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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a built-in desk, a vanity with a bathtub, and a large window with curtains.
A reception area with a white counter, a clock, and a digital display.
A multi-story hotel with a modern design, featuring a stone facade and multiple windows.
A restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a stone accent wall.
A hallway with vending machines and a clean, tiled floor.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
The current price is AU$102
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug

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, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Room

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

King Room

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

View all photos for Queen Room

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

Queen Room

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside lamps, a window with curtains, and a view of greenery outside.

Room, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 King Bed

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, two nightstands, a bright green sofa, and a wooden floor.

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

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

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a green armchair, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wall-mounted artwork.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.2 out of 10
Good
(25 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a bright green chair, and a view of a building outside.

Suite, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

A hotel room with three beds, a bright green chair, and a wooden floor.

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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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 Adventureland and Drake University.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 11 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Adventureland - 12 min drive - 22.2 km
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Flix Brewhouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

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
Lovington
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,009 reviews
The price is AU$123
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
  • 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 26 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 24 Aug 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.

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. 401 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 229 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 172 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 125 out of 1015 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel and friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Marko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, better than average towels, breakfast with eggs and sausage was good.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jasmine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
The breakfast was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I am very impressed with this motel. The cost was low for how nice it was. It is basic, but super clean, quiet, and a nice breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hot tub in the room was awesome
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanesa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and friendly service
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes it was very clean and comfortable.. the breakfast was so good and staff as well very courteous
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bade

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, general ambience was very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maury

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room is clean and neat. Check in was a breeze. Clean decor and good staff makes this a good deal. I'd stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Reginald

Disliked: Amenities
Room was ok, no elevator, I was on the 2nd floor.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Very clean, good amenities. Excellent price. Subtracted a star, because of LED lights in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Reasonable for price
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Christian

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Loud people in the halls talking all night
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leila

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, nice amenities and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mona

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

6/10 Okay

Brad

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Room was ok. There was some wearing. Evening was loud. Staff was courteous
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was decent for a nights stay, the free breakfast was a bonus for someone traveling across the country.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay for the money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Low key, friendly staff, central location near highway and main roads breakfast included helped budget.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

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

Comfortable stay

Easy, quick check in and the hotel has everything we need for a good stay while driving cross-country!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy

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