Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Bathroom
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub
Indoor pool
Exterior

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
The current price is AU$102
includes taxes & fees
23 June - 24 June

Explore the area

View map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Place, Ames Dog Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(17 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Ames

A family-friendly stay in Ames awaits you at Sonesta Essential Ames. You'll be 3.2 km (2 mi) from Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Ames Dog Park. Highlights at this hotel include free continental breakfast, an indoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a 24-hour fitness centre, and has a business centre. Added amenities include a 24-hour business centre, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of RV/bus/truck parking. .With a stay at this Ames hotel, you'll be 6.3 km (3.9 mi) from Iowa State University.

What's nearby

  • Ames Dog Park - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Octagon Center for the Arts - 5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Iowa State University - 6 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 8.4 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Sonesta Essential Ames offers its guests an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. WiFi is free in public spaces. There's an onsite 24-hour business centre. Free breakfast is available daily. The family-friendly Sonesta Essential Ames also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

This Ames hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 75 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1996
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Ames offers 75 accommodations with video game consoles and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature memory foam mattresses. 50-inch LED televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a rainfall showerhead, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Ames hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; local and long-distance calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Books
  • Indoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift (100 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (91 centimetre high)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch LED TV with cable channels
  • Video game console

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 4:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 80 lb per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach 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! Up to 3 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day.
  • 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 100 per accommodation, per stay

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 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 3 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.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Hampton Inn Ames Hotel
Red Roof Inn Ames Hotel
Hampton Inn Hotel Ames
Hampton Inn Ames Iowa
Ames Hampton Inn
Red Roof Inn Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel Ames

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yep, Sonesta Essential Ames has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Ames?

As of 17 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on 23 June 2026 start from AU$102, 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.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Ames has an indoor pool.

Is Sonesta Essential Ames family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and an indoor pool, it's no surprise that Sonesta Essential Ames is a hit with families.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames serve breakfast?

Yep, free continental brekkie is on offer daily between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sonesta Essential Ames?

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

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

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

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 323 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 326 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1000 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hotel was clean and the staff was accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Corrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean. Staff was kind. Breakfast was what we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Sapna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff courteous and it was clean, basic, no frills, good for 1 night
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. Check in was quick and easy and staff were very kind.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Soechun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the free breakfest and variety or chooses and the ac worked good as well as the shower, enjoyed my stay and had excellent service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was very helpful when the heat wasn't working moved me to a room with great heat!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Amenities
staff was very nice
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

maureen

Liked: Staff & service
The room , bathroom could use some upgrade. Desk chair was old and has rips. Mini fridge dented and scratched.Bath tub has rust on water spout. Staff was very friendly though .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Decent hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A room to sleep in
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The front desk was helpful and breakfast was good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

John

Did not book stay at hotel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was extremely clean. I would stay here again. Breakfast was sufficient.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was clean, bed was fairly comfortable, and the breakfast was above average for a budget friendly hotel. The hotel staff was friendly as well. Overall, we were pleased with our stay and would stay again if needed. The motel fit our needs and our budget.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, overall great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Niko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice for the price. Safe and quiet. Easy to get around town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was very good and I will likely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

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

Clean & a Great Value

Slightly older motel but kept very clean. Good breakfast. The desk staff and housekeeping are extremely friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Cheapest place in town
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025