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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a built-in desk, a vanity with a bathtub, and a large window with curtains.
A multi-story hotel with a modern design, featuring a stone facade and multiple windows.
A hallway with vending machines and a clean, tiled floor.
A restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a stone accent wall.
A reception area with a white counter, a clock, and a digital display.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$140
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct

Explore the area

View map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Casey's Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

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

View all photos for Queen Room

A hotel room with a bed, bedside lamps, a chair, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(36 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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

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About the area

Des Moines

At Sonesta Essential Des Moines you'll be 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Merle Hay Mall and 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Highlights at this hotel include a complimentary breakfast and free self-parking. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour front desk and a lift. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, including food and water bowls and litter trays. There's also the convenience of free RV/bus/truck parking. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this Lovington hotel include Drake University and Iowa Events Center.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 11 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Iowa Events Center - 11 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. The business-friendly Sonesta Essential Des Moines also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Des Moines hotel.

  • 150 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • ATM
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • 1 conference room
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers 150 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottles of water and an iron/ironing board. Televisions come with premium satellite channels and Netflix. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered on request and hairdryers can be requested.

Similar properties

A spacious lobby with a staircase, seating area, and a cityscape artwork.
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
Lovington
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,019 reviews
The price is NZ$146
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct
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 transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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
  • Lift
  • 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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls and litter trays are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching 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! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night

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 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

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
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
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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International and Carte Blanche. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice) guidelines.

We should mention

  • 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.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

What is the cancellation policy at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

As of 30 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 6 Oct 2026 start from NZ$140, 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.

Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Yep, Sonesta Essential Des Moines has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary continental breakfast is offered on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

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

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

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

Are pets allowed at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Cats and dogs are welcome at Sonesta Essential Des Moines, with food and water bowls and litter trays on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets.

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 422 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 228 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 167 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 72 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 131 out of 1020 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast and most of the staff was great
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the staff was helpful, they also had a laundry room we could use for laundry
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel and friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good clean room. Fast checkin.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would look elsewhere if you're planning a stay in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great- room was clean. Bed was comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wishing they had a better selection of breakfast. My family stayed at LaQuinta and they had delicious biscuts and gravy for a selection.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, better than average towels, breakfast with eggs and sausage was good.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
very nice hotel for the price which i booked at the last minute. only issue was some stains on the floor of the bedroom, dust bunnies in the bathroom in the corners, and breakfast was minimal. no eggs, no pancakes, no sausages, and only 2 bagels.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good price for the room. It has been recently remodeled so it looked nice. The staff was very helpful with my questions.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
The breakfast was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hot tub in the room was awesome
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I am very impressed with this motel. The cost was low for how nice it was. It is basic, but super clean, quiet, and a nice breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The breakfast room was OK but not what we usually get at hotels. There was no egge/sausage or waffles.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and relaxing. The staff was polite and helpful. Breakfast was okay. I would go back.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would never stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Breakfast was ok, but not enough seating. Had to stand and eat.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025