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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Hotel perfectly located for exploring Lovington

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Exterior
Property amenity
Restaurant
Restaurant

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Casey's Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪21 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

7.4 out of 10
Good
(19 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

7.0 out of 10
Good
(16 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

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
  • 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
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 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 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, 1,016 reviews
$52 nightly
The price is $59
Oct 30 - Oct 31
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
  • 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

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 Oct 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Nov 1, 2025 start from $63.0, 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. 356 out of 1016 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 264 out of 1016 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 179 out of 1016 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 98 out of 1016 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 119 out of 1016 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

10/10 Excellent

Forkpah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

Flooded with homeless

We stayed two nights. The first night was fine, but the second day the shower had a serious clog issue. I took a shower and the bathtub filled up so full it didn’t drain. We went down to the desk (the phone didn’t work) and let them know. We were told they would send someone up, but 45 min later we got a call asking if we would like to switch rooms. We did and the rest of the stay was fine. The biggest issue we had was the entrance door closest to our room was left unlocked and each time we walked in and out people were hanging out in the stairwell charging their cellphones. It was always a man and woman. All of them looked homeless and a few looked stung out. This is clearly a safety concern. The grounds have cameras so staff must know this is occurring and they allow it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Marguerite

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
I booked this hotel because it offered 3 beds in one room for our family of 5. The room itself was reasonably updated but the common hallways were not. It smelled of smoke despite stating non-smoking. The AC wall unit leaked onto one of the nightstands onto the floor overnight. When I told the front desk on checkout they did not seem to care.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex

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

10/10 Excellent

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Above expectations for price paid.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Teri

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Madonna

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booked as pet friendly and then they charged a fee on arrival for the pet. Otherwise great stay. They do give you a dog bowl and treats for your pet
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

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

Big room for 1 night

I was with my 2 dogs in a suite. It was more than enough room for all of us. There were a few minor maintenance issues. A door was off the cupboard
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sharyah

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trinity

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Judy

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

Would stay again

Check in took a while as no one was around for 5-7 minutes when I arrived. The room was well equipped and comfortable. Bed was comfortable but an extra blanket would have been nice. Room was clean and had microwave and huge refrigerator.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

joe

Disliked: Room comfort

Too small for the $$

For the price, the room was very small, and the bathroom was so small it was difficult to shut the door. There was lotion by the sink, but no soap was provided for handwashing without reaching into the shower. Hotel staff was present, but not very attentive after check-in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

angela

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

our Des Moines expewrience

we were in room 303 in des moines. We had NO hand soap.We had no ice bucket . There was pubic hair on the toilet seat . I suspect whoever cleaned the toilet used the bowl brush to clean the seat area. So we asked the front desk girl (who was wonderful but I suspect she was new) she tracked them down by the time we were back from dinner she only found a ice bucket and could'nt find any soap for us to wash our hands with. She found a small tube of shampoo which we used. They are using thoase large refillable bottles attached to the wall. the was on in the shower but not at sink. they did have a door seperating them. At the sink was a bottle of LOTION not soap! could not remove it. What hotel doesn't have bars of soap or liquid soaps at the front desk in case you need them? Also there was NO hand towel hanger by sink for hand washi ng??????who does that? And the whipped cream and the cherry was at 3:00 am we had NOOOOOO toilet paper AND NO ONE ANSWERED THE FRONT DESK PHONE. We had to use paper towels till thenext morning when my Husband coincidently ran into a cleaner. Now I don't know about you BUT have you EVER been to a hotel that didn't have 2 spare rolls in your room?????
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Daneth

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There was no exhaust fan in the bathroom and there was mold forming on the ceiling
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Maureen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Fine. Maybe better if not on first floor.

Discrepancy at check in about number of beds booked was handled friendly and efficiently. Accepted first floor room for our convenience, turned out to be a little high traffic in the hall. Also the entire first floor smelled of something like cigarettes.Could use larger softer pillows and hand soap at the sink- we were too tired to bother anyone about issues. We decided never to travel on July 4th again-fireworks all around past midnight. Morning coffee was pretty good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Louie

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

4/10 Poor

WhatsAMattaU

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

Smelly hotel

Hallways have overpowering smell of curry which is quite unpleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just a nice place to stay. The room was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tasha

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Satisfaction

Nice staff. Clean room. Very small bathroom. Breakfast was ok. Waffle maker, sausage, eggs, breads, coffee, juice. Eggs were not great, coffee was good. Area was not concerning - location was easy off the highway.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Wayne

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
poor breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025