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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel in Des Moines with free parking

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Suite, 1 King Bed
Restaurant
Meeting facility
Exterior
Lobby

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$97
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb

Explore the area

View map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State Fairgrounds
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(22 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.2 out of 10
Good
(17 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

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 Iowa Events Center and Casey's Center.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Adventureland - 12 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds - 16 min drive - 21.8 km
  • Iowa State University - 36 min drive - 73.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Flix Brewhouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel in Des Moines with free parking
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

Lobby
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,002 reviews
The price is NZ$87
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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

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 13 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 24 Feb 2026 start from NZ$91.57, 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

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 380 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 246 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 94 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1001 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Rod

Yes
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lony

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beyri

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Sharla

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Sharla

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The housekeeping staff was rude and disrespectful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

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

8/10 Good

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Travelled with family
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Clean and fresh
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Travelled with group
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a good place to stay. Would give 5 stars but the no hot breakfast thing isn't working for me lol.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsey

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall good stay, unfortunately the fridge did not work in my room, and there was no actual warm breakfast like there was in the past. But for the price and cleanliness I'll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jill, Oshkosh

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Demir

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

4/10 Poor

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

don

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

10/10 Excellent

Bryant

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025