2-Star Hotel

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA - United States
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Sonesta Essential Des Moines
1/58
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  • Policies
  • Amenities
  • Reviews
  • Rooms
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$95
per night

2-Star Hotel

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA - United States
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Top Amenities:

Free Internet AccessFree ParkingHealth ServicesPets AllowedHandicapped Rooms/FacilitiesNo Smoking Rooms/FacilitiesFamily Friendly
Show All Amenities

Guest Rating

6.8

Pleasant

Based on 532 reviews

Location Of Hotel

7.8

Hotel Cleanliness

7.2

Hotel Staff

7.4

Overall Quality

6.8

Show 83 Verified Reviews

About

The Sonesta Essential Des Moines hotel is located with easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 35. The hotel is just minutes from the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa State Fair fairgrounds and the Science Center of Iowa museum. Drake University is five miles away. Nearby is the Merle Hay Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the area and home to more than 100 shops and services. Enjoy outdoor recreation in the surrounding area, including golfing, tennis, boating and fishing. A variety of restaurants are nearby, several within walking distance from the hotel. This Des Moines, IA hotel offers many features and amenities, including free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free local calls, access to copy and fax services. The hotel has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 150 people for events and functions. In addition to standard amenities, all guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, cable television and pay-per-view movies. Some rooms feature sofa sleepers, coffee makers, desks, irons and ironing boards. Suites with balconies and whirlpool bathtubs are available. Nonsmoking rooms are offered. This hotel is pet-friendly hotel (additional fees apply). Ample parking is available on the premises and can accommodate most trucks, RVs, buses and cars.

Guest Policies

Check-in:

After 15:00

Check-out:

Before 11:00

Pets:

Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Important Info:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Food and beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas. A damage deposit of USD 50 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full in cash, subject to an inspection of the property. You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in.

Features & Amenities

Highlighted Amenities:

Free Internet Access
Free Parking
Health Services
Pets Allowed
Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
Family Friendly

Amenities & Services:

Daily disinfection
Facilities for disabled guests available
Family rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Hygiene certification
Non-smoking property
Pets allowed (charges may apply)
Professional cleaning services

Guest Rating

6.8

Pleasant

Based on 532 reviews

Location Of Hotel

7.8

Hotel Cleanliness

7.2

Hotel Staff

7.4

Overall Quality

6.8

Pros +

  • Location
  • Cleanliness and affordability. Also felt it was a safe area.
  • Quiet, clean and deserve a higher rating

Cons -

  • Nothing open 24 hours near
  • Rude staff, crowded with long term guests. Reminded me of homeless shelter.
  • It was very basic but clean. No hand soap at the sink but they did have showering toiletries.

Top Quotes:

"Staff was very helpful and friendly."

"Restful."

"Friendly knowledgeable staff."

Business Traveler (64)

Solo Traveler (102)

Traveling as Couple (127)

Family with Young Children (37)

Family with Teens (22)

Senior Traveler (14)

Group Traveler (27)

9
4/21/2025
Nothing open 24 hours near
1
4/12/2025
Location
Rude staff, crowded with long term guests. Reminded me of homeless shelter.
9
4/9/2025
Cleanliness and affordability. Also felt it was a safe area.
It was very basic but clean. No hand soap at the sink but they did have showering toiletries.
8
3/4/2025
Quiet, clean and deserve a higher rating

Room Options

1/6

King Room - Non-Smoking

241 sqft • 1 King

Additional toiletAir conditioningBath or ShowerBody soap

Room Details and Photos

1/7

Superior King Suite - Non-Smoking

289 sqft • 1 King and 1 Sofabed

Additional toiletAir conditioningBath or ShowerBody soap

Room Details and Photos

1/8

Queen Suite with Three Queen Beds - Non Smoking

289 sqft • 3 Queen

Additional toiletAir conditioningBalconyBath or Shower

Room Details and Photos

1/8

Queen Room - Accessible/Nonsmoking

241 sqft • 1 Queen

Accessible roomAdditional toiletAir conditioningBath or Shower

Room Details and Photos

Single Standard

237 sqft

Room Details and Photos

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Smoking

291 sqft • 2 Queen

Air conditioningAlarm clockClosetDesk

Room Details and Photos

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-Smoking

sqft • 2 King

Air conditioningAlarm clockCarpetingCloset

Room Details and Photos

King Room with Sofa Bed

sqft • 1 Sofabed and 1 Bed

Air conditioningAlarm clockClosetClothes rack

Room Details and Photos

Location

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA