Des Lux Hotel

Overview

• Des Lux Hotel is a historic luxury boutique hotel originally opened in 1912 as the Des Moines Club, now offering upscale suites and rooms in downtown Des Moines. While primarily a hotel, it stands out as a wellness destination with a comprehensive 6,000 sq. ft. fitness and wellness center featuring a coed sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, alongside therapeutic massages in an on-site Relaxation Room.
• The overall atmosphere is elegant and historic, characterized by rich woods, elegant brickwork, and guardian gargoyles. Guests enjoy a welcoming, indulgent experience blending vintage charm with modern luxuries like fireplaces, whirlpools, and high-end amenities, perfect for relaxation, business, or romance.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness & Wellness Center (open 6am-11pm daily): Fully equipped with upright/recumbent bikes, treadmills, rowing machine, ellipticals, 2.1 functional trainer, free weights; includes men’s/women’s locker rooms with showers, coed sauna, steam room (temporarily closed for maintenance June 29-July 4), and Jacuzzi.
• Guest Rooms & Suites: Largest in Des Moines; many feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, separate showers, wet bars, workstations, refrigerators, coffee makers, honor bars, robes, umbrellas, 16" pillow-top mattresses, goose down pillows, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
• Complimentary Hot Breakfast: Served 7:00-10:00am daily in the breakfast room off the lobby.
• Des Lux Bar: Intimate wood-paneled lounge with the city’s best martini menu; available for private events.
• Other Amenities: Complimentary WiFi throughout, on-site parking nearby ($1/hour, $10/24hr max, EV charging, free Sundays), ADA-accessible features (grab bars, roll-in showers on request, Braille elevators, visual alarms), laundry services, and reduced high-touch items with electrostatic sanitization.

Services

• Therapeutic Massages: Individually tailored; available with 24-hour notice in the on-site Relaxation Room (call for availability).
• Romance Packages:
  • Romance ($100): Candlelight setup, chilled sparkling wine, Stam’s Chocolates.
  • Grand Romance ($300): Above plus hour-long couples massage.
• Meetings & Events: Personal planning, A/V equipment, free WiFi; venues include Board Room (up to 14), Presidential Suite & Atrium, Bar & Lobby.
• Additional Services: Complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet, fitness access, event management, COVID-19 enhanced cleaning protocols, service animal accommodation (pet-free hotel).

Pricing

• Romance Package: $100 (in addition to room and tax; sparkling wine, chocolates).
• Grand Romance Package: $300 (includes couples massage; subject to availability).
• No specific pricing listed for fitness center, sauna, steam room, or Jacuzzi access—these are complimentary for hotel guests.
• Room rates not detailed on site; book via website or call 515-288-5800; third-party bookings (e.g., Expedia) may have different policies.
• Parking: $1/hour, max $10/24 hours; free on Sundays.

Location & Hours

• Address: 800 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (prime downtown location near John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Principal Riverwalk, dining, arts venues).
• Contact: 515-288-5800 | info@desluxhotel.com | Fax: 515-244-1718.
• Operating Hours:
  • Fitness Center/Sauna/Steam/Jacuzzi: 6am-11pm daily.
  • Breakfast: 7am-10am daily.
  • Des Lux Bar: Mon 4pm-9pm, Tue-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am.
  • Check-in: 3pm | Check-out: 11am (early/late subject to fee).
  • Cancellation: 24 hours for direct bookings, 48 hours for third-party.

Notes

• Historic Significance: One of Des Moines’ most venerable properties, transformed from the 1912 Des Moines Club; features unique gargoyles, opulent common areas, and the largest rooms/suites in the city.
• Wellness Focus: Stands out with expansive fitness facilities including sauna, steam, and Jacuzzi—rare for a boutique hotel—plus on-site massages and romance packages emphasizing spa-like indulgence.
• Guest-Centric Policies: Pet-free (service animals welcome under control); full ADA compliance with requested aids like shower chairs, visual alerts; enhanced safety measures post-COVID.
• Location Perks: Steps from dynamic downtown attractions, business hubs, trails, and restaurants; easy parking/transportation options make it ideal for short wellness escapes or extended stays.