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From80US$ /night
Check-in
24Mar2026Select date
Check-out
25Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
-
Close to Buccaneer Arena
Very good
7.0
7.1
/10
3.0
4.3
/5

Sonesta Essential Des Moines - A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast and proximity to key attractions

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers 150 air-conditioned rooms, including suites with sofa sleepers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Upper-tier suites feature additional amenities such as hot tubs and balconies. A free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles is served daily, and guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel has a meeting room accommodating up to 150 people and offers facilities like a 24-hour front desk, laundry services, and free parking for vehicles of varying sizes. Located in the Lovington neighborhood, Sonesta Essential is within a 15-minute drive of Drake University, Wells Fargo Arena, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Nearby attractions include the Iowa Events Center and the Science Center of Iowa. Safety measures include carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and first-aid kits.

Pros

Free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles included in the stay.

Ample parking available for trucks, RVs, buses, and cars.

Proximity to major attractions like Wells Fargo Arena and the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Meeting facilities capable of hosting events for up to 150 attendees.

Cons

The hotel is 20 km from Des Moines International Airport.

Limited on-site dining options beyond the complimentary breakfast.

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Select your room type

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Queen Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Suite Three Queen Beds Non Smoking
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Coffee machine
King Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Shops/Commercial services

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • BBQ facilities

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Patio

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel Location

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
Map view
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
Nearby
American Reading Academy
1900 ft
Restaurants
Derry's Lounge
1300 ft
4845 Merle Hay Rd Ste B
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
1100 ft
4601 Merle Hay Rd.
Taco Bell
1000 ft
4875 Merle Hay Ln
Wendy's
1400 ft
4935 Merle Hay Road Ste 1
Twisted Bean Coffee Company
2300 ft
4504 Merle Hay Rd
Bamboo Buffet and Grill
3400 ft
4349 Merle Hay Rd
Explore Des Moines
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Lions Park
25 minutes walking
Lions Park features playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and relaxation.
Living History Farms
15-minute drive
Living History Farms showcases Iowa's agricultural history with interactive exhibits, walking tours, and seasonal events.
Terra Lake
10-minute drive
Terra Lake offers scenic walking trails and fishing spots, ideal for enjoying nature in a tranquil setting.
Merle Hay Mall
25 minutes walking
Merle Hay Mall features a variety of shops and eateries, perfect for a leisurely shopping experience.
Trestle to Trestle Trail
15 minutes walking
The Trestle to Trestle Trail is excellent for biking or walking, offering scenic views along the way.
Lazer X
20 minutes walking
Lazer X provides thrilling laser tag experiences for families and friends looking for high-energy fun.
Twisted Bean Coffee Company
9 minutes walking
Twisted Bean Coffee Company is a cozy coffee shop offering relaxing vibes and delicious beverages.
Derry's Lounge
5 minutes walking
Derry's Lounge is a casual spot serving comfort food with a friendly atmosphere and great service.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
4 minutes walking
Perkins Restaurant offers a menu of homestyle meals and bakery delights, along with a cozy dining atmosphere.
Taco Bell
4 minutes walking
Taco Bell provides quick and tasty Mexican-inspired fast food, perfect for a casual meal on the go.
Wendy's
5 minutes walking
Wendy's is known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers and salads, offering quick service and familiar favorites.
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
20 minutes walking
Flix Brewhouse combines dining with cinema, showing films while serving craft beer and meals in a unique setting.
Hy-Vee Arena
15-minute drive
Hy-Vee Arena hosts various sports and entertainment events, providing a lively atmosphere and diverse programming.
Getting around
City Centre
Des Moines14 min  ·  5.5 mi
Airports
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)24 min  ·  9.9 mi
Boone Municipal (BNW)92 min  ·  37.7 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
137
Former name
econo lodge inn & suites des moines

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 465 verified reviews
6.9/10
Nice
58%
Recommend
Breakfast
6.6/10
Cleanliness
7.5/10
Comfort
7.4/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
7.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
7.7/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Free breakfast
Clean room
Good location
Comfortable beds
Cons
Awful smell
Filthy bedding
Guest reviews
based on 416 reviews
7.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Sonesta Essential Des Moines
How far is Sonesta Essential Des Moines from Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is 20 km from Des Moines International Airport, which takes approximately 22 minutes to reach by car.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-in is at 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Rooms include air conditioning, cable television, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
Is breakfast included at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
The hotel offers a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast with waffles.
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines have a fitness center?
Guests can utilize the on-site fitness center for their workout needs.
What parking options are available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Ample free parking is available on-site, accommodating most trucks, RVs, buses, and cars.
Are there any local attractions near Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Nearby attractions include the Iowa Events Center (3 km), the Des Moines Art Center (5 km), and the Iowa State Fairgrounds (6 km).
What dining options are close to Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Nearby restaurants include Wendy's (0.5 km), Castaways Bar & Grill (0.5 km), and Bamboo Buffet and Grill (1 km).
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer business services?
Business services include access to copy and fax services and a meeting room that accommodates up to 150 people.
Can guests enjoy outdoor recreation near Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Guests can enjoy activities such as golfing, tennis, boating, and fishing in the surrounding area.

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24Mar2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room