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Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour fitness centre

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Exterior
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Indoor pool
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Room, 2 Queen Beds

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$137
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov

Explore the area

View map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Place, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Air-conditioning
Heating
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam mattress
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 curtains

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
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Air-conditioning
Heating
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam mattress
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Air-conditioning
Heating
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
Memory foam mattress
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 curtains

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

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

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About the area

Ames

A family-friendly stay in Ames awaits you at Sonesta Essential Ames. You'll be 3.2 km (2 mi) from Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Ames Dog Park. Highlights at this hotel include free continental breakfast, an indoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a 24-hour fitness centre, and has a business centre. Added amenities include a 24-hour business centre, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of RV/bus/truck parking. .With a stay at this Ames hotel, you'll be 6.3 km (3.9 mi) from Iowa State University.

What's nearby

  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Reiman Gardens - 6 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Iowa State University - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Stephens Auditorium - 8 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kum & Go - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour fitness centre
Sonesta Essential Ames offers its guests an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. WiFi is free in public spaces. There's an onsite 24-hour business centre. Free breakfast is available daily. The family-friendly Sonesta Essential Ames also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

This Ames hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 75 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1996
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Ames offers 75 accommodations with video game consoles and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature memory foam mattresses. 50-inch LED televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a rainfall showerhead, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Ames hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; local and long-distance calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry 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 centre

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
  • Lift (100 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (91 centimetre high)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Smoke-free property

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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 80 lb per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards and cash.

We should mention

  • Up to 3 children aged 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • 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

Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yep, Sonesta Essential Ames has a free self car park.

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

As of 9 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on 13 Nov 2025 start from NZ$137.44, 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.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Ames has an indoor pool.

Is Sonesta Essential Ames family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and an indoor pool, it's no surprise that Sonesta Essential Ames is a hit with families.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames serve breakfast?

Yep, free continental brekkie is on offer daily between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sonesta Essential Ames?

No, Sonesta Essential Ames does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Reviews

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 316 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 339 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 198 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1002 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Cheapest place in town
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Cheyenne

Liked: Staff & service
The beds were terrible, really springy and hard to sleep on. The hallway was super noisy with people yelling and running down the hallways. The staff were super kind.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angelica

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Everything was just okay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Jordan

Disliked: Staff & service
For the price, this is a good hotel. My issue is that they checked a guest into our room and gave the guest a key. At midnight or so, we were awoken by someone coming into our room--obviously scared both parties. Management did very little to address this.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth, New Braunfels

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice for the price. Safe and quiet. Easy to get around town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Tammy

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Disliked: Amenities
A typical motel. Not hotel quality. Thin, rough towels which were stained. Pillow cases were also stained and stunk like body oil. I laid a hand towel over the pillow case because it seemed like it was previously used without washing. The room was not pre-cooled so it felt hot and muggy for the first several hours.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

James

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nickie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The least pleasant hotel stay I have ever had.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

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

Clean & a Great Value

Slightly older motel but kept very clean. Good breakfast. The desk staff and housekeeping are extremely friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Manuel

Poor tv service
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Theresa

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Never again

First room reeked of cigarette smoke the second one they gave looked to be clean but had damp sheets on top of a made bed and smelled liked pee and an 80’s men’s locker room
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Charity

Travelled with family and small children, Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool was dirty and we had an issue getting towels everyday. They tried to charge us extra money when we prepaid up.
Stayed 15 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Lori

Travelled with family
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

Jeffrey

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

christina

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
I would not recommend this hotel nor book it Thur Expedia
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jason

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed two nights at this property. First off the ice machine was broken. The hotel is very out dated and had a funny smell. They tried to make updates to the rooms but it was a swing and a miss. The room was damp feeling and when the AC wasn't running it got very stuffy during the night. We had to push the door shut otherwise it wouldn't shut on it's own. The bathroom did not have a vent fan for showering. The shower had repairs done but they didn't bother to hide the repairs. The towel rack was broken. We had no tissues in the room either. The breakfast was decent which surprised me. I guess you get what you pay for.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Hunter

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the hard floor, they are more sanitized than carpets.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025