"Breakfast was delicious, featuring waffles, sausage, eggs, fresh fruit, and more."
Chris L from United States
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"the facility was clean and comfortable."
Rumrill from United States
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"The front lobby area smelled great, very clean."
Jen from United States
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"Comfortable bed."
Sharon from United States
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2-star hotel off I-80 and I-35 with free breakfast and pet-friendly stays
Amenities & Services
The hotel provides a meeting room that can accommodate up to 150 people for events and functions. Guests have access to copy and fax services, free local calls, and a 24-hour front desk with express check-in/out. Additional facilities include a vending machine, ATM on site, daily housekeeping, laundry services, board games, BBQ facilities, and accessible parking for disabled guests.
Rooms & Suites
All guest rooms come with microwaves, refrigerators, cable television, and pay-per-view movies. Some rooms include sofa sleepers, desks, irons, and ironing boards. Suites with balconies and whirlpool bathtubs are available, and non-smoking rooms are offered.
Location
The hotel sits with easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, just minutes from the Iowa Events Center and the Des Moines Art Center. The Science Center of Iowa museum and Iowa State Fair fairgrounds are nearby, and Drake University is five miles away. Merle Hay Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the area with over 100 shops, is close, as are several restaurants within walking distance.
Dining
Each morning, guests can enjoy a free deluxe continental breakfast that includes waffles. The breakfast area offers a selection of items such as sausage, eggs, cereal, bagels, and fresh fruit. Vending machines are available on site for additional snacks and beverages.
Pet-Friendly & Parking
The hotel is pet-friendly and allows up to two pets per room, each with a maximum weight of 50 pounds, for an additional charge of $50 per day. Ample parking is available on the premises and can accommodate most trucks, RVs, buses, and cars. Accessible parking spaces are also provided.
Highlights
Location: Minutes from I-80/I-35, Iowa Events Center, and Merle Hay Mall
Rooms: Suites with balconies and whirlpool bathtubs
Dining: Free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles
Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets per room, $50/day, max 50lb
Parking: Ample parking for trucks, RVs, buses, and cars
Meeting: Room for up to 150 people
“The recent refresh has certainly brightened the property, and the staff consistently make a positive impression with their helpfulness. Rooms here are notably clean and quiet, a welcome comfort. Breakfast is a pleasant addition, and the overall value for a budget-friendly stay feels quite right.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Usiowa
Select your room type
Sonesta Essential Des Moines 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
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
295 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Suite Three Queen Beds Non Smoking
2 persons
295 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.1/10Review 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
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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
Show more
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Location
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, 50322,
Map view
City landmarks
Amusement Park
Lions Park
1.3 mi
Amusement Park
Westchester Park
1.3 mi
Museum
Living History Farms
4.3 mi
Landmark
Terra Lake
2.0 mi
Landmark
Saint Aidan's Anglican Church
3200 ft
Landmark
Trestle to Trestle Trail
3500 ft
Landmark
Lew Clarkson Park
1.6 mi
Mall
Haymarket Mall
4300 ft
Church
Urbandale Baptist Church
4300 ft
Landmark
New Hope Assembly of God Student Campus
4400 ft
Church
Saint Mary of Nazareth Church
4400 ft
Church
New Hope Assembly of God Church
4400 ft
Church
Westchester E-Free Church
4600 ft
Landmark
Westchester Evangelical Free Church
4700 ft
Landmark
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
1.1 mi
Landmark
Des Moines Mennonite Church
5000 ft
Church
Gospel Assembly Church
1.0 mi
Mall
Merle Hay Mall
1.3 mi
Church
New Hope United Methodist Church
1.1 mi
Church
Zion Lutheran Church
1.1 mi
Church
Saint James Lutheran Church
1.1 mi
Landmark
Lazer X
1.2 mi
Landmark
Islamic and Education Center "Ezan"
1.3 mi
Landmark
Westside Pentecostal Church
1.3 mi
Landmark
Cornerstone Community Church
1.3 mi
Landmark
Terra Park
2.0 mi
Church
St Pius X Catholic Church
1.3 mi
Landmark
Saint Pius X Church
1.3 mi
Church
First Church of the Nazarene
1.3 mi
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
Living History Farms
15-minute drive
Living History Farms showcases Iowa's agricultural history through interactive exhibits and interpreters in authentic settings.
Lions Park
5-minute drive
Lions Park features playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas for families to spend quality time outdoors.
Westchester Park
5-minute drive
Westchester Park includes sports fields and scenic walking trails, ideal for both leisure and organized activities.
Trestle to Trestle Trail
15-minute walk
The Trestle to Trestle Trail offers a scenic route for walking or biking, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Lazer X
5-minute drive
Lazer X provides an exhilarating indoor laser tag experience, perfect for family fun or team-building activities.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
4-minute walk
Perkins serves a diverse menu featuring breakfast all day, plus delicious baked goods in a cozy family-friendly atmosphere.
Derry's Lounge
5-minute walk
Derry's Lounge offers classic American cuisine in a relaxed setting, known for its friendly service and great drink specials.
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
5-minute drive
Flix Brewhouse combines movies with a brewery, offering a unique dining and cinematic experience, featuring local craft beers.
Haymarket Mall
5-minute drive
Haymarket Mall hosts various shops, cafes, and seasonal events, making it a vibrant spot for family-friendly entertainment.
Getting around
City Centre
Des Moines 14 min · 5.5 mi
Airports
Des Moines International (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 the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
150
Former name
econo lodge inn & suites des moines
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Sonesta Essential Des Moines from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
7.3/10
Comfort
7.3/10
Facilities
7.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
7.7/10
Staff
7.5/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Spacious suites
Affordable rates
Cons
Unsanitary conditions
Strong odors
Guest reviews
based on 572 reviews
6.9/10
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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