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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
Exterior
Restaurant
Restaurant
Property amenity

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$124
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept

Explore the area

View map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Casey's Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪22 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

7.2 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)

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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

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 Casey's Center.

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
  • McDonald's
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • Sonic Drive-In
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬3 min drive

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
3.7 out of 5, Good, 1,011 reviews
The price is NZ$131
includes taxes & fees
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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 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

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 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 15 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 1 Sept 2025 start from NZ$119.21, 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. 330 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 274 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 175 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 101 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 121 out of 1001 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

4/10 Poor

george

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Took 20 minutes for someone to come to front desk to check in. Room smelled like bad food, none of the washers or dryers worked floors were very dirty, specially in the hallways and stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yamile

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

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

4/10 Poor

John

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

Picture and actual not the same

We had to use the refrigerator. Terrible noise. Window screen torn apart. Bathroom door handle falling apart. Toilet seat loose. Had to be bag of eggs thrown into warmer. Both days they were cold. Pillows to small. On the bright side shower was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kaden

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dakota

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Kim

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Getting a Contact High

The room and lobby were clean, but the entire third floor smelled like marijuana smoke. Not sure if it was a guest(s) or stuck in the ventilation system. It was pretty annoying.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa Lyn

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good time
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

reuben

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
If you’re into staying up late to party and don’t care about getting a good night’s sleep, then this place is for you! The people staying next door partied most of the night. Our daughter learned what marijuana smells like as the hallways smelled like it with a hint of urine. The cleanliness of the room wasn’t the worst but I don’t think the floors get cleaned often.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Niko

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
N
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

MIchael

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness
At 2:45 AM, hotel was loud with drunk/high people in the hallway and on balcony next to room. Could not sleep and asked them to quiet it down with returned laughter. When I express my displeasure with manager in the morning, he just nodded with agreement.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When checking in n paid for my 2 pups I was given a placemat for their food/water dish, 2 cute packages of dog biscuits and 2 bottles of water with granola bars attached with ribbon bows! Impressive! Friendly service and comfy room
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alex

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

The laddies room should be clean at least right...

Wife went to use the ladies restroom in the lobby and there was mouse crap. Room was dirty, bed was made, no smoking thats a joke. Seen cats in windows from the outside. Gave a 50 dollar deposit, didnt apply it to the bill. Not a bad spot if you're a crack head...
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was ok
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Kaleb

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First room i was given hadnt been cleaned inbetween stays of the costumer before me and after i brought it up they tried to blame me for the mess, was upgraded to a bigger room after the manager stepped in
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Suleiman

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Lionel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thank you
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

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

Nice for a budget

Our room was in great condition and VERY clean. Only downside of the room was that the light above the jacuzzi didn't work. The rest of the hotel was nice. Breakfast was okay, could've had a couple more options but sufficed. Hotel was clean overall! Unfortunately (and this isn't directly the hotel's fault) the other guests were not great. Several rooms around and above us were incredibly loud all day/night and had even louder barking dogs. Not sure why this hotel specifically attracted such a crowd that weekend but hopefully it was a 1 time experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the best time in ever
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great for the money. Quiet. Rooms are very clean. Beds comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

10/10 Excellent

Gian

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025