Skip to main content

Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Travelers start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast before heading to the 24-hour fitness center to maintain workout routines

Choose dates to view prices

Just steps from Iowa State University, Red Roof Inn Ames offers convenience and comfort. Enjoy a continental breakfast to energize your morning, a 24-hour gym to stay fit, in-room WiFi to stay connected, and attentive staff for a pleasant stay.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam bed
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

You may also like

Ad
Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine

Hilton Garden Inn Ames

Ames
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 845 reviews
The price is ₩134,269
₩150,380 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 27 - Jan 28
Hilton Garden Inn Ames
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Located in Ames, Sonesta Essential Ames is in a rural area. Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and Veenker Memorial Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wilson Farm Prairie and Christiansen Forest Reserve. Traveling with kids? Consider Furman Aquatic Center, or check out an event or a game at Jack Trice Stadium.
Visit our Ames travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010

What's nearby

  • Ames Dog Park - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Iowa State University - 6 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Reiman Gardens - 6 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 6.0 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel near Iowa State University
Consider a stay at Sonesta Essential Ames and take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • RV/bus/truck parking, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator
  • Smoke-free premises, a vending machine, and a TV in the lobby
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 75 rooms feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and desk chairs. Guest reviews speak well of the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Rainfall showers, shower/tub combinations, and free toiletries
  • 50-inch HDTVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves, and video-game consoles

Similar properties

Indoor pool
Quality Inn & Suites Ames Conference Center Near ISU Campus
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
7.0 out of 10, Good, 464 reviews
The price is ₩96,053
₩107,578 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Quality Inn & Suites Ames Conference Center Near ISU Campus

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Books
  • Indoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • 24-hour business center

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator (39 inch wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (36 inches high)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch LED TV with cable channels
  • Video game console

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

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
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
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 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 80 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 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 10.00 per day
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 100 per accommodation, per stay

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

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Daily housekeeping is included for stays of 6 nights or less. Limited housekeeping is provided for stays of 7 nights or more.
Pets must be declared at check-in. Guests bringing 1 pet will not be charged pet fees. The listed pet fee in the Fees section applies only if guests bring 2 or more pets. Pets must be leashed in public areas of the property. Guests are expected to clean up after their pet.

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
Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Hampton Inn Ames Hotel
Red Roof Inn Ames Hotel
Hampton Inn Hotel Ames
Hampton Inn Ames Iowa
Ames Hampton Inn
Red Roof Inn Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel Ames

Frequently asked questions

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Ames?

As of Jan 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Jan 17, 2026 start from ₩80,960, 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.

Is Sonesta Essential Ames pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 80 lbs per pet. There's a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Ames located?

This family-friendly Ames hotel is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Cinemark Ames Movies 12, Main Street Cultural District and Ames Dog Park. Octagon Center for the Arts is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) away.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 314 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 339 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was clean, bed was fairly comfortable, and the breakfast was above average for a budget friendly hotel. The hotel staff was friendly as well. Overall, we were pleased with our stay and would stay again if needed. The motel fit our needs and our budget.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was extremely clean. I would stay here again. Breakfast was sufficient.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Liked: Staff & service
This property is fine for a place to crash over night for a "guys trip" or similar, but would not use for a trip with my family, just due to general cleanliness and location. Bathrooms showed signs of light mold on caulking and around the tub, but "touch" surfaces were clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful (1st room had issue with AC unit and they quickly got me moved to another room).
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and fresh aroma throughout Caretakers were visible in various areas which was a good feeling. Very friendly smiles and pleasant atmosphere. Have family n the area so will definitely stay again. Reasonably prices
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was overall a nice place to stay. Had an odd smell in hallways but was very clean. Not much protein choices for breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Franz

Nice clean cheap
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Liz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wish the gym was better, everything else was good overall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and neat. I like the "no carpet" rooms. They feel cleaner. The water was hot and i liked having a refrigerator in my room. The breakfast was good and the people were friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booking and check-in were hassle free. Anything I needed staff was immediately ready to assist. Quiet and close to good food and gas stations only about 5 minutes away from anything else you might need. Close to the highway. And great rates. Clean rooms and pet friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was fine; clean, spacious. Not fancy but good value.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, overall great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and quiet. Breakfast was good. Staff were very friendly. My only complaint was the air freshener used in the lobby and room was extremely strong. It was overwhelming at times.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Lori

Had to call for staff to check in and none available when checked out. Dirty stained sheets and pillows otherwise room clean. All ice machines broken but could get ice at the desk. Positives ok breakfast, ample parking, room temperature good and also quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The inside of the hotel was nice and updated as was the room. The only issue we had was when we flushed the toilet in room 109 it made a loud squeaking noise for a while. Otherwise everything was good. Breakfast was also very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff at property were polite and friendly and efficient. APP i used to book was unclear and did not provide confirmation number. No problem other than usual tech headaches of daily life. Building is fine, and all amenities in room are to expected level. Simple and Good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very pleasant and the rooms were clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Clyde

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff to work with.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Delia

It was wonderful very friendly
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Nathaniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The hotel is not bad considering the cost. Really, only issue is that the hotel is in need of upgrades. Friendly staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Leonard

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel and room were ok. Staff was fine. The hotel was quiet at night, and the ac worked fine but a bit noisy. The bathroom had two small bath towels. The room did not have a safe but did have a fridge and microwave. The free breakfast was fine and included waffles, eggs, breads, yogurt, bananas and some cereals. I had to find a wall plug for the toaster to work.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Exxcellent service nice clean room. Recomend greatly
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lobby was warm....room was nice and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

No complaints

Lovely service and comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was fine for a one night stay. It met the customer’s expectations. Would stay there again for a single night at that price
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024