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Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour fitness centre

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Exterior
Indoor pool
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Room, 2 Queen Beds
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
The current price is AU$109
includes taxes & fees
22 Sept - 23 Sept

Explore the area

View map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Main Street Cultural District
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Iowa State University
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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

  • Main Street Cultural District - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Reiman Gardens - 5 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Iowa State University - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Stephens Auditorium - 7 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and 24-hour fitness centre
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.

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  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
3.9 out of 5, Good, 1,000 reviews
The price is AU$129
includes taxes & fees
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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

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
  • 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 - 18

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
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

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
  • 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
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.

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 12 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on 22 Sept 2025 start from AU$109.23, 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.

Reviews

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 318 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 337 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 58 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The inside of the hotel was nice and updated as was the room. The only issue we had was when we flushed the toilet in room 109 it made a loud squeaking noise for a while. Otherwise everything was good. Breakfast was also very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Devan

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Anne

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Lindsey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was a budget hotel. It met that standard, but was nothing great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

J.C.

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ok but no more

tv didn't work , had to come fix it , loud exhaust fan ran constantly,, all the time ,,, continental breakfast ok not great
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sonia

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its old and outdated, they dont even change the sheets (or they dont wash them properly) there was black mold in the shower and some lamps , its not clean at all
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was fine; clean, spacious. Not fancy but good value.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Graduation Visit

The bathrooms need bigger towels.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

Exactly what I paid for

It was no frills, nice place to stay. No hot tub, but had a pool. Breakfast was standard, but no diabetic options whatsoever, and when hotel emptied out after graduation, next day most of the good items at breakfast were no longer available, and I was told breakfast is dependent on how many people are staying in the Inn. Family run, and cleaned, so staff was very nice and helpful. Felt warm and friendly inside, air con worked great. For the price, it was a good deal, but don't expect anything extra. Lastly, it is a bit far from campus but se 16th st runs straight to the stadiums, which makes it an easy drive and convenient. We would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Laura

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I did have high expectations coming into an old hotel that had not been updated on decades. Just expected a clean room and a somewhat comfy. When we were checking in a couple people interrupted us and told the manager that they needed their pull out bed sheets changed since there was blood on sheet and it looked like the sheet was washed in dirty water. Manager said he would take care of it. We continued to room. Ours was fine. Clean bed. No shampoo though. No biggie. I’m the 2nd room we pulled back sheets and
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie, Rogers

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Clean but needs updates throughout. Beds should be the first to be replaced
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness
When i asked for a receipt after my stay the guy at the desk wasn't going to give me one. It took a bit for me to get one from him and found out the room was actually more expensive through expedia then it would have been on site. There was an empty bottle of shampoo in our room. The breakfast didnt have a lot to offer. There was mold in the tub
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Laetitia

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Myleka

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Quiet and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nate

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Got in the building and could tell it was under a remodel. Got to the room and there were burn holes in sheets and hairs all over on both mattresses. Did not sleep at this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Place to stay

Its a place to stay with your dogs.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024