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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2.0 star property
Modern hotel in Merle Hay combines comfort with practical amenities including laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk, and easy access to everything travelers need

Choose dates to view prices

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a practical base for travelers with key conveniences. Guests can use the gym, in-room WiFi, and laundry facilities. Free self-parking and vending machines add ease, while the staff is consistently praised for their helpfulness.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
The current price is ฿1,685
฿1,981 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

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

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Sofa bed - queen
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
TV
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the area

Map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 12 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds - 16 min drive - 21.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪7 Brew Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotel located in Lovington
Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides amenities, such as free continental breakfast and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self-parking
  • ATM/banking services, coffee/tea in reception and a 24-hour front desk
  • A banquet hall, a vending machine and a lift
Room features
All 150 rooms have comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to perks such as free WiFi and free bottled water. Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations
  • 43-inch TVs with Netflix, streaming services and premium channels
  • Fridges, microwaves and heating

Similar properties

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Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,005 reviews
The price is ฿1,607
฿1,800 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Jan - 8 Jan
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request

Business services

  • Meeting room

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
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

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 are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls and litter trays are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 18 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

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

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

Is Sonesta Essential Des Moines pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

As of 5 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on 14 Jan 2026 start from ฿1,684.72, 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.

How much is parking at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Des Moines located?

Located in Lovington, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Merle Hay Mall and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Reviews

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

7.4

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

7.0

Location

7.6

Staff & service

7.2

Eco-friendliness

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 372 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 252 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 172 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 96 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 116 out of 1008 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maury

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean room, nice staff. The only complaint is the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Liked: Amenities
Always pretty satisfied with my room. Dont unserstand the 2 or 3 pillows on a bed unless they are bigger. Hotel i choose over many
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was decent for a nights stay, the free breakfast was a bonus for someone traveling across the country.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Sven-Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Generally we know that you get what you pay for. But this one was weird. Overall the hotel was clean, but the rooms were weirdly run down. For example the toilet seat was loose, the lid had burn marks. The accent chair had small holes everywhere as it had been attacked by a cat. Fine for a stop on a roadtrip as very close to the interstate.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay for the money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

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

2/10 Terrible

Dustin

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent all my money on the room. Wouldn't give me a room with out deposit so they took my phone for deposit. Wasn't able to talk to my kids on Christmas eve due to. From desk was rude
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

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

Comfortable stay

Easy, quick check in and the hotel has everything we need for a good stay while driving cross-country!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Low key, friendly staff, central location near highway and main roads breakfast included helped budget.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bridgette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff is excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
So far this property is clean, updated and the front staff lady is beyond welcoming and friendly!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Decent place to stay for 1 night
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall good stay, unfortunately the fridge did not work in my room, and there was no actual warm breakfast like there was in the past. But for the price and cleanliness I'll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Rod

Yes
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean nice service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Only thing I'd say needed to be done is I've noticed not every room has an ice bucket & don't understand the 3 pillow thing either.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

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

10/10 Excellent

Arnie

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very impressed with property for the great price. Room was clean, bed and pillows were very comfortable. Breakfast was typical breakfast for places like this. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

laundry was fine
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

It was clean and breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy

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