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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Modern hotel in Merle Hay combines comfort with practical amenities including laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk, and easy access to everything travelers need

Choose dates to view prices

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

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
The current price is ₩125,622
₩145,131 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 21 - Aug 22

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for King Room

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen Room

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds (surcharge), WiFi (free)

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside lamps, a window with curtains, and a view of greenery outside.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, two nightstands, a bright green sofa, and a wooden floor.

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a green armchair, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wall-mounted artwork.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.2 out of 10
Good
(25 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a bright green chair, and a view of a building outside.

Suite, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

A hotel room with three beds, a bright green chair, and a wooden floor.

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Located in Merle Hay, a neighborhood 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? See what's going on at Iowa Events Center or Principal Park. Visit our Des Moines travel guide
Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322

What's nearby

  • A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
    Jordan Creek Town Center
    11 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Merle Hay Mall
    3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University
    8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Adventureland
    12 min drive - 22.2 km
  • Casey's Center
    12 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
    29 min drive

Restaurants

  • Starbucks
    3 min drive
  • Flix Brewhouse
    3 min drive
  • Chick-fil-A
    19 min walk
  • McDonald's
    2 min walk
  • 7 Brew Coffee
    15 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

  • Hotel near Drake University
  • Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides amenities like 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, ATM/banking services, and a vending machine
    • An elevator, a banquet hall, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Room features
  • All 150 rooms feature comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to perks like free WiFi and free bottled water. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
  • Extra amenities include:
    • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations
    • 43-inch TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and premium channels
    • Refrigerators, microwaves, and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck 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
  • Elevator
  • 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
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets 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 at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls and litter boxes 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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property 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; cash is not accepted
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

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 Jul 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Aug 21, 2026 start from ₩125,622, excluding 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?

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?

Check-out 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 within 3 mi (5 km) of Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters and IHS-Iowa Health Systems. Drake University and Buccaneer Arena are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

7.4

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

6.8

Amenities

7.6

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 401 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 229 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 172 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 87 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 124 out of 1013 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Mohamed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

heraclio castellon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
More variety in tha breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facility itself was dirty, room smelled horrible, sheets were dirty. Asked to get clean sheets and was told I need it to go down and picked them up. When I picked them up they were the wrong size. The area around was not the safest place. Staff was rude and not helpful at all. The elevator was unsafe and it sounded like it was going to break down. Definitely do not recommend and avoid at all cost
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KIM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Front desk staff very friendly. Good breakfast.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jessica

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The light bulb was out on one of the lamps, the chair was dirty and not clean, and the entire place besides the lobby smelled like marijuana. When we accidentally left something important behind, the staff refused to go look in the room for an hour. I understand not being able to go immediately but the fact t that they waited an hour is ridiculous.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decent hotel there are a lot of questionable people staying there. People sleeping in their cars in the parking lot. People hanging out etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, the staff was nice too.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Joseph

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed here with my family, and unfortunately, it was not a very pleasant experience. The property looked poorly maintained, especially the landscaping, which appeared like it had not been cut in a very long time. There were cigarette butts all over near the back entrance, and some of the rear door key-access systems did not work. Even worse, one of the doors opened without a key at all, which made us feel very unsafe. Inside, the carpet felt sticky, the hallways were dark, and there were some questionable people hanging around the property. Overall, the atmosphere felt uncomfortable and honestly a little scary, especially while staying with family. The breakfast in the morning was decent, but seeing guests walking around barefoot with no socks or shoes was pretty disgusting and made the whole experience feel even less clean. Overall, this hotel needs serious attention to cleanliness, security, and general maintenance. I would not feel comfortable staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

scott

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel is full of long term tenants. Hallways smell like marijuana and other drugs being burnt. Police were called to remove drunk occupant at 2:30am which turned into a standoff. The room above us had a huge fight that woke us up at 2:20am. This hotel is not safe. We left at 2:45am and continued our drive to the east coast. I am requesting a refund.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Cezary

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Traci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent for a family of 6. Room was very clean and had a good size mini fridge. Sadly no pool.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was alright. The breakfast wasn't very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Khio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good affordable price
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Kelle

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Ok for one night…would not stay again. Stains on the blankets, micro pillows and you better be below average size to fit in the bathroom. Nothing as advertised. The halls were dark and musty smelling…I couldn’t imagine having a conference here.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean property in good condition. I’ll happily stay here again in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were disgusting and not clean. Large brown stain on bedding which appeared to be poop, puke on floor, bedside table and curtains. Floor was filthy. Got a new room but that room had a broken window, nail in the floor that could have gone into someone’s foot and there was only 1 working outlet in the entire room. The floor was also filthy, food remnants and dirt all over. Dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed at. Also the elevator made very concerning noises. Children running up and down hallways past 10pm. Staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and comfortable, Bathroom light did not come on immediately after the switch was punched. Breakfast was a disappointment.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Elizabeth

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was dirty, smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. Felt unsafe to be there. And the images on Expedia were now that I look at them better, were clearly AI generated
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was rude and property outside was messy. They gave me paper work that had no pricing and not willing to give receipts. Had to take pictures myself.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Chose Sonesta Essential based on location - wanted easy access to a Chick-Fil-A and Sonesta was right off interstate and same road less than a mile away. Also had a Dollar Tree on same road for any little things I forgot. Reasonable price, clean and comfortable room, easy check in with friendly staff. No issues and would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Traci

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very unclean.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and professional. Room was clean and in good condition. Shower was new and had great water pressure. Free breakfast was a little weak. Overall was a good deal and would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and Clean good location
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lorena

It was an ok place to stay. I stayed just one night. Bed and bathroom was clean. Breakfast was served Food was lukewarm.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026