Verified
10/10 Excellent
Allen
Mar 31, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Allen
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
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
Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines
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
7.47.4 out of 10
Good
Popular amenities
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Business services
The current price is ₩110,424
₩110,424
₩128,152 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Room options
Check availability for these dates
Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms
View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed
Room, 1 King Bed
- Sleeps 2
- 1 King Bed
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
- Sleeps 2
- 1 King Bed
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed
Room, 1 Queen Bed
7.87.8 out of 10
Good
24 reviews
(24 reviews)
- Sleeps 2
- 1 Queen Bed
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed
Room, 1 Queen Bed
8.68.6 out of 10
Excellent
7 reviews
(7 reviews)
- Sleeps 2
- 1 Queen Bed
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds
Room, 2 Queen Beds
7.07.0 out of 10
Good
20 reviews
(20 reviews)
- 1 bedroom
- Sleeps 4
- 2 Queen Beds
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed
Suite, 1 King Bed
- Sleeps 3
- 1 King Bed
- Free WiFi
View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds
Suite, Multiple Beds
- Sleeps 6
- 3 Queen Beds
- Free WiFi
You may also like
Ad
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Urbandale
- Pool
- Pet friendly
- Kids pool
- Waterslide
5.8 out of 10, 815 reviews
5.8
815 reviews
The price is ₩112,684
₩112,684
₩126,205 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Ad
Quality Inn West Des Moines - Clive
West Des Moines
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
7.2 out of 10, Good, 58 reviews
7.2
Good
58 reviews
The price is ₩79,147
₩79,147
₩88,644 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Ad
Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel
West Des Moines
- Pool
- Pet friendly
- Restaurant
- Air conditioning
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 1,000 reviews
8.2
Very Good
1,000 reviews
The price is ₩150,713
₩150,713
₩168,798 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
Ad
Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West Clive
Clive
- Pool
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Air conditioning
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 722 reviews
8.6
Excellent
722 reviews
The price is ₩143,133
₩143,133
₩160,309 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Ad
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
West Des Moines
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,003 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
1,003 reviews
The price is ₩140,017
₩140,017
₩156,819 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Ad
Tru By Hilton Ankeny
Ankeny
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 171 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
171 reviews
The price is ₩154,951
₩154,951
₩173,546 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Ad
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA
Ankeny
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,039 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
1,039 reviews
The price is ₩126,241
₩126,241
₩141,387 total
includes taxes & fees
May 31 - Jun 1
Ad
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Downtown Des Moines
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Air conditioning
- Gym
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 995 reviews
8.8
Excellent
995 reviews
The price is ₩239,816
₩239,816
₩268,593 total
includes taxes & fees
May 22 - May 23
Ad
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Greater South Side
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Free airport shuttle
- Pet friendly
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 639 reviews
8.4
Very Good
639 reviews
The price is ₩170,112
₩170,112
₩190,526 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
Ad
TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Des Moines Urbandale
Johnston
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 797 reviews
8.6
Excellent
797 reviews
The price is ₩132,956
₩132,956
₩148,911 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
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 while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Buccaneer Arena. Visit our Des Moines travel guide
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
What's nearby
Jordan Creek Town Center11 min drive - 19.3 km- Merle Hay Mall3 min drive - 1.8 km
- Drake University8 min drive - 8.7 km
- Adventureland12 min drive - 22.2 km
- Casey's Center12 min drive - 16.3 km
Getting around
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)29 min drive
Restaurants
- Flix Brewhouse3 min drive
- Starbucks3 min drive
- Chick-fil-A19 min walk
- McDonald's2 min walk
- Casey's General Store16 min walk
About this property
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Hotel located in Merle Hay
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
- An elevator, a 24-hour front desk, and a vending machine
- ATM/banking services, coffee/tea in the lobby, and a banquet hall
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
Similar properties
Econo Lodge Ankeny - Des Moines
Ankeny
Econo Lodge Ankeny - Des Moines
Ankeny
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 800 reviews
8.2
Very Good
800 reviews
The price is ₩100,202
₩100,202
₩112,226 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
Lovington
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
Lovington
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,004 reviews
7.6
Good
1,004 reviews
The price is ₩100,484
₩100,484
₩112,542 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Johnston
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Johnston
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 602 reviews
9.4
Exceptional
602 reviews
The price is ₩132,956
₩132,956
₩148,911 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines
Ankeny
AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines
Ankeny
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Breakfast included
- Parking included
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 881 reviews
8.0
Very Good
881 reviews
The price is ₩119,029
₩119,029
₩133,312 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Qube Hotel
Polk City
Qube Hotel
Polk City
- Parking included
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Gym
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 741 reviews
8.4
Very Good
741 reviews
The price is ₩140,613
₩140,613
₩164,922 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Johnston
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,845 reviews
8.8
Excellent
1,845 reviews
The price is ₩145,768
₩145,768
₩163,260 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines
Johnston
AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines
Johnston
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 1,005 reviews
8.2
Very Good
1,005 reviews
The price is ₩94,958
₩94,958
₩106,353 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ankeny, IA
Ankeny
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ankeny, IA
Ankeny
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Parking included
- Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,000 reviews
8.6
Excellent
1,000 reviews
The price is ₩127,445
₩127,445
₩142,739 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines
Grimes
Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines
Grimes
- Pool
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 50 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
50 reviews
The price is ₩133,135
₩133,135
₩149,111 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines
Ankeny
Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines
Ankeny
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Pet friendly
- Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 881 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
881 reviews
The price is ₩141,372
₩141,372
₩158,338 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
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 May 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on May 21, 2026 start from ₩110,424, 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 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Buccaneer Arena and Waveland Municipal Golf Course 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.
Have a question?
BetaBetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews
7.4
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.4
Cleanliness
7.0
Amenities
7.6
Staff & service
7.2
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 395 out of 1001 reviews
10 - Excellent
395
Rating 8 - Good. 227 out of 1001 reviews
8 - Good
227
Rating 6 - Okay. 171 out of 1001 reviews
6 - Okay
171
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1001 reviews
4 - Poor
90
Rating 2 - Terrible. 118 out of 1001 reviews
2 - Terrible
118
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Good
Marko
Mar 29, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel
Marko
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Vanesa
Mar 20, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property nice and clean
Vanesa
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bradford
Feb 14, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and friendly service
Bradford
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sheila
Jan 26, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room is clean and neat. Check in was a breeze. Clean decor and good staff makes this a good deal. I'd stay here again.
Sheila
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bade
Jan 9, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, general ambience was very good.
Bade
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Leila
Oct 12, 2025
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, nice amenities and friendly staff
Leila
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly
Sep 26, 2025
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.
Kimberly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey
Nov 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Lindsey
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Wendy
Sep 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable stay
Easy, quick check in and the hotel has everything we need for a good stay while driving cross-country!
Wendy
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Renee
Oct 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beds were comfy. Everything was very clean. Staff was helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay here again.
Renee
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Timothy
Nov 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I like this property bc they have rooms with three beds. No hot breakfast, though, and considering the price, it's not a great value.
Timothy
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ashley
Sep 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
So far this property is clean, updated and the front staff lady is beyond welcoming and friendly!!
Ashley
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Cristopher
Jan 28, 2026
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No hot water, horid service. The front door doesnt even open.
Cristopher
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Stephen
Jul 26, 2025
It was clean and breakfast was good.
Stephen
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Crystal
Nov 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good Affordable Safe & Quiet Place To Stay For The Most Part Yet Their Breakfast Could Utilize Being Updated A Touch & Serve Some More Healthier nutritional options that are hot instead of just a cold breakfast bar of sorts pretty much.
Crystal
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rachel
Nov 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very nice, the lobby smelled great and everything was very clean. The only thing I will say is I was not impressed with the breakfast bar, it was mainly cereal and prepacked muffins along with some juice.
Rachel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kristine
Jun 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just a nice place to stay. The room was nice.
Kristine
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michelle
Sep 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean nice service
Michelle
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shirley
Oct 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast. Very good.
Shirley
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Helen
Mar 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Updated rooms and very clean
Continental breakfast was good.
Helen
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jaeni
Jun 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like Stay here at Sonesta Essentials it's nice and clean and they have housekeeping daily.
Jaeni
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brady
Apr 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to access and staff are friendly
Brady
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Ashley
Mar 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind at the front desk, room was very clean.
Ashley
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
edward
Apr 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Fast check in clean rooms nice staff
edward
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025