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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

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

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Suite, Multiple Beds
Property amenity
Exterior
Restaurant
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$148
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May

Explore the area

Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Merle Hay Mall
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Wells Fargo Arena
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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 Wells Fargo Arena.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Living History Farms - 10 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Wells Fargo Arena - 11 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Iowa Events Center - 11 min drive - 13.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-Fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬13 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel in Des Moines with free breakfast and 24-hour front desk
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 an iron/ironing board. Premium satellite televisions are provided. 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Lobby

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 868 reviews
The price is NZ$116
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
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
  • 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)
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

  • 32-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 30 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

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 deposit: USD 30 per night
  • Pet fee: USD 30 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 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
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, Carte Blanche and cash. 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 12 May 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 18 May 2025 start from NZ$143.35, 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

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 316 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 298 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 180 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1009 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Sheila

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Tanya

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
People living at this hotel. Very sketchy. There was freezing rain and they did not take care of the parking lot. It was a sheet of ice and people were slipping left and right. Hotel was not clean. Beds were comfortable. Smelled like pot throughout the hotel. Nicer hotels close by. Pay the extra money for one of those.

6/10 Okay

Tanya

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Old, not taken care of. One of those hotels that has people living there. Strange people coming and going. Pay the extra money and stay somewhere else!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Whitney

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, nice staff, free wifi, and room was clean. AMAZING prices and value. We didn't stay for breakfast but there wasn't much options. Still would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany, Des Moines

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
The gentleman that checked me in yesterday was absolutely wonderful. Very friendly people that work there. The room was exceptionally clean and the bed was really comfortable. The only downside to the visit was that the vending machines for the soda either didn't work or they gave you the wrong soda when you push the button and the laundry facility was not operational other than that it was a wonderful stay and I will be staying there again in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Melvin D

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Nice
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Reasonably priced , friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Victor

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Melynda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

nick

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Taylor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We booked a 3 Queen room with LOTS of space. We will definitely come here again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Gloria

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Save your money, stay somewhere else

The whole building smelled like weed. The sheets, the curtains, everything smelled terrible. The sheets had a LOT of long black hairs in between. I am pretty sure they were not washed after the last guest. Extremely dirty overall.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daquane

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Taylor

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Dirty property. Room smelled like tobacco smoke.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fairly run down and Shabby

Fairly run down and shabby. Slop on some paint, don't mask anything off, you get the idea. Leave your socks on and don't get too close to the linens, might want to remove them and use your own just in case.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maribel

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a newly renovated property. In fact, if you look the location up on a map it still says an old hotel name. Our rooms were very nice and clean. Only a few small things that I am assuming will get done in time- no tissues in the room, no place for a towel by the sink. Otherwise the room was spacious and comfortable. Their breakfast was really good (standard) breakfast fare. The lobby is obnoxiously warm, but they have a door leading directly outside from there which is why the heat is up so high. The staff was absolutely wonderful to me and my team. They were incredibly helpful when Expedia messed up our reservation and helped us to fix it. My only complaint is that there was a persistent marajuana odor in the building and it permeated into the rooms. Unfortunately this is the norm now at hotels, so I can't blame the hotel for it.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Overnight Stay

When we arrived, the gentleman at the check-in desk was extremely nice and helpful. When taking the luggage into my room the door closed with the key cards inside the room, when I went to the reception desk, he quickly made me new cards with a smile on his face. I was made to feel welcome through both the check-in process and obtaining a new key card. The room was clean and comfortable. The provided breakfast had both hot and cold food options.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Damon

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024