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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Modern hotel in Merle Hay combines comfort with practical amenities including laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk, and easy access to everything travelers need

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi - Sonesta Essential Des Moines (Des Moines)
Exterior - Sonesta Essential Des Moines (Des Moines)
Restaurant - Sonesta Essential Des Moines (Des Moines)
Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels - Sonesta Essential Des Moines (Des Moines)
Lobby - Sonesta Essential Des Moines (Des Moines)
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a practical base for travelers with key conveniences. Guests can use the gym, in-room WiFi, and laundry facilities. Free self-parking and vending machines add ease, while the staff is consistently praised for their helpfulness.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for King Room

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

King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(27 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.0 out of 10
Good
(23 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Merle Hay, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is in the entertainment district and near the airport. Jordan Creek Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Adventureland and Iowa State Fairgrounds. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Buccaneer Arena. Visit our Des Moines travel guide
Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322

What's nearby

  • Jordan Creek Town Center
    Jordan Creek Town Center
    11 min drive - 12.0 miles
  • Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area
    Iowa State Fairgrounds
    16 min drive - 13.6 miles
  • Merle Hay Mall
    3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Drake University
    8 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • Casey's Center
    12 min drive - 10.1 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
    29 min drive

Restaurants

  • Flix Brewhouse
    3 min drive
  • Starbucks
    3 min drive
  • Chick-fil-A
    19 min walk
  • McDonald's
    2 min walk
  • Casey's General Store
    16 min walk

Similar properties

Lobby
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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • 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
  • Elevator
  • 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 available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 18 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Sonesta Essential Des Moines pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Des Moines located?

Located in Merle Hay, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Merle Hay Mall and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Buccaneer Arena and Drake University are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

7.4

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

6.8

Amenities

7.6

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 398 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 234 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 175 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 1020 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 122 out of 1020 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean property in good condition. I’ll happily stay here again in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and Clean good location
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
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

8/10 Good

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Chose Sonesta Essential based on location - wanted easy access to a Chick-Fil-A and Sonesta was right off interstate and same road less than a mile away. Also had a Dollar Tree on same road for any little things I forgot. Reasonable price, clean and comfortable room, easy check in with friendly staff. No issues and would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

6/10 Okay

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and comfortable, Bathroom light did not come on immediately after the switch was punched. Breakfast was a disappointment.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanesa

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

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were disgusting and not clean. Large brown stain on bedding which appeared to be poop, puke on floor, bedside table and curtains. Floor was filthy. Got a new room but that room had a broken window, nail in the floor that could have gone into someone’s foot and there was only 1 working outlet in the entire room. The floor was also filthy, food remnants and dirt all over. Dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed at. Also the elevator made very concerning noises. Children running up and down hallways past 10pm. Staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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

Bade

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

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

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

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

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

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beds were comfy. Everything was very clean. Staff was helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I like this property bc they have rooms with three beds. No hot breakfast, though, and considering the price, it's not a great value.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a good place to stay. Would give 5 stars but the no hot breakfast thing isn't working for me lol.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
So far this property is clean, updated and the front staff lady is beyond welcoming and friendly!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

It was clean and breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just a nice place to stay. The room was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good Affordable Safe & Quiet Place To Stay For The Most Part Yet Their Breakfast Could Utilize Being Updated A Touch & Serve Some More Healthier nutritional options that are hot instead of just a cold breakfast bar of sorts pretty much.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very nice, the lobby smelled great and everything was very clean. The only thing I will say is I was not impressed with the breakfast bar, it was mainly cereal and prepacked muffins along with some juice.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025