Being regular “B&B-ers” we know the general routine of bed and breakfasts. I made a reservation for the “loft” area of the Cottage for a two night stay, the first night having our teenage daughter with us for Drake registration. With the recent flooding of Wisconsin and Iowa, I was unsure what time we’d arrive as traffic was detoured extensively. I thought we’d get there around 6 p.m. and told the owners this. I did call at 6:30 as we approached Ames, Iowa to give the owners a heads up we’d be there shortly.

On arrival, we were greeted by a two year old, screaming, naked girl and her obviously frustrated mother. She got the owner who then said, “I don’t think I made up your room yet.” She took us upstairs and admitted that her daughter had spent time up there. I was horrified by an overflowing trash can, an unmade bed, and dirty towels on the bathroom floor in addition to personal items strewn all over the room. After a ten hour drive, we reluctantly decided to stay as we were exhausted.

I awkwardly watched as the owner quicky changed the sheets and picked up the other debris, including emptying the refrigerator of food from the last guests a week prior. Twice her husband walked into our room explaining “they didn’t expect us this early” to deliver toilet paper and soap. (Usually B&B check in is around 4 p.m.., we were there around 7 p.m.) The bathroom had not been cleaned, although it was not filthy, it had been used prior to our arrival by the owner’s daughter.

The next morning breakfast was modest, but edible, which we ate while the owner entertained her two year old grandson. Having young children at a B&B was very strange.

At the Drake reception that evening, I met a woman also staying at the Cottage. She said she was greeted by the breathless owners saying she was there early, arriving at 6 p.m., to quickly check in and then rush back to the University. She tried to get lodging elsewhere in the area as she felt the place was “weird” but none was available.

We declined breakfast for the next morning to meet our daughter at Drake and dine with her. At 9 a.m. we went to check out to find the owners gone. The entire place was empty. No note of explanation was left. We left a message on their telephone answering machine saying we had checked out.

While this place has huge potential under the right ownership, these people are obviously out of touch with managing a bed and breakfast. To tell guests they’re early at 7 p.m., and lead them to a dirty room is beyond comprehension.

Do yourself a big favor and find other lodging when in Des Moines.

My husband and I spent 3 nights at the Cottage Bed and Breakfast and had a wonderful stay. I'm a light sleeper and had no problems sleeping. We stayed in the Sage room on the first floor and the bed was wonderful. Becky, our host, besides cooking us a delicious gourmet breakfast every morning also told us to enjoy the house and make ourselves comfortable, which we did. The location of the Cottage Bed and Breakfast gave us easy access to Des Moines. Becky recommmended the Drake Diner within walking distance of the Cottage and we ended up having all 3 dinners there. Becky makes your stay comforable and at the same time gives you space to enjoy your stay without her hovering around you.

We checked into The Cottage on March 10, 2006 to find John and Becky, new owners of less than 24 hours, ready to greet us as their first guests. Everything about our stay was pleasant and I am certain these folks will easily maintain the class and character of this wonderful B and B. Our breakfast was indeed, the best on the Great Plains, and a "good old Iowa breakfast" in serving size too. The rooms are delightful and there is plenty of common space, the inn is centrally located and the quiet neighborhood ideal for leisurely walking. In Des Moines, this is the place to stay!