Series : Return to the Palace On Walnut Street
Thoughts on Hotel Fort Des Moines
PREFACE
I previously shared a whimsical account in which I set out upon a secret mission to explore Hotel Fort Des Moines. Together, we tiptoed around the property and found one of the most beautiful rooms I could imagine. To my delight, the post was not only well received, but has generated more visits to my blog than any other article so far. I feared that the hotel management would think that I had been too intrusive. I forgot that running a property like the Hotel Fort Des Moines is a labor of love. If anyone would understand the starry eyed feeling I had there, it would be them. Still, I was shocked to be invited back! Now I’ve had the privilege of touring the property with someone who knows many of its secrets.
More important… They had keys to everything.
Hotel Fort Des Moines opened in 1919 and quickly became a prime destination for those who find themselves in Iowa. Those who know me in person will know that I am fascinated by curating an experience. This presents itself in many ways; building Hidden Des Moines into a brand is a fine example. I have been known to turn anything into a special event. (That is how I wound up having champagne on a roof for my 3000 follower celebration.)
As a child, I was enthralled by ocean liner travel of the early 20th century. This was a world where every detail of a passenger’s time on board was thoughtfully planned. From the food, to the architecture, to the sounds- every detail was meant to be captivating. I am reminded of the golden age of ocean liner travel when I visit Hotel Fort Des Moines. (I do that often). Even without officially touring, it’s easy to tell that this place is special. The thought put into blending new and old here is exquisite. A near seven year construction hiatus proved to be worth it.
THE HILTON, THE HAWKEYE, AND MR HIDDEN
Residents of Des Moines may already know that this is a property operated under the Hilton umbrella, labeled a Hilton Curio Collection hotel. One might wonder, “Why hasn't this become The Hilton Des Moines?” I can elaborate.
This style of marketing seems to be a trend among national hotel chains over the last several years. As a luxury retail manager, I can understand what’s happening here. Brands are about creating a consistent experience. Those who’ve seen the AMC network hit Mad Men may recall a (fictitious) interaction between the main character, Don Draper, and Conrad Hilton. The ad campaign that Don presents is all about the consistency of the Hilton experience in destinations all over the world. “How do you say Hamburger in Japanese? Hilton.”
Hypothetically, turning Hotel Fort Des Moines into THE HILTON creates three problems for the brand.
1. Locals feel disconnected from the property, despite its roots in the area.
2. People looking for the consistency of the usual Hilton experience may show up at a historic property and find that it is not what they expected. Not to say older hotels are bad, they’re just not the streamlined modernistic hotels that Hilton is generally known for. (Like our neighbors on Park Street.)
3. There is already a Hilton Hotel in Des Moines.
The Curio Collection is the Hilton Hotels and Resorts company’s answer. All the prestige, but I interpret it as a little less formulaic in nature.
There is also one other business party to consider. The property is owned by an Iowan company, which I’m sure is a relief to those who like to support Iowa business. Hawkeye Hotels is based in Coralville- this is the crown jewel in their nation-wide portfolio of properties. In interviews with company leadership, you can sense that this is as much a passion project as it is a business venture. Hilton’s name might be on the desk, but this place would not exist in this form without Hawkeye Hotels. Every detail (both modern and historical) was given special thought in the rehabilitation of this hotel.
Finally there's me. Why am I so drawn to Hotel Fort Des Moines? Becoming Mr. Hidden is an exercise in living like the main character- in romanticizing my life for the benefit of my mental health. I picked this as a setting because, put simply, it’s fabulous. So I’m hanging around to see what parts of my story unfold here.
As far as this series goes, we’ll look at some spaces around the hotel. If you visit you can use these posts to impress people with your knowledge about a local landmark- or you can just revel in the beauty with me. I’ll also talk you through a review of both Hob-Nob Coffee and Winebar and Proudfoot & Bird, the onsite dining options.
In my next installment, I’ll walk you through some of the public spaces in the hotel. We’ll talk about the lobby, the ballrooms, and the reading room.
Stay tuned for it!
