DES MOINES, Iowa — The newly constructed Hilton Des Moines Downtown opened its doors this spring as the only hotel directly connected to the Iowa Events Center, which comprises a world-class convention center and the Wells Fargo Arena.
The opening of this hotel will attract more large-scale meetings and events to Des Moines and, in turn, increase economic activity throughout the community.
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown has 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom that opens onto a lovely outdoor terrace. All meeting space is on the same floor, allowing for easy flow among the spaces for multifunction meetings and events. The property is the only hotel in downtown Des Moines that features natural light in every meeting room. Each space pulls through the techcentric theme of the hotel, which features technology such as touch-screen navigation signage, smart window lighting and Click Share technology in boardrooms.
Reflecting Des Moines’ growing status as one of the nation’s leading technology hubs, the hotel was designed to celebrate the agricultural and technological influences of the city. The Hilton Des Moines Downtown features windows that are arranged in a binary pattern to resemble barcodes; custom-designed, circuit-board-inspired carpets; and light fixtures that playfully mimic the appearance of wiring. The techcentric hotel offers digital check-in, USB ports throughout its vibrant lobby and a tech lounge with complimentary computers and internet. A nod to the city’s agricultural roots, the precast panels on the side of the hotel were inspired by wheat, and the windows and outside facade by corn and soybean rows. The overall aesthetic pulls colors from its agricultural surroundings.
As part of the Des Moines Skywalk system, the hotel provides a direct connection to the Iowa Events Center, offering the most convenient accommodation option for convention attendees.
“Hilton Des Moines Downtown will attract even more people and events to central Iowa,” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “The fact that the hotel is connected and right next door to the Iowa Events Center is a game-changer for us in luring new conventions, sporting events and trade shows to the metro. Prior to opening the doors of the hotel, the Catch Des Moines team has already booked over 23 new conventions, conferences and sporting events.”
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown invites guests to the community with its locally inspired touches, including a rotating art exhibit, provided by the local Moberg Gallery. The artwork, created by local and regional artists, is proudly displayed and available for purchase in the hotel’s lobby.
The hotel is also home to Park Street Kitchen, a modern restaurant featuring dishes created with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and Des Moines’ only outdoor patio fireplace. The restaurant is led by Chef Nick Marino, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, who joins the team from his previous position at Hilton’s acclaimed Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
