Sonesta Essential Ames

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

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

Pool
Gym
Pet friendly
Laundry
Air conditioning

Explore the area

1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010

Place, Main Street Cultural District
‪5 min drive‬
Place, Jack Trice Stadium
‪6 min drive‬
Place, Iowa State University
‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

Very good

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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 with Sofa bed

Sleeps 3
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
Reiman Gardens - 5 min drive - 4.6 miles
Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 3.5 miles
Iowa State University - 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

‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
‪Panda Express - ‬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. Memory foam beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, 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.

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Parking included

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

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.
Accessible bathtub
Braille/raised signage
Elevator (39 inch wide door)
Stair-free path to entrance
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (36 inches high)

1 building
2 floors
Built in 1996
Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes
Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Shampoo
Shower/bathtub combination
Soap
Toilet paper
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.
No rollaway or extra 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 Main Street Cultural District, Jack Trice Stadium, and Hilton Coliseum. You'll also find Reiman Gardens and Stephens Auditorium within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Ames?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Oct 14, 2025 start from $69.0, excluding 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 on site at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. RV/bus/truck parking is 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 a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a memory foam mattress and a rainfall showerhead as well as an indoor pool.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a hot tub?

No, but some guestrooms at this hotel feature jetted bathtubs.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Sonesta Essential Ames?

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

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sonesta Essential Ames?

No, at Sonesta Essential Ames, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

6/10 Okay

Daniel

Jul 21, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

cindy

Jun 30, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Jun 28, 2025

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

Pool looked good. Nice to have vending machines with a unique variety - including chocolate milk and strawberry milk.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with pets

Jun 28, 2025

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

Booking and check-in were hassle free. Anything I needed staff was immediately ready to assist. Quiet and close to good food and gas stations only about 5 minutes away from anything else you might need. Close to the highway. And great rates. Clean rooms and pet friendly.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Franz

Jun 24, 2025

Nice clean cheap

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brittany

Jun 21, 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ann

Traveled with group

Jun 17, 2025

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

Room was clean and quiet. Breakfast was good. Staff were very friendly. My only complaint was the air freshener used in the lobby and room was extremely strong. It was overwhelming at times.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Leonard

Traveled with family

Jun 16, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

The hotel and room were ok. Staff was fine. The hotel was quiet at night, and the ac worked fine but a bit noisy. The bathroom had two small bath towels. The room did not have a safe but did have a fridge and microwave. The free breakfast was fine and included waffles, eggs, breads, yogurt, bananas and some cereals. I had to find a wall plug for the toaster to work.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Angela

Traveled with partner

Jun 16, 2025

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

Dirty comforter & sheets. TV not working. Switched rooms for it to dirty, dried blood in bathroom. No refund offered. Booked a new hotel & left. Never stayed the night.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Jun 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Business traveler, Traveled with family

Jun 11, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

The inside of the hotel was nice and updated as was the room. The only issue we had was when we flushed the toilet in room 109 it made a loud squeaking noise for a while. Otherwise everything was good. Breakfast was also very good.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Devan

Jun 9, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Anne

Jun 7, 2025

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family

Jun 3, 2025

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

Disliked: Room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Lindsey

Traveled with partner

May 26, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

It was a budget hotel. It met that standard, but was nothing great.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

J.C.

May 25, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ok but no more

tv didn't work , had to come fix it , loud exhaust fan ran constantly,, all the time ,,, continental breakfast ok not great

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sonia

May 24, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Its old and outdated, they dont even change the sheets (or they dont wash them properly) there was black mold in the shower and some lamps , its not clean at all

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

May 24, 2025

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

It was fine; clean, spacious. Not fancy but good value.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

May 20, 2025

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

Graduation Visit

The bathrooms need bigger towels.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

May 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Room comfort

Exactly what I paid for

It was no frills, nice place to stay. No hot tub, but had a pool. Breakfast was standard, but no diabetic options whatsoever, and when hotel emptied out after graduation, next day most of the good items at breakfast were no longer available, and I was told breakfast is dependent on how many people are staying in the Inn. Family run, and cleaned, so staff was very nice and helpful. Felt warm and friendly inside, air con worked great. For the price, it was a good deal, but don't expect anything extra. Lastly, it is a bit far from campus but se 16th st runs straight to the stadiums, which makes it an easy drive and convenient. We would stay here again.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Laura

May 20, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

I did have high expectations coming into an old hotel that had not been updated on decades. Just expected a clean room and a somewhat comfy. When we were checking in a couple people interrupted us and told the manager that they needed their pull out bed sheets changed since there was blood on sheet and it looked like the sheet was washed in dirty water. Manager said he would take care of it. We continued to room. Ours was fine. Clean bed. No shampoo though. No biggie. I’m the 2nd room we pulled back sheets and

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie, Rogers

Traveled with partner

May 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Clean but needs updates throughout. Beds should be the first to be replaced

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Danielle

May 6, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

When i asked for a receipt after my stay the guy at the desk wasn't going to give me one. It took a bit for me to get one from him and found out the room was actually more expensive through expedia then it would have been on site. There was an empty bottle of shampoo in our room. The breakfast didnt have a lot to offer. There was mold in the tub

Stayed 1 night in May 2025