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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
Restaurant

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$122
includes taxes & fees
10 Oct - 11 Oct

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.0 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Sofa bed
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

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • 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

7.4 out of 10
Good
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • 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)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
Free bottled water
  • 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 Merle Hay 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 - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 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 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, 1,038 reviews
The price is NZ$119
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 30 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 10 Oct 2025 start from NZ$117.13, 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. 354 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 266 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 179 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 122 out of 1021 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

Kristine

Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just a nice place to stay. The room was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tasha

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

Satisfaction

Nice staff. Clean room. Very small bathroom. Breakfast was ok. Waffle maker, sausage, eggs, breads, coffee, juice. Eggs were not great, coffee was good. Area was not concerning - location was easy off the highway.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Wayne

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
poor breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mlumbulwa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandra

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

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

2/10 Terrible

Katie

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Not at all clean

We checked into a room and when arrived at the room the door was open. We I approached the front desk about it, he said “what’s the problem it’s clean isn’t it” he reluctantly gave us a new room as we felt uncomfortable with it just being open. When arriving to the new room the hallway was filled with the fragrance “pot”. When entered room it smelled of food not cleanliness. Also we had to kill three crawling bugs. There was hair on the fave towel and the faucet to our tub broke and the water could not be adjusted or turned off. We were offered no apologize or anything. We left and didn’t turn back. The idea of sleeping in the bed was not appealing it felt gross
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Rachel

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Mark

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Lame breakfast. Dirty property. Sticky floor in room. Even stickier floor at breakfast with syrup all over floor and a table
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sue

Business traveller
I booked this room specifically for the jacuzzi tub, shown in the king bed room pictured on hotels.com. Feels like a real bait n switch that I was just provided a king bed only. After 10 hours driving an no one answering the front desk phone to discuss, I needed to just take the disappointing lump and get some sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karl

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

8/10 Good

Nic

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

10/10 Excellent

Aisha

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good customer service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alex

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

Alex

Room smelled very bad. Could not sleep. Did not find free breakfast. Would not recommend this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

DOYLE

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

2/10 Terrible

Terry

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
DO NOT STAY HERE! I booked this hotel, because we were exhausted from driving all day and the pictures and price looked good. Boy, we were in for a let down. The elevator was terrifying, made a loud boom and creaking sound when it reached the 2nd floor. The floors in our room looked as if it hadn't been swept or mopped in weeks. The hallway smelled musty. There was a thickness in the air that was nearly suffocating. Breakfast was awful. No coffee, no juice. Syrup spilled all over the floor that workers were clearly ignoring. We were surprised with an extra $50 deposit upon arrival that my husband has yet to receive back. Save your time and money and avoid this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Rachel

Disliked: Cleanliness
The floors and sheets had crusty stains on them. The remote was sticky and the batteries were held in with electrical tape. Cheap renovations for a cheap place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

DustiLyn

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
faucet upside down
poop chair.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

O
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Clean & Comfy but Don’t Pay Full Price

The place is clean…lots of maintenance work that needs done but the maintenance staff is great! The front desk staff is incredibly rude and disrespectful. Overall, if you can get a room here for $60 or less, it’s worth it. But I wouldn’t ever pay more, you can get better and more respectful staff for $65+.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Billie

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

4/10 Poor

Chad

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Place was dirty. Blood stains on pillows. Trash on the floors. Looks like someone was shooting ropes on one of the walls. No coffee for breakfast. Just a dump.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025