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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a built-in desk, a vanity with a bathtub, and a large window with curtains.
A restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a stone accent wall.
A multi-story hotel with a modern design, featuring a stone facade and multiple windows.
A hallway with vending machines and a clean, tiled floor.
A reception area with a white counter, a clock, and a digital display.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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, Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Room

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Queen Room

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

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside lamps, a window with curtains, and a view of greenery outside.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A hotel room with a bed, two nightstands, a bright green sofa, and a wooden floor.

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a television, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.6 out of 10
Good
(32 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a green armchair, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wall-mounted artwork.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.2 out of 10
Good
(25 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a bright green chair, and a view of a building outside.

Suite, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

A hotel room with three beds, a bright green chair, and a wooden floor.

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Similar properties

Lobby
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,007 reviews
The price is €66
includes taxes & fees
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Along with coffee/tea in a common area, this hotel has a meeting room and laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, ATM/banking services, and a banquet hall are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers 150 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottled water and irons/ironing boards. Televisions come with premium satellite channels and Netflix. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered on request and hair dryers can be requested.

During your stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines, you'll be within walking distance of Merle Hay Mall. Free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are available. Some of the pet-friendly amenities this property offers include food and water bowls and litter boxes.
  • Free continental breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking and RV/bus/truck parking
  • Amenities include a meeting room, laundry facilities, and an elevator
  • 8 minutes by car from Drake University and 11 minutes from Casey's Center
  • Cats and dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls and litter boxes
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. The business-friendly Sonesta Essential Des Moines also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Des Moines hotel.

Guests are served free continental breakfast on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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
  • Lift
  • 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: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 400 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 230 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 171 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 1021 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 129 out of 1021 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kari

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great- room was clean. Bed was comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Marko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good price for the room. It has been recently remodeled so it looked nice. The staff was very helpful with my questions.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, better than average towels, breakfast with eggs and sausage was good.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jasmine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
The breakfast was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and relaxing. The staff was polite and helpful. Breakfast was okay. I would go back.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I am very impressed with this motel. The cost was low for how nice it was. It is basic, but super clean, quiet, and a nice breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

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 review

6/10 Okay

Paul

Breakfast was ok, but not enough seating. Had to stand and eat.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vanesa

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

10/10 Excellent

Bradford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and friendly service
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes it was very clean and comfortable.. the breakfast was so good and staff as well very courteous
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maury

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bade

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

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 review

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Very clean, good amenities. Excellent price. Subtracted a star, because of LED lights in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Reginald

Disliked: Amenities
Room was ok, no elevator, I was on the 2nd floor.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

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 review

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Reasonable for price
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Randy

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
You get what you pay for. Staff argued about our reservation. Homeless guy came up to us as we were unloading the car. Hotel is old. Damp smell, door hinges and chair in our room were rusty. Hope you like cornflakes or fruitloops for breakfast, because that’s all they had with a few pieces of fruit. Recommend paying a few extra dollars more to stay at new hotels on next exit in Urbandale.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Christian

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Loud people in the halls talking all night
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

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