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 Wells Fargo Arena. 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
Hotel size
150 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
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
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
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
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
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
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
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
Pet deposit: USD 30 per night
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 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 fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
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 30 per pet, per night, and there's also a deposit of USD 30 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
6.6/10
Amenities
7.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 15, 2024
Loved the stay.
Justin
Justin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2025
Very clean plenty of room I had a 3 bed suit with balcony yes I recommend
Vanessa
Vanessa, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 26, 2024
Easy location to find and quiet and comfortable.
roger
roger, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 12, 2024
It was clean and friendly staff. Breakfast was good.
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 18, 2024
Make communicating with them easy flexible with reservations and accommodations
Kylie
Kylie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 23, 2024
i really liked it
William
William, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 28, 2024
Easy checkin n very helpful when needed by most
Very helpful when I rebooked my stay numerous times throughout the week and being able to stay in the same room
Kylie
Kylie, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Nov 21, 2024
Was okay
Kathryn
Kathryn, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 22, 2024
When im des moines ia this is where i stay. I love the hotel, the bed wow! I sleep like a baby.
Joseph
Joseph, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 4, 2024
This property is a great place for a low price. I was blown away at how nice this location was compared to how low the price was. Mind blown. Also a great breakfast with a good selection
Derrick
Derrick, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 4, 2024
The staff was amazing, very helpful and very accomdating!
thomas
thomas, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 17, 2024
Check in very quick, place was clean and comfortable. Amenities were basic, but very good value.
Thomas
Thomas, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 15, 2024
People were friendly and they had a room that fit all 7 of us ❤️
Tawna
Tawna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 26, 2024
The bed was super comfy and room was nice. So many dining options in the area
Kimberly
Kimberly, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 3, 2024
Love the space in our room with 3 beds it was what we needed for our family
maria l
maria l, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 5, 2024
Decent place, room is good.
Corey
Corey, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 14, 2024
Overnight Stay
When we arrived, the gentleman at the check-in desk was extremely nice and helpful. When taking the luggage into my room the door closed with the key cards inside the room, when I went to the reception desk, he quickly made me new cards with a smile on his face. I was made to feel welcome through both the check-in process and obtaining a new key card. The room was clean and comfortable. The provided breakfast had both hot and cold food options.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
6/10 Good
Jul 24, 2024
Fair hotel
Michelle K
Michelle K, 5-night trip
6/10 Good
Nov 9, 2024
Lots of homeless
Jacob
Jacob, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 29, 2024
Very clean, good smelling, convenient, and comfortable property. Excellent reception staff.
DONALD
DONALD, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 24, 2024
Its clean, quiet and looks great
Hope
Hope, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 16, 2024
In town for a concert
The hotel was very easy to get to. The check-in went very smooth. The bed is very comfortable. The only thing u would suggest is that there be more of a breakfast selection. There was only bagels, muffins, toast and bagels. I would like to see possibly eggs, sausage and bacon added.
Diane
Diane, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 21, 2024
This hotel was a perfect stop on a long drive home. We had a room with 3 queen beds so my grown kids and I were able to sleep comfortably and alone!
Katrina
Katrina, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 2, 2024
Decent hotel. Clean and quiet
Corey
Corey, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 10, 2024
It was ok, nothing special. There is some restaurants near by and a liquor store. Near the highway.