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From85US$ /night
Check-in
12Dec2025Select date
Check-out
13Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
-
Close to Buccaneer Arena
Perfect
7.0
7.0
/10
2.9
4.3
/5

Accommodations and Amenities

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers 150 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Select rooms include sofa sleepers, while upper-tier suites feature in-room hot tubs and balconies. All rooms have irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers in bathrooms with shower/tub combinations.

Complimentary Breakfast Service

Guests receive a free hot continental breakfast daily in the lobby dining area, featuring waffles and other breakfast items. The lobby also provides complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, along with a vending machine for snacks and drinks.

Recreation and Facilities

The hotel features a fitness center, arcade game room, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Outdoor recreation includes golfing, tennis, boating, and fishing in the surrounding area. The property offers free parking that accommodates trucks, RVs, and buses.

Des Moines Location Access

Located in Des Moines' Lovington neighborhood, the hotel is within a 15-minute drive of Drake University, Wells Fargo Arena, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Nearby attractions include Living History Farms, Blank Park Zoo, Margo Frankel Woods State Park, and Saylorville Lake. Des Moines International Airport is 20 km away.

Guest Services Available

Services include a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, free local calls, and copy/fax services. The meeting room accommodates up to 150 people with free Wi-Fi and projector rental. The property is pet-friendly and offers accessible rooms with grab bars, lowered switches, and ramp access.

“This property delivers clean, comfortable rooms and smooth front desk service; plus, complimentary breakfast includes both hot and cold options. Security issues, such as potentially unsheltered individuals loitering in stairwells, require heightened awareness. It's a straightforward, no-frills option with some inconsistencies.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Familyhotels
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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Suite Three Queen Beds Non Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Coffee machine
King Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
22 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Superior King Suite Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Shops/Commercial services

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • BBQ facilities

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Patio

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Location

4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
Map view
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50322
Nearby
American Reading Academy
560 m
Restaurants
Derry's Lounge
390 m
4845 Merle Hay Rd Ste B
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
310 m
4601 Merle Hay Rd.
Taco Bell
290 m
4875 Merle Hay Ln
Wendy's
410 m
4935 Merle Hay Road Ste 1
Twisted Bean Coffee Company
680 m
4504 Merle Hay Rd
Bamboo Buffet and Grill
1.0 km
4349 Merle Hay Rd
Explore Des Moines
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Living History Farms
Living History Farms
15 minutes driving
An interactive history museum featuring 300 years of Iowa's agricultural history through live demonstrations and historical buildings.
Lions Park
25 minutes walking
A family-friendly park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, perfect for outdoor fun with kids or relaxing.
Merle Hay Mall
Merle Hay Mall
25 minutes walking
A shopping destination with a variety of stores and dining options, ideal for a casual day of shopping and dining.
Trestle to Trestle Trail
15 minutes walking
A scenic trail great for walking or biking, offering beautiful views and a peaceful outdoor escape in the heart of Des Moines.
Biking the Trestle to Trestle Trail
15 minutes walking
Biking enthusiasts can rent bikes nearby for a ride along this picturesque trail that's suited for all skill levels.
Relaxing at Lew Clarkson Park
30 minutes walking
A peaceful park offering walking paths and picnic spots ideal for relaxing in nature or enjoying a family outing.
Lazer X
20 minutes walking
A fun-filled laser tag facility that caters to thrill-seekers, combining excitement and competition for all ages.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
4 minutes walking
This casual diner serves hearty breakfasts, delicious pies, and comfort food in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Derry's Lounge
Derry's Lounge
5 minutes walking
A cozy local bar offering a variety of drinks and casual American dining, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Twisted Bean Coffee Company
Twisted Bean Coffee Company
9 minutes walking
A great spot for coffee lovers, known for fresh brews and pastries, ideal for a quick pick-me-up or enjoying a quiet moment.
Flix Brewhouse Des Moines
20 minutes walking
A cinema brewpub offering a unique experience of watching films while enjoying craft beers and delicious food.
Lazer X
20 minutes walking
A lively venue for laser tag fun, perfect for families and friends looking for an exciting night out.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Des Moines14 min  ·  8.9 km
Airports
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)24 min  ·  15.9 km
Boone Municipal (BNW)92 min  ·  60.7 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
137
Former name
econo lodge inn & suites des moines
FAQs
About Sonesta Essential Des Moines
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Which popular attractions are near Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Nearby attractions include Living History Farms (7 km), the Iowa Events Center (6 km), the Des Moines Art Center (6 km), and the Iowa State Fairgrounds (5 km).
What amenities are offered at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, a business center, a gym, and laundry facilities.
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines provide breakfast?
Guests are offered a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, including waffles.
What room features are available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Rooms feature air conditioning, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV, and some have balconies or whirlpool bathtubs.
Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Ample free private parking is available on-site and can accommodate trucks, RVs, buses, and cars.
Are pets allowed at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Pets are allowed with additional fees applied.
What dining options are available near Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Nearby dining options include Wendy's (0.5 km), Castaways Bar & Grill (0.5 km), and Bamboo Buffet and Grill (1 km).
What business facilities does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer?
The hotel provides meeting rooms accommodating up to 150 people and access to copy and fax services.
How far is Sonesta Essential Des Moines from Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is 20 km from Des Moines International Airport.
Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines provide fitness facilities?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center.
What features does Sonesta Essential Des Moines offer for guests requiring accessibility?
The hotel has facilities for disabled guests to accommodate individuals with limited mobility.

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