In the heart of Merle Hay, Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a convenient retreat with laundry facilities and a gym to help you stay on track. Connect to in-room WiFi, take advantage of free self parking, or grab a snack from the vending machine - previous guests appreciate the helpful staff.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-Fil-A - 19 min walk
McDonald's - 3 min walk
Casey's General Store - 16 min walk
Sonic Drive-In - 17 min walk
Buffalo Wild Wings - 13 min walk
About this property
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Sonesta Essential Des Moines puts you within a 15-minute drive of Drake University and Casey's Center. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and continental breakfast daily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Also, Jordan Creek Town Center and Adventureland are within a short drive.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
150 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
DONE
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
Pets must be supervised
Food and water bowls and litter boxes available
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free continental breakfast 6:00 AM–9:00 AM on weekdays and 6:30 AM–9:30 AM on weekends
Coffee/tea in a common area
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Working away
Meeting room
Services
24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Facilities
ATM/banking
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Braille/raised signage
Elevator
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Assistive listening devices available
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Soundproofed rooms
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer (on request)
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 20.0 per night
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Policies
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, Carte Blanche
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.
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
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Sonesta Essential Des Moines does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available.
Is parking offered on site at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (14-min drive) is nearby.
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Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews
Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.4/10
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Staff & service
6.8/10
Amenities
7.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Bed
Breakfast
Service staff
Bathroom
Coffee
Shower
Value
Toilet
Hairdryer
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
May 29, 2025
Great place!
Randy
Randy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 25, 2025
Clean room
Needed a quiet room for one night. The hotel is older and the hallways show some age. But our room was very nice and clean. The beds are comfortable and the room was quiet. The breakfast had a nice variety of choices.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 8, 2025
Would stay again
Check in took a while as no one was around for 5-7 minutes when I arrived.
The room was well equipped and comfortable. Bed was comfortable but an extra blanket would have been nice. Room was clean and had microwave and huge refrigerator.
Judy
Judy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 28, 2025
Great stay
Kenny
Kenny, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 18, 2025
Nice
Nic
Nic, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 11, 2025
Big room for 1 night
I was with my 2 dogs in a suite. It was more than enough room for all of us. There were a few minor maintenance issues. A door was off the cupboard
Julie
Julie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 26, 2025
Easy to access and staff are friendly
Brady
Brady, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Jul 4, 2025
Smelly hotel
Hallways have overpowering smell of curry which is quite unpleasant.
WhatsAMattaU
WhatsAMattaU, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 18, 2025
Nice and comfy very friendly and clean.
Tanna
Tanna, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 29, 2025
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.
Tasha
Tasha, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 27, 2025
Updated rooms and very clean
Continental breakfast was good.
Helen
Helen, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 8, 2025
Great Stay/Hallway Smell
I was very pleased with the room. The hallway strongly smelled of pot which was not a great experience.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 6, 2025
Fast check in clean rooms nice staff
edward
edward, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 9, 2025
Nice place
John
John, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 11, 2025
Nice place to stay
This was a nice hotel. Very clean and super friendly. We found this hotel after the one my company reserved was absolutely disgusting and unsafe.
Andrea
Andrea, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Mar 6, 2025
The hotel was clean and reasonable price.
Josephine
Josephine, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Jul 7, 2025
Too small for the $$
For the price, the room was very small, and the bathroom was so small it was difficult to shut the door. There was lotion by the sink, but no soap was provided for handwashing without reaching into the shower. Hotel staff was present, but not very attentive after check-in.
joe
joe, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 14, 2025
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+.
Monica
Monica, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Jun 14, 2025
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.
Rachel
Rachel, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
May 27, 2025
Normally I stay downtown or higher end hotels but I had a good time at the hotel. My room was right next to parking spot and I got good deal thru online booking. Nice updates. Breakfast could have been more options and wish the gym was available but I found one down the street from where I was.
Xavier
Xavier, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 27, 2025
It was the best time in ever
Kenny
Kenny, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 26, 2025
Great for the money. Quiet. Rooms are very clean. Beds comfortable.
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 16, 2025
Great for a one night stay. The price was cheap and better than I expected! Staff was very helpful and pleasant..building is older but the rooms have been updated!
Sondra
Sondra, 1-night trip
2/10 Poor
Jun 17, 2025
Alex
Room smelled very bad. Could not sleep. Did not find free breakfast. Would not recommend this hotel.