Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

Pool
Gym
Pet friendly
Laundry
Breakfast included

Explore the area

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

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

It's that easy when you're a member of Orbitz Rewards. It's free to join!

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Ames

Sonesta Essential Ames places you within a few miles (5 km) of Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and Ames Dog Park. This 75-room hotel has conveniences like free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.

What's nearby

Main Street Cultural District - 5 min drive - 2.6 miles
Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 3.5 miles
Iowa State University - 7 min drive - 4.4 miles
Hilton Coliseum - 7 min drive - 4.4 miles
Stephens Auditorium - 7 min drive - 5.2 miles

Getting around

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
‪Chick-fil-A - ‬4 min drive
‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center

At Sonesta Essential Ames, guests enjoy features like an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a 24-hour business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities.

50-inch LED TVs come with cable channels and video-game consoles, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include microwaves, coffee makers, and free long-distance calls.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.

Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Similar properties

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi

$77 nightly

Jul 1 - Jul 2

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

Free self parking on site
RV/bus/truck parking on site
Wheelchair-accessible parking available

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 center

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Braille/raised signage
Elevator
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

1 building
2 floors
Built in 1996
Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels provided

Entertainment

50-inch LED TV with cable channels
Video game console

Food and drink

Coffee/tea maker
Microwave
Mini-fridge

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 available

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

This property welcomes pets for USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
Dogs and cats only
2 total (80 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Pets may not be left unsupervised
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Up to 3 kids 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
Service animals are exempt from fees
Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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

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

Check-in: 3:00 PM—-4:00 AM
Check-out: 11 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
No cribs or infant beds are available.
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

What is there to do close to Sonesta Essential Ames?

This hotel is located in Ames, close to Octagon Center for the Arts, Main Street Cultural District, and Jack Trice Stadium. You'll also find Reiman Gardens and Stephens Auditorium within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking and RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a casino at the property?

No, Sonesta Essential Ames doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool.

Is Sonesta Essential Ames good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like an indoor pool plus some guestrooms include jetted bathtubs and kitchenettes.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a hot tub?

No, but this hotel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Sonesta Essential Ames offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Sonesta Essential Ames for a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Are there rooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Ames?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Ames.

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

2/10 Terrible

Nate

Traveled with group

Mar 2, 2025

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 traveler

Feb 25, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Jan 10, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Jan 9, 2025

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

Quiet

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Dec 28, 2024

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

Dec 24, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Business traveler

Dec 23, 2024

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

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Shauna

Dec 22, 2024

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

Not good! Stuff didn’t work and was broken and bugs

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

Dec 5, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Dec 4, 2024

Exccellent

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Dec 4, 2024

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

Exxcellent service nice clean room. Recomend greatly

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

William

Nov 28, 2024

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Donna

Nov 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Ok for a night

Good for one night but not a weekend getaway type of place. Room was nice and clean, but the bed tilted towards the headboard. Breakfast was mainly the bread group with some odd flavors of yogurt. Not for a gluten intolerant person.

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Nov 22, 2024

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dirty, falling apart

The room was very gross. Several long black hairs and some sort of purple stain were on the sheets and makeup/body oil stains on the pillowcases. I asked for clean sheets and when I got back to the room, the second set of sheets were also dirty, this time several larger black stains. I got a 3rd set of sheets that were finally ok. The window had a big crack in it and it looked out onto a cement ares with empty beer cans, etc. The bathroom door had a bunch of dirty hand marks and the sink had a big crack in the sink surround. I tripped on the laminate floor in the room because it was buckled so badly and coming up. The front desk staff was nice but I would not recommend this hotel anyone because of how dirty it was.

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Nathaniel

Nov 6, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

The hotel is not bad considering the cost. Really, only issue is that the hotel is in need of upgrades. Friendly staff.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Daneen

Traveled with group

Nov 4, 2024

Disliked: Amenities

Bedding was dirty, spots on sheets and blankets. Tv didn't work. Faucet was hard to turn on and off.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Business traveler

Oct 30, 2024

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

Don't Book A Jacuzzi Tub Room, If Any

I wrote up quite a lengthy review in advance - but I'll try to keep it brief. I booked a jacuzzi tub room as a business stay for 2 nights as I worked a 14-hour day in Ames on day 2. When the room is so awful that I opt to just do the 4 hour drive home after that work day, rather than take advantage of the room the 2nd night - that's a problem. The knobs on the tub were busted, but didn't offer any controls anyway. The one control knob to run the jets was on the other side of the wall, out of reach of even standing in the tub. And the jets literally only lasted 3 minutes. It only functioned as a large tub. Huge cracks in the wall. Light bulbs out. Exposed sink pipes. Exceedingly thin and nearly worthless towels, plus hardly any in the room at all; they're hotel pool towels. Realized the night stand electric panel wasn't working, moved the night stand and the outlet cover is broken and half exposed. A new cover costs $0.15 and takes 90 seconds to replace. Then I noticed the cables were covered with thick clumped dust bunnies. Super gross. The biggest sketchy part though, is during check-in for my pre-paid room, the deposit charge came out to $159.10 - with no explanation. Should've only been $100 flat. Reached out to hotel support, no response yet. Worried I'll have to dispute the charge with my bank. I'm not easy to disatisfy with hotel rooms; I've seen them all. I don't typically leave reviews unless they're positive, but this was the worst I've been to in years.

Huge cracks in the wall, or plaster, or whatever it actually is.

Definitely an old jacuzzi tub that hasn't been well maintained at all.

The jacuzzi tub knobs were mostly busted, and didn't really function anyways.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Oct 29, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Wesley

Oct 27, 2024

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

Friendly staff, had a funny mix up with someone that had a very similar name but the issue was fixed promptly. Rooms were clean

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Oct 26, 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Needs some work.

The staff was friendly, and the lobby was well kept. The room needed some work. The jetted tub did not function and the shower has almost no pressure whatsoever. There were 2 TV's, one mounted to the wall, and one placed in front of it on the dresser, neither worked. The one that did have power was stuck on AccuWeather. The room could have been a little cleaner. The bed sheets had long hair on them, definitely not mine, and the tub had hair buildup as well. The room overall wasn't terrible but it could use some updating.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

bob

Oct 25, 2024

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

Safe and quiet. Easy checkin.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jason

Oct 22, 2024

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Traveled with partner

Oct 21, 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This property is dated and overdue for an overhaul. Delayed in checking in and room had hair in various places in the bathroom and dead bugs by the window. TV did not work. I will not be returning to this establishment.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024