Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Exterior
Indoor pool
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Bathroom | Combined shower/tub, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Place, Ames Dog Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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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

  • Ames Dog Park - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Octagon Center for the Arts - 5 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Iowa State University - 6 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 5.2 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

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

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)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Mosquito nets
  • 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

More

  • 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: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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: 21
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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

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 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.

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Jun 18, 2026 start from $72, including 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.

Will I be able to park 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.

Are there hot tubs at Sonesta Essential Ames?

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, you can book connecting rooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

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

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

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 324 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 330 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1005 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hotel was clean and the staff was accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean. Staff was kind. Breakfast was what we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Sapna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff courteous and it was clean, basic, no frills, good for 1 night
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. Check in was quick and easy and staff were very kind.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Soechun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the free breakfest and variety or chooses and the ac worked good as well as the shower, enjoyed my stay and had excellent service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was very helpful when the heat wasn't working moved me to a room with great heat!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Amenities
staff was very nice
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Decent hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A room to sleep in
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The front desk was helpful and breakfast was good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

John

Did not book stay at hotel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was extremely clean. I would stay here again. Breakfast was sufficient.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was clean, bed was fairly comfortable, and the breakfast was above average for a budget friendly hotel. The hotel staff was friendly as well. Overall, we were pleased with our stay and would stay again if needed. The motel fit our needs and our budget.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, overall great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Niko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice for the price. Safe and quiet. Easy to get around town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

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

Clean & a Great Value

Slightly older motel but kept very clean. Good breakfast. The desk staff and housekeeping are extremely friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was very good and I will likely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Cheapest place in town
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff was extremely friendly. They are in the process of making upgrades to the property. Could be cleaner but not bad when your on a budget and for a quick stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

William

Front desk person was helpful. Cleaning ladies were nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025