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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
Restaurant
Property amenity
Restaurant

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 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
  • Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Casey's Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 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 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
(17 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, 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 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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Homewood Suites by Hilton West Des Moines/SW Mall Area

West Des Moines
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 461 reviews
$120 nightly
The price is $134
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees
Homewood Suites by Hilton West Des Moines/SW Mall 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. 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
  • ‪Flix Brewhouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

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

Lobby

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,022 reviews
$63 nightly
The price is $70
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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 Sep 6, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Sep 15, 2025 start from $59.0, 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. 341 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 267 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 176 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 118 out of 1002 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

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property very clean and looked new. Short of staff at front desk but everything else very well done. Excellent room and breakfast for a surprisingly low price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Last minute stop. Had a room available at a reasonable price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Cartiea

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It took over ten minutes to find someone to get checked in. There were hairs in the sink like someone had just shaved. Hair on the bathroom floor, the duvets had food spots on them. I don’t think it was stains because of the color and texture. Would not stay again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Steve

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy

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

8/10 Good

Xavier

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Normally I stay downtown or higher end hotels but I had a good time at the hotel. My room was right next to parking spot and I got good deal thru online booking. Nice updates. Breakfast could have been more options and wish the gym was available but I found one down the street from where I was.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lois

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Faidatou

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Room comfort
My stay wasn’t too bad but I don’t think I would recommend this place to anyone or be back. Everything seems updated and clean in the inside
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Joe

Business traveler
Do not stay here. Had to leave after one night. Horrible place
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Essy access both to the hotel and to the room. Close to amenities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Maria Loraine, Yorba Linda

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

george

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Took 20 minutes for someone to come to front desk to check in. Room smelled like bad food, none of the washers or dryers worked floors were very dirty, specially in the hallways and stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yamile

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

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

4/10 Poor

John

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

Picture and actual not the same

We had to use the refrigerator. Terrible noise. Window screen torn apart. Bathroom door handle falling apart. Toilet seat loose. Had to be bag of eggs thrown into warmer. Both days they were cold. Pillows to small. On the bright side shower was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kaden

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dakota

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

6/10 Okay

Kim

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Getting a Contact High

The room and lobby were clean, but the entire third floor smelled like marijuana smoke. Not sure if it was a guest(s) or stuck in the ventilation system. It was pretty annoying.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa Lyn

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025