Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel in Des Moines with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Exterior
Property amenity
Lobby
Restaurant

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Casey's Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(21 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.2 out of 10
Good
(17 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Located in Lovington within a mile (2 km) of Merle Hay Mall, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is within a few miles (5 km) of Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. This 150-room hotel has conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 12 min drive - 12.2 miles
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds - 16 min drive - 13.6 miles
  • Iowa State University - 36 min drive - 45.9 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

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel in Des Moines with free parking
Guests of Sonesta Essential Des Moines enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a meeting room. Free parking is available if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls and litter boxes. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, an ATM, and a banquet hall.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 43-inch TVs with satellite channels and Netflix. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and free local calls. Housekeeping is available on request.

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
  • 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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

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

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

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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • 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 free 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 and cash.
  • Onsite safety features 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).

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.

Property is 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

Are free cancellation options available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see within easy reach of Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

This hotel is situated in Lovington, close to Casey's Center, Merle Hay Mall, and Living History Farms. You'll also find Val Air Ballroom and Buccaneer Arena within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

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

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines include a casino at the property?

No, Sonesta Essential Des Moines doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like Netflix as well as free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk.

Are there hot tubs at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

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

Will Sonesta Essential Des Moines allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Sonesta Essential Des Moines for a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls and litter boxes.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines have connecting rooms?

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

How far is the airport from Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

The closest major airport to Sonesta Essential Des Moines is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is 22.4 mi away (29 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Des Moines.

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 379 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 246 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 94 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1000 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Sakib

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Did not like it too small
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Clean and fresh
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsey

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall good stay, unfortunately the fridge did not work in my room, and there was no actual warm breakfast like there was in the past. But for the price and cleanliness I'll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jill, Oshkosh

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Demir

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

don

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryant

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

QUYNH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie, CAROL STREAM

laundry was fine
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Fred

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to a wedding I attended. It was affordable. Updated. Pillows were nice. I slept well. Didn't stay for breakfast..
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Victoria

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was a good hotel for a cheap one. Only issue was the bathroom was so small I had to stand in tub to shut the door to use the toilet. And the gentleman that was at the desk when I checked out was just dirty and unsanitary
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025