internet access.
Though the hotel does not have any golf courses on the property or immediately adjacent to it, the hotel staff can help arrange golf outings. It is a property recommended by the Athletic-Minded Traveler group, possibly because of its lap pool facility. Cardiovascular equipment is also available for hotel guests.
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-1161
hotelfortdesmoines.com
Renaissance Savery Hotel
With a touch of Victorian elegance in the middle of the Midwest, the Des Moines Renaissance Savery Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. From the lobby, decorated with 19th century furniture, to the luxury suites, the hotel prides itself on its interior design, as well as its commitment to customer service.
The Renaissance Savery Hotel, a Marriott property, offers a number of amenities. There is a full-service restaurant, as well as a lounge and coffee shop. The hotel offers high-speed Internet access, both wired and wireless throughout the building and guest rooms.
Renaissance Savery Hotel
401 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-2151
marriott.com
Suites of 800 Locust
Though this is one of the area's newer hotels, especially in the downtown area of Des Moines, the building that houses the Suites of 800 Locust is anything but new. Construction of the building ended in 1912, when it was used as the Des Moines Club. In the years that followed, it went through a variety of different business types, including being used for retail and service businesses and a barber shop.
The Suites of 800 Locust features guest suites with fireplaces. There are three phones in each suite, and high-speed Internet access is offered. A health club is also on site, so you can stay in shape when not out on the golf courses.
The Suites of 800 Locust
800 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-5800
800locust.com
About The Author
Kenneth Black has been a freelance writer since 2008. He currently works as a staff writer for "The Times Republican" in Central Iowa. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including business, politics, family life and travel. Black holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix.
