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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel perfectly located for exploring Merle Hay

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Property amenity
Exterior
Lobby
Restaurant

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Casey's Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

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

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(21 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

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

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

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

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Merle Hay stay.Your stay at this Merle Hay 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
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 12 min drive - 12.2 miles
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds - 16 min drive - 13.6 miles
  • Iowa State University - 36 min drive - 45.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel perfectly located for exploring Merle Hay
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 complimentary bottled water and irons/ironing boards. Televisions come with premium satellite channels and Netflix. 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.

Similar properties

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Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,003 reviews
$47 nightly
The price is $52
Jan 25 - Jan 26
Total with 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)

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

  • 43-inch TV with premium satellite channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

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

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Jan 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Jan 27, 2026 start from $53.44, 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. 378 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 168 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 94 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 1004 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Heather

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

10/10 Excellent

QUYNH

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

6/10 Okay

Katie, CAROL STREAM

laundry was fine
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Fred

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Victoria

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was a good hotel for a cheap one. Only issue was the bathroom was so small I had to stand in tub to shut the door to use the toilet. And the gentleman that was at the desk when I checked out was just dirty and unsanitary
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Merlin

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Abigail

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was clean and I loved that they weren't using the one use bottles of shampoo and soaps. Breakfast was very limited, not even toast.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Brad

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was not much and disappointing. Cornflakes of Fruit Loops, yogurt and not so good packaged pastries.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Clint

Business traveler
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast. Very good.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

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

2/10 Terrible

Alejandra

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Shaun

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was clean though there is definitely evidence of a remodel happening. One thing I have found is breakfast to be poor at these sonesta hotels. I just ended up getting coffee and checking out. Security was okay.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicole

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was late when I got there. Room smelled moldy but too tired to care.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beds were comfy. Everything was very clean. Staff was helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

E K

Business traveler
I have stayed here three times. If you go for the lowest price it will be a handicap room. They require a $50 deposit. Breakfast only consists of sugar, grain and liquids. No protein.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

wanda

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Emina

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really good for the price
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Edin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would never stay here again. In the middle of the night i was woken up by screaming and then police knocking on my door looking for someone. Never felt so unsafe
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mahir

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

8/10 Good

Anne

Very. Nice
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025