Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Avg. for September
Select dates to see prices and availability
Avg. for September
Monthly average prices
Nightly prices at Sonesta Essential Des Moines average $52 in January, the cheapest month, and $105 in August, the most expensive, based on the last 12 months.
| Month | Average price |
|---|---|
| January | $52 |
| February | $54 |
| March | $56 |
| April | $76 |
| May | $69 |
| June | $78 |
| July | $80 |
| August | $105 |
| September | $57 |
| October | $58 |
| November | $55 |
| December | $53 |
Most expensive: August (~$105)
Cheapest: January (~$52)
About this property
Parking
Non-Smoking Rooms
Business Center
Housekeeping
Banquet Facilities
ATM / Cash Machine
Location
Merle Hay Mall (1.1 miles)
Buccaneer Arena (3.2 miles)
Drake University (4.5 miles)
Val Air Ballroom (4.7 miles)
Des Moines Community Playhouse (4.8 miles)
Knapp Center (5 miles)
Guest reviews
Pleasant
Based on 1,013 verified reviews
Who stays here?
What guests think
AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
At Sonesta Essential Des Moines, guests describe a budget stay with updated rooms at good prices, but experiences are mixed across cleanliness, service, and amenities, leading to inconsistent stays depending on the room, staff on duty, and timing.
Read moreWas this helpful?
Christine
4 weeks ago
·
Stayed 1 night
Jon
4 weeks ago
·
Stayed 1 night
Macey
4 weeks ago
·
Stayed 1 night
Maryam
Aug 6, 2026
·
Stayed 1 night
Christina Dynae
Aug 6, 2026
·
Stayed 2 nights
Property Policies
Check-in
Check-out
From 15:00 to 23:59
Before 11:00
FAQs about Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Is parking available at the property?
Yes, free self-parking is available on-site. Limited parking is also provided.
What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?
A complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Does the property allow pets?
Yes, pets are allowed in specific rooms only, with a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
What are the standard check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 11:59 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request and could incur additional charges.
What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?
The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms. Additional accessibility features may be available upon request.
Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?
The hotel is situated in Des Moines (Merle Hay), within a 15-minute drive of Casey's Center and Jordan Creek Town Center. It is approximately 11.5 miles from Adventureland and 12.1 miles from Iowa State Fairgrounds.
What are the policies for guests staying with children?
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?
The property offers rollaway beds for a fee of USD 20.0 per night, subject to availability. Advance request or confirmation may be required.
Have a question?
Instant AI responses are based on hotel information
Considering this hotel for your Des Moines trip?
What do room rates typically run at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines?
Over the next 60–90 days, room rates at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines typically land around $64 a night for two guests, ranging from $61 to $88.
When is the least crowded time to visit Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
February is the quietest month to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines, while September is the busiest. Demand builds through summer into early fall, so expect the most crowds around September and the lightest occupancy in February.
What’s the location like around Sonesta Essential Des Moines — what can I visit nearby?
Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines sits in Polk County near attractions such as Merle Hay Mall, the Des Moines Art Center and Drake University, making it convenient for couples and families. The hotel also serves business travelers with nearby corporate sites like Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters and several medical centers.
Which month has the lowest rates at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
January is the cheapest month to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines, averaging about $59 a night; August is the priciest at $107. January’s lower rates come even though the quietest month is February, so the calmest crowds and the lowest prices don’t fall in the same month here.
How do Sonesta Essential Des Moines’s prices compare with other nearby hotels?
Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines is cheaper than 15 of 19 comparable hotels nearby, with a typical median of $67 a night versus about $73 for peers.
How does the nightly price at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines compare to recent weeks?
The current price at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines is $66 per night for 2 guests, which is low for this hotel: about 35% below its $100 average over the last 60 days. Most nights over that period fell between $47 and $199.
Prices for upcoming dates
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Cheaper
Pricier
Average nightly price across deals, with taxes & fees.
Prices in USD for 2 guests, updated daily.