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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel in Des Moines with free breakfast and 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Suite, Multiple Beds
Property amenity
Restaurant
Restaurant
Exterior
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a practical base for travelers with key conveniences. Guests can use the gym, in-room WiFi, and laundry facilities. Free self-parking and vending machines add ease, while the staff is consistently praised for their helpfulness.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$108
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sept 27 - Sept 28
Check availability for tonight Sept 27 - Sept 28

Tomorrow

Sept 28 - Sept 29
Check availability for tomorrow Sept 28 - Sept 29
Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.0 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the area

Located in Merle Hay, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is in the entertainment district and near the airport. Jordan Creek Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Adventureland and Iowa State Fairgrounds. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Buccaneer Arena.
Visit our Des Moines travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Living History Farms - 10 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Iowa Events Center - 12 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Casey's Center - 13 min drive - 12.5 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel near Drake University
Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides amenities, such as free continental breakfast and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self-parking
  • 1 meeting room, a lift and coffee/tea in reception
  • A vending machine, ATM/banking services and a 24-hour front desk
Room features
All 150 rooms have comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to perks such as free WiFi and free bottled water. Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations
  • 43-inch TVs with Netflix, streaming services and premium channels
  • Fridges, microwaves and housekeeping

Similar properties

Lobby

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,032 reviews
The price is AU$101
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Meeting room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch TV with premium satellite channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls and litter trays are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 18 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road
Hotel Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Suites Des Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Moines Merle Hays Road
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Des Moines
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Suites Des Moines/Merle Hays Road

Frequently asked questions

Is Sonesta Essential Des Moines pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

As of 27 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 6 Oct 2025 start from AU$103.46, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Des Moines located?

Located in Merle Hay, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Merle Hay Mall and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 353 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 265 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 179 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 120 out of 1017 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was decent for a nights stay, the free breakfast was a bonus for someone traveling across the country.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay for the money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bridgette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff is excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Low key, friendly staff, central location near highway and main roads breakfast included helped budget.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
So far this property is clean, updated and the front staff lady is beyond welcoming and friendly!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Decent place to stay for 1 night
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean nice service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arnie

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very impressed with property for the great price. Room was clean, bed and pillows were very comfortable. Breakfast was typical breakfast for places like this. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

It was clean and breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laramie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Danny

It has a good place to lay of head down..
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just a nice place to stay. The room was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Na
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bed was starting to dip in the middle Food was good for breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was close to the mall. It was clean and easily accessible.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheyenne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the room had a strange smell
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa Lyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaeni

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like Stay here at Sonesta Essentials it's nice and clean and they have housekeeping daily.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sanjana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The check in was so easy and quick. I'm a female solo traveler and the place felt very safe. The parking is a little bit far from the door, but still plenty of space. The rooms were very neat, the shower was great and the breakfast looked good. I love that they left me a water bottle in the room because most places don't do that and it was very helpful for me when I checked in late at night. Overall a great experience.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025