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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

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

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
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
TV
Shower/tub combination
Private bathroom
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
(19 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.0 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
TV
Sofa bed - queen
Shower/tub combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Beds

Highlights

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

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About the neighborhood

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
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive

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
  • A vending machine, a banquet hall, and 1 meeting room
  • ATM/banking services, coffee/tea in the lobby, 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 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, 1,027 reviews
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 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
  • 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

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 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 Nov 6, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Nov 13, 2025 start from ₩87,153, 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 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?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Des Moines located?

Located in Lovington, 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 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

7.4

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

7.8

Location

7.8

Staff & service

7.2

Eco-friendliness

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 359 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 259 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 174 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 94 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 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

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

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

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall good stay, unfortunately the fridge did not work in my room, and there was no actual warm breakfast like there was in the past. But for the price and cleanliness I'll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

laundry was fine
Stayed 1 night in Oct 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

Brady

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to access and staff are friendly
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Tanna

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice and comfy very friendly and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Na
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

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

10/10 Excellent

John

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

6/10 Okay

Ming

It is ok for this price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 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

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

Andrea

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

Nice place to stay

This was a nice hotel. Very clean and super friendly. We found this hotel after the one my company reserved was absolutely disgusting and unsafe.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Edin

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would never stay here again. In the middle of the night i was woken up by screaming and then police knocking on my door looking for someone. Never felt so unsafe
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean but hallways dirty.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nic

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

10/10 Excellent

Juli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean bed very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Essy access both to the hotel and to the room. Close to amenities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Would stay again

Check in took a while as no one was around for 5-7 minutes when I arrived. The room was well equipped and comfortable. Bed was comfortable but an extra blanket would have been nice. Room was clean and had microwave and huge refrigerator.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Simeon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hall ways are a little confusing. Pa4king lot seems a little sketch but no issues. The teash panda was cute.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
hotel was fine. one morning the egg and sausage was cold... even in middle of the pile. not sure why.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025