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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
Restaurant
Exterior
Property amenity
Restaurant

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • 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
  • Casey's Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines Area

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  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
3.4 out of 5, 577 reviews
$77 nightly
The price is $86
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines Area

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. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Waveland Municipal Golf Course 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
  • Iowa Events Center - 12 min drive - 7.6 miles
  • Casey's 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

Lobby

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
3.7 out of 5, Good, 972 reviews
$83 nightly
The price is $93
Jul 23 - Jul 24
Total includes taxes and fees
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

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 50 per pet, 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 fee: USD 50 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 Jul 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Jul 23, 2025 start from $75.0, 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

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 326 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 286 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 177 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 119 out of 1008 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

6/10 Okay

Shelley

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Reserved 2 rooms and had receipt showing 2 rooms but they said only showed 1 room on their end. Took a long time to get it fixed. Breakfast wasnt kept stocked and had to ask for items. Rooms were clean and beds comfortable but bathrooms are very small. Area is a little sketchy, walked to Bennigans and there was people walking and yelling
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Dwayne

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don't believe the pictures. Or withernour room was never remodeled. Room was dirty and smelled. People from outside would come In for breakfast to eat that weren't staying at the hotel. Picking through the food with bare hands. Learned later they were people who lived on streets. Toilet didn't work however maintanxe came fast to fix onced called I would not recommend this hotel. This is not a normal Sonesta.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Their was no bar soap in either room
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mardochée Jean

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hello the hotel 🏨 is greatly but the bathroom lobby is dirty someone bluout but is dirty
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tangelo

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Tanna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice and comfy very friendly and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sondra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great for a one night stay. The price was cheap and better than I expected! Staff was very helpful and pleasant..building is older but the rooms have been updated!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Like
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Erin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No one was at the front desk to check in for over 30 minutes!! Even tried calling!! Hallways were dirty and dark! Needed to wash a uniform and the guest laundry room had piles of laundry everywhere…probably at least 2 weeks if someone’s clothes…everywhere!!! Would NOT recommend! Didn’t even attempt the breakfast as the lobby had such a strong air freshener odor to cover up the gross smells!! Room was clean though.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

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

8/10 Good

dani

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
People above us were load they took care of it right away. Overall the stay was fine remodeled rooms. Pillows were Terrible
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Carter

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

Don't stay here.

No wifi. And desk clerk lied about it. No soap in room. Bed not comfortable. Noisy - people loud in hall late at night. Good location- but will drive an extra mile next time to go somewhere better. First time at Sonesta and now I know better.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

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

Nice place to stay

This was a nice hotel. Very clean and super friendly. We found this hotel after the one my company reserved was absolutely disgusting and unsafe.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juli

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean bed very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

edward

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Fast check in clean rooms nice staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Filipp

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Krystal

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room wasnt clean
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roderick

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey S

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

10/10 Excellent

Jammie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025