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Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly stay with free breakfast in Ames

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Indoor pool
Exterior
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, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

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

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About the neighborhood

Ames

In Ames .You'll find Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and Ames Dog Park within 3 miles (5 km) of this hotel. Main Street Cultural District and Octagon Center for the Arts are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Ames Dog Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Iowa State University - 6 min drive - 5.5 miles
  • Reiman Gardens - 6 min drive - 4.6 miles
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 3.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly stay with free breakfast in Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames offers its guests an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi is free in public spaces. There's an onsite 24-hour business center. Free breakfast is available daily. The family-friendly Sonesta Essential Ames also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

This Ames hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 75 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1996
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Ames offers 75 accommodations with video-game consoles and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature memory foam mattresses. 50-inch LED televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Ames hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; local and long-distance calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

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

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 50-inch LED TV with cable channels
  • Video game console

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

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: 18

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
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

  • Pets: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 80 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach 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! Up to 3 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

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 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

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

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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash.

Daily housekeeping is included for stays of 6 nights or less. Limited housekeeping is provided for stays of 7 nights or more.
Pets must be declared at check-in. Guests bringing 1 pet will not be charged pet fees. The listed pet fee in the Fees section applies only if guests bring 2 or more pets. Pets must be leashed in public areas of the property. Guests are expected to clean up after their pet.

We should mention

  • Up to 3 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.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • 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

How close is Sonesta Essential Ames to the airport?

Sonesta Essential Ames is 37.1 mi (43-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Feb 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Mar 4, 2026 start from 61.2, excluding 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.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sonesta Essential Ames.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames offer free breakfast?

Sonesta Essential Ames offers free continental breakfast every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Sonesta Essential Ames?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM.

Is there free parking at Sonesta Essential Ames?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Ames features an indoor pool.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Sonesta Essential Ames to downtown Ames?

Sonesta Essential Ames is 1.7 mi away from Ames.

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 316 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 338 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 196 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 62 out of 1000 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Laurel

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was cold / bathroom sink very low water pressure / grab handles in shower not attached to wall ceiling had black marks / bed felt like springs were coming out metal base of bed made noise every time you shift. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. The undisclosed construction and the smells.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Harry

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

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

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

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
staff was very nice
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Lyle

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
There was no worker at the front desk- waited for over 5 minutes. The hotel is average. You get what you pay for. Nothing great.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Holly

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gross out side and in side.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stains all over the sheets and pillows.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

William

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
This property is fine for a place to crash over night for a "guys trip" or similar, but would not use for a trip with my family, just due to general cleanliness and location. Bathrooms showed signs of light mold on caulking and around the tub, but "touch" surfaces were clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful (1st room had issue with AC unit and they quickly got me moved to another room).
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

8/10 Good

Elahe

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Shower was very very worn which did not match the rest of the updated bathroom. Nice flooring instead of carpet which gives the room a cleaner feeling. Beds were squeaky as other reviews mentioned however they were very comfortable and I slept well. Breakfast was decent and the area was kept very clean and well stocked. All in all, not a bad stay, replace the worn shower walls and it would be better.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Jodi

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Luisa

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are dirty! Walked in and the toilet seat was gross. Bathroom mirror was written on and housekeeping came to clean it. Tired to show me it doesn't wipe off but it did. So she kept cleaning it up. There was a plastic bag over the fire alarm over the bed which is weird and unsafe
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Katie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Traveled with partner
Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice pet friendly stay

We choose this home because we have a small (7#) pet. I really liked the fact that the room had no carpet. All engineered vinyl flooring. The disadvantage of that is that it's noisy. Not a criticism of the hotel, just a downside of non carpeted hotel rooms. The hotel needed a little TLC. Nothing horrible. The stainless steel grab bar in the shower was literally broken off the wall on one end, which is definitely a safety issue. The king size bed was clean but hard. I think this hotel was a GREAT value. Much cheaper than neighboring properties and the additional charge for having a power was only $15. If they would just do a little maintenance, their start rating would improve greatly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Robin

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Everything was as expected
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

Bed Sheets

They can make sure the sheets are clean because there was black stuff in the sheets other then that it was good an there was someone else hair in the bed on the sheets.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Naykelie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Pet friendly but with a fee
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025