You walk into the lobby and immediately feel the weight of a century. It isn't just the smell of polished wood or the way the light hits the marble. It’s the vibe. The Renaissance Savery Hotel Des Moines Iowa has been sitting at the corner of 4th and Locust since 1919, but it feels older and newer all at once. It’s a weirdly beautiful contradiction.
Most people heading to Des Moines for a business trip or a weekend getaway just look for the closest Marriott or Hilton near the Wells Fargo Arena. They want a clean bed. They want decent Wi-Fi. They get those things at the Savery, sure, but they’re missing the point if they don’t realize they’re basically sleeping in a museum that happens to have a really great bar.
The Ghost of Iowa Politics Past
If these walls could actually talk, they’d probably be under subpoena. Seriously.
The Savery wasn’t just a hotel; it was the unofficial headquarters for the Iowa Caucuses for decades. Every major political player from the last hundred years has probably paced these hallways, sweating over delegate counts or nursing a bourbon after a primary loss. Harry Truman stayed here. So did Buffalo Bill Cody.
It’s got that "smoke-filled room" energy, even though nobody has smoked inside for years.
When the hotel underwent its massive $34 million renovation a few years back, there was a lot of local anxiety. People were worried the owners would "modernize" the soul right out of it. Honestly, they nailed the balance. You still have the ornate plasterwork on the ceilings and the grand staircase that makes you feel like you should be wearing a tuxedo, but the rooms don't feel like your grandma's attic anymore. They’re sleek.
What it’s Actually Like to Stay Here
Let’s get into the weeds.
The rooms are a bit of a gamble if you’re used to cookie-cutter floor plans. Because it’s a historic building, the layouts are all over the place. You might get a room that feels like a sprawling apartment, or you might end up in a cozy nook that reminds you that people were generally smaller in 1919.
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- The Bedding: Standard Renaissance-level quality. High thread count, firm but not "plywood" firm.
- The View: It depends. If you’re facing Locust Street, you get the downtown buzz. If you’re on the back side, you’re looking at rooftops and the skywalk system.
- The Tech: Plenty of USB ports. They didn't skimp on the outlets during the reno, which is a godsend because hunting for a plug behind a heavy oak dresser is the worst part of staying in old hotels.
The skywalk access is arguably the biggest selling point for anyone visiting in January. If you aren't from the Midwest, you might not understand the glory of walking three blocks to dinner in a t-shirt when it’s -10°F outside. The Savery is a major hub for that network. You can get to the Iowa Events Center or the local business district without ever feeling the wind chill.
Eating and Drinking at Scopri
You’ve gotta talk about the food. The hotel’s main restaurant, Scopri, focuses on Italian cuisine. It’s good. Like, surprisingly good for a hotel kitchen.
They do this thing with local Iowa ingredients—think heavy cream, corn, and thick-cut pork—but they dress it up with enough Italian finesse that you don't feel like you need a nap immediately after lunch. The Cacio e Pepe is a standout. It’s simple. It’s salty. It works.
But the bar? That’s where the magic happens.
The C-Level bar is where the locals actually go. It’s not just for tourists. You’ll see lobbyists whispering in booths next to couples on a first date. It has that dark, moody lighting that makes everyone look about 20% more interesting.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
There are quirks. Every old hotel has them.
The elevators are a little slow. Not "I’m going to be late for my meeting" slow, but you definitely have time to check your reflection and fix your hair twice. Also, the plumbing can be... vocal. You might hear the occasional clank of a radiator or the rush of water through old pipes. To some, it’s "historic charm." To others, it’s a reminder that the building is 100 years old.
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Also, parking in downtown Des Moines is never fun. The valet at the Savery is efficient, but it’s an extra cost you need to bake into your budget. If you try to find street parking, good luck. You’ll be feeding meters or hiking from a distant garage.
Comparing the Savery to the Des Moines Competition
You have choices. The Hotel Fort Des Moines is another historic heavy hitter nearby. It’s a bit more "minimalist-chic" these days. Then you have the Des Lux, which is more boutique and quirky.
The Renaissance Savery Hotel Des Moines Iowa sits right in the middle. It’s more "grand" than the Des Lux but warmer and more "Old World" than the Fort Des Moines. It feels like a Marriott property—meaning you get your Bonvoy points and a predictable level of service—but it doesn't look like one.
For many travelers, that's the sweet spot. You want the reliability of a global brand but you don't want to wake up and forget which city you’re in because the room looks exactly like the one you had in Cleveland.
Is It Worth the Price?
Usually, yes. Des Moines isn't Chicago or New York; your dollar goes a lot further here. You can often snag a room at the Savery for a price that would get you a broom closet in a coastal city.
However, during big events—like the Iowa State Fair in August or a major political summit—prices spike. If you’re coming for the Fair, book six months in advance. No joke.
Technical Details for the Modern Traveler
- Fitness Center: It’s better than most. They have real weights and modern cardio machines. No dark, windowless basement vibes here.
- Pet Policy: They are pet-friendly, but there’s a fee. Des Moines is a very dog-friendly city, so it’s worth bringing the pup if you’re on a road trip.
- Meeting Spaces: The ballrooms are stunning. If you’re planning a wedding, the Des Moines Room is basically the gold standard in the city.
Moving Forward With Your Trip
If you’re heading to Des Moines, don't just treat the hotel as a place to crash.
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First, check the local event calendar. If there’s a show at the Des Moines Civic Center, the Savery is the perfect home base. It’s a five-minute walk.
Second, explore the skywalk. Even if it’s a nice day, just walk through it for ten minutes. It’s a weird, elevated city-within-a-city that defines the Des Moines experience.
Third, hit the East Village. The hotel is in the heart of the business district, but the East Village—just across the river—is where the best shopping and independent coffee shops are. You can walk there in 15 minutes or take a very short Uber ride.
The Renaissance Savery isn't perfect, but it’s authentic. In a world of prefabricated travel experiences, that’s becoming increasingly rare. It’s a place where you can feel the history of the Midwest without having to sacrifice a good shower or fast internet.
When you book, ask for a room on a higher floor. You’ll get better light and a better sense of how the city has grown up around this old sentinel on 4th Street. Enjoy the C-Level bar, eat the pasta at Scopri, and take the stairs at least once just to look at the woodwork. You’re staying in a piece of Iowa history; you might as well act like it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your Marriott Bonvoy app for "Member Rates" which often shave 10-15% off the standard Savery booking price.
- Verify the skywalk hours if you arrive late; while the hotel is always accessible, some sections of the skywalk system have restricted hours during weekends.
- Contact the concierge 48 hours before arrival if you require specific room configurations, as the historic nature of the building means "King" rooms vary significantly in square footage.