We attended the Iowa-Iowa State game and the Ames hotels were charging outrageous rates. We opted to stay in Ankeny and the location was perfect. Ankeny gets you out of the downtown Des Moines traffic and Ames is a straight shot north. We had our choice of restaurants within a short distance.
Our room (on the 3rd floor) was very clean and the beds very comfortable. Breakfast was good (biscuits and gravy, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, donuts, etc.) and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly.
The only negatives I can remember....the pool area is like a sauna. I know many are that way, but this is exceptionally hot and humid. We had to prop the outside door open and sit next to it while the kids swam. Also, some of the hallways seemed very dark. Neither is a deal breaker....would stay again in a minute.
