Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel perfectly located for exploring Lovington

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds
Exterior
Lobby
Restaurant
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Wells Fargo Arena
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Lovington stay.Your stay at this Lovington hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of Merle Hay Mall and Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Living History Farms - 10 min drive - 7.5 miles
  • Wells Fargo Arena - 13 min drive - 7.8 miles
  • Iowa Events Center - 13 min drive - 7.8 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-Fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬13 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel perfectly located for exploring Lovington
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.

  • 150 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • 1 conference room
Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers 150 air-conditioned accommodations with irons/ironing boards. Premium satellite television is provided. 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 30 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.

Property payment types

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 deposit: USD 30 per night
  • Pet fee: USD 30 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

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
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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, Carte Blanche, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sonesta Essential Des Moines to the airport?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines is 22.4 mi (29-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 Des Moines?

As of Jun 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Jun 30, 2025 start from $62.0, 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 Des Moines have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer free breakfast?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers free continental breakfast on weekdays between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and weekends between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (14-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

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

Is there free parking at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines does not have a pool.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Sonesta Essential Des Moines to downtown Des Moines?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines is 5.8 mi away from Des Moines.

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 322 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 295 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 175 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1007 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Taylor

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Refrigerator in my room, the interior and gasket were covered in mold. Red substance running down the front of the couch. Boogers wiped on the wall. Garbage under the bed. Requested a room move. 2nd rrom was better but had a large wet spot on bed and the sheets had lots of hair. Had to request new linens.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Milli

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great clean!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
The front desk staff person was not particularly friendly and hard to understand since he muttered his words. It seemed like he didn't like his job. Other than that, the hotel received a nice upgrade, was clean and the breakfast was good the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Inside hotel room was nice and clean. Good selection on the breakfast items. Front door to the lobby needed to be repaired. Front of hotel area was nice looking, but i parked on the back side and the dumpster area looked bad. Staff was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

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

8/10 Good

Christy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Josephine

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
The hotel was clean and reasonable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome staff and nice clean hotel. They have an awesome breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miranda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Other than the area. And how you enter the facilities. The place in general is great. Inside is great. Clean rooms. Towels. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion. Insude you csnt hear outside either.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

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

2/10 Terrible

Lisa

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very rude.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Bill

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Can’t take food to room
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Yuliza

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A good location, lines in the parking lot need a touch up.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Allyson

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Probably should not advertise sound proof rooms…. It’s not terrible but certainly not sound proof. Rooms are newly remodeled, which is nice. Small but nice to have a microwave and fridge. It’s nice for the price. You can tell they put a lot of money into the remodel. Beds are comfortable! Just not enough hot water and shower head didn’t have enough pressure.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kamran

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room were clean and front office person were super helpful. Thanks for your hospitality.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Christian

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property kept us warm in -13 degrees. However the heater was loud and made noises.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Monica

Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Juan

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean plenty of room I had a 3 bed suit with balcony yes I recommend
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

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

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025