Sonesta Essential Des Moines – A Favorite for Families in Des Moines
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Key details
About the Hotel
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, 50322,
-
Close to Buccaneer Arena
Nice
6.9
7.0
/10
2.9
4.3
/5
Loved by Sonesta Essential Des Moines guests
Comfy beds
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Easy location
"Right off the interstate/highway, so it makes the rest of the city very accessible."
Nicole from United States
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"Inside hotel room was nice and clean."
Kevin
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"Fresh new decor."
Carol from United States
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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.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
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 Non-Smoking
2 persons
22 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Room Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
2 persons
27 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Suite Three Queen Beds Non Smoking
2 persons
27 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Very good
7.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
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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Sonesta Essential Des Moines Location
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, 50322,
Explore Des Moines
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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
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
4 minutes walking
This casual diner serves hearty breakfasts, delicious pies, and comfort food in a family-friendly atmosphere.
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
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 Moines 14 min · 5.5 mi
Airports
Des Moines International (DSM) 24 min · 9.9 mi
Boone Municipal (BNW) 92 min · 37.7 mi
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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
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review score
Based on 520 verified reviews
6.8 /10
Nice
57 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.4/10
Comfort
7.4/10
Facilities
7.3/10
Free WiFi
9.1/10
Location
7.8/10
Staff
7.7/10
Value for money
7.5/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean room
Comfortable beds
Good breakfast
Cons
Smelly bathroom
Guest reviews
based on 453 reviews
6.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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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.