In the heart of Merle Hay, Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a convenient retreat with laundry facilities and a gym to help you stay on track. Connect to in-room WiFi, take advantage of free self parking, or grab a snack from the vending machine - previous guests appreciate the helpful staff.
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
Sonesta Essential Des Moines puts you within a 15-minute drive of Drake University and Wells Fargo Arena. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and continental breakfast daily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Also, Jordan Creek Town Center and Adventureland are within a short drive.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
150 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
Pets must be supervised
Food and water bowls and litter boxes available
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Other information
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free continental breakfast 6:00 AM–9:00 AM on weekdays and 6:30 AM–9:30 AM on weekends
Coffee/tea in a common area
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Working away
Meeting room
Services
24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Facilities
ATM/banking
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Braille/raised signage
Elevator
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Assistive listening devices available
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Soundproofed rooms
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer (on request)
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 20.0 per night
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: USD 30 per night
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Policies
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, Carte Blanche
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.
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
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Sonesta Essential Des Moines does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 30 per pet, per night, and there's also a deposit of USD 30 per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available.
Is parking offered on site at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (14-min drive) is nearby.
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Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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
2/10 Poor
Apr 12, 2025
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.
Carter
Carter, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 11, 2025
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.
Andrea
Andrea, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 9, 2025
John
John, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 1, 2025
Jeffrey S
Jeffrey S, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 31, 2025
Jammie
Jammie, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Mar 31, 2025
Overall room was clean but very outdated. Entire property is in need of a makeover
Thomas
Thomas, 2-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Mar 28, 2025
Room was very clean but had a little bit of a funky smell too it. Also very thin walls.
Tonya
Tonya, 2-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 27, 2025
Updated rooms and very clean
Continental breakfast was good.
Helen
Helen, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 25, 2025
Always satisfied
I have stayed at this hotel a few times now. The staff is always nice and helpful. The breakfast is good. The hotel is always clean and conveniently located by the highway.
Kerri
Kerri, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 19, 2025
krissy
krissy, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 18, 2025
sone
sone, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Mar 17, 2025
crystal
crystal, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Mar 13, 2025
Milli
Milli, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Mar 12, 2025
Great clean!
dawn
dawn, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 9, 2025
Tara
Tara, 2-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Mar 7, 2025
Christy
Christy, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Feb 19, 2025
Monica
Monica, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2025
Very clean plenty of room I had a 3 bed suit with balcony yes I recommend