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Sonesta Essential Ames

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Stunning hotel entrance with a covered parking area and modern design.
Relax in this stylish room with two single beds, a desk, and a flat-screen TV.
Relax in a spacious room with a large bed, bedside table, and shelf for storage.
Enjoy a functional and comfortable stay with a flat-screen TV, desk, and wall-mounted mirror.
Relax by the rectangular pool surrounded by lounge chairs and a small table.

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Main Street Cultural District
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Iowa State University
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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

  • Main Street Cultural District - 5 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Reiman Gardens - 5 min drive - 4.6 miles
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Iowa State University - 7 min drive - 4.4 miles
  • Stephens Auditorium - 7 min drive - 5.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬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. 50-inch LED televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Similar properties

Two single beds with white linens and blue accent pillows, a large mirror, and a flat-screen TV.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
3.9 out of 5, Good, 1,005 reviews
$77 nightly
The price is $86
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames

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
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

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.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • 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

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 Jul 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Aug 10, 2025 start from $67.0, 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 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. 320 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 350 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 190 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 56 out of 1006 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Myleka

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Quiet and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nate

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Got in the building and could tell it was under a remodel. Got to the room and there were burn holes in sheets and hairs all over on both mattresses. Did not sleep at this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

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

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Place to stay

Its a place to stay with your dogs.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Shauna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not good! Stuff didn’t work and was broken and bugs
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Exccellent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Exxcellent service nice clean room. Recomend greatly
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

William

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Ok for a night

Good for one night but not a weekend getaway type of place. Room was nice and clean, but the bed tilted towards the headboard. Breakfast was mainly the bread group with some odd flavors of yogurt. Not for a gluten intolerant person.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

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

Dirty, falling apart

The room was very gross. Several long black hairs and some sort of purple stain were on the sheets and makeup/body oil stains on the pillowcases. I asked for clean sheets and when I got back to the room, the second set of sheets were also dirty, this time several larger black stains. I got a 3rd set of sheets that were finally ok. The window had a big crack in it and it looked out onto a cement ares with empty beer cans, etc. The bathroom door had a bunch of dirty hand marks and the sink had a big crack in the sink surround. I tripped on the laminate floor in the room because it was buckled so badly and coming up. The front desk staff was nice but I would not recommend this hotel anyone because of how dirty it was.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Nathaniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The hotel is not bad considering the cost. Really, only issue is that the hotel is in need of upgrades. Friendly staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Daneen

Traveled with group
Disliked: Amenities
Bedding was dirty, spots on sheets and blankets. Tv didn't work. Faucet was hard to turn on and off.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don't Book A Jacuzzi Tub Room, If Any

I wrote up quite a lengthy review in advance - but I'll try to keep it brief. I booked a jacuzzi tub room as a business stay for 2 nights as I worked a 14-hour day in Ames on day 2. When the room is so awful that I opt to just do the 4 hour drive home after that work day, rather than take advantage of the room the 2nd night - that's a problem. The knobs on the tub were busted, but didn't offer any controls anyway. The one control knob to run the jets was on the other side of the wall, out of reach of even standing in the tub. And the jets literally only lasted 3 minutes. It only functioned as a large tub. Huge cracks in the wall. Light bulbs out. Exposed sink pipes. Exceedingly thin and nearly worthless towels, plus hardly any in the room at all; they're hotel pool towels. Realized the night stand electric panel wasn't working, moved the night stand and the outlet cover is broken and half exposed. A new cover costs $0.15 and takes 90 seconds to replace. Then I noticed the cables were covered with thick clumped dust bunnies. Super gross. The biggest sketchy part though, is during check-in for my pre-paid room, the deposit charge came out to $159.10 - with no explanation. Should've only been $100 flat. Reached out to hotel support, no response yet. Worried I'll have to dispute the charge with my bank. I'm not easy to disatisfy with hotel rooms; I've seen them all. I don't typically leave reviews unless they're positive, but this was the worst I've been to in years.
Burnt out light bulb in bathroom.
Huge cracks in the wall, or plaster, or whatever it actually is.
Definitely an old jacuzzi tub that hasn't been well maintained at all.
The jacuzzi tub knobs were mostly busted, and didn't really function anyways.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Wesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, had a funny mix up with someone that had a very similar name but the issue was fixed promptly. Rooms were clean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Needs some work.

The staff was friendly, and the lobby was well kept. The room needed some work. The jetted tub did not function and the shower has almost no pressure whatsoever. There were 2 TV's, one mounted to the wall, and one placed in front of it on the dresser, neither worked. The one that did have power was stuck on AccuWeather. The room could have been a little cleaner. The bed sheets had long hair on them, definitely not mine, and the tub had hair buildup as well. The room overall wasn't terrible but it could use some updating.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

bob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe and quiet. Easy checkin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jason

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is dated and overdue for an overhaul. Delayed in checking in and room had hair in various places in the bathroom and dead bugs by the window. TV did not work. I will not be returning to this establishment.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024