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.

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel

Average nightly price at Sonesta Essential Des Moines by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$52
February	US$54
March	US$56
April	US$76
May	US$69
June	US$78
July	US$80
August	US$98
September	US$67
October	US$58
November	US$55
December	US$53

What guests think

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.

Many appreciate the convenient location near the highway and shops, and several note comfortable beds and easy access. Common complaints include strong odors, thin walls and late-night noise, slow or unhelpful front-desk service, and maintenance issues while renovations are ongoing. Breakfast feedback is highly inconsistent, ranging from very good to limited, cold, or not replenished. Overall, expect a basic, budget-friendly stay that can vary notably by room and night.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic with ongoing renovations and maintenance problems; multiple reviews cite laundry and vending machines out of order, a loud or unreliable elevator, and exterior doors or parking areas that feel unsecured or dim. Pet friendly with a fee; parking generally available.

Related guest reviews

8

Yuliza

26 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A good location, lines in the parking lot need a touch up.

6

Beverly

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I’ve stayed here 3 different times. Each time I notice the work that is being done to better the establishment. This time perhaps will be my last. It appeared someone was cooking in their room and the entire hallway smelled horrible. The door leading outside was broke & didn’t require a key card to enter. The pillows in the bed need to be thrown away they were flat, limp and should not e used any longer. Please invest in new phones in the rooms. Stop cutting corners when renovating.

4

Tracie

30 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Well I first noticed when i pulled into the parking lot, limited parking up front, maybe 10 spots and 2 handicapped spaces. The police were there too. I had to park in the back. People in the back were in cars smoking marijuana hanging out. The front lawn area was upkept and overgrown, that needed to be cut. There were some homeless people roaming and hanging around the hotel. Now check-in l get to my room with tons of luggage for a 5 day stay, the key does work. Housekeeping notices and helps me out by opening the door. Well someone was LITERALLY in that room. After they make themselves known we closed the door with apologies. She opens another room for me and I go back downstairs to let them know the new room I'm in now. She assigns me a key to a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ROOM than what I just explained. Just a mess after a10 hour ride. The room "looked" clean but there were balls of hair (asked them to come and sweep) on the hard floor, linens and towels weren't quite white. We asked for more towels coming in from the day, well we had to bring all of the old ones down and then walk into the laundry room to drop them off first. We were in IA for a softball tournament and wanted to wash (include the new towels that we bought in IA, washing machines out of order), vending machines out of order too. Beds were very uncomfortable and hard. I even felt the springs. Nice across the street at The Holiday Inn Express where my teammates were. Best part were lots of food and shopping near

6

William

16 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was certainly affordable and the staff was friendly and helpful. The reason I gave a mediocre review is the smell of smoke in our room, the trash in the parking lot, and the fact that there was NO door at the entrance on the back side of the hotel. I think they were possibly getting ready to repair it, but it felt unsafe as anyone (or any critter) could have just strolled in.

8

Xavier

27 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Normally I stay downtown or higher end hotels but I had a good time at the hotel. My room was right next to parking spot and I got good deal thru online booking. Nice updates. Breakfast could have been more options and wish the gym was available but I found one down the street from where I was.

2

Erin

13 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No one was at the front desk to check in for over 30 minutes!! Even tried calling!! Hallways were dirty and dark! Needed to wash a uniform and the guest laundry room had piles of laundry everywhere…probably at least 2 weeks if someone’s clothes…everywhere!!! Would NOT recommend! Didn’t even attempt the breakfast as the lobby had such a strong air freshener odor to cover up the gross smells!! Room was clean though.

10

Brenda

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

When checking in n paid for my 2 pups I was given a placemat for their food/water dish, 2 cute packages of dog biscuits and 2 bottles of water with granola bars attached with ribbon bows! Impressive! Friendly service and comfy room

10

Susan

27 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The gentleman that checked me in yesterday was absolutely wonderful. Very friendly people that work there. The room was exceptionally clean and the bed was really comfortable. The only downside to the visit was that the vending machines for the soda either didn't work or they gave you the wrong soda when you push the button and the laundry facility was not operational other than that it was a wonderful stay and I will be staying there again in the future.

8

Simeon

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hall ways are a little confusing. Pa4king lot seems a little sketch but no issues. The teash panda was cute.

8

Barry

17 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Looked like an abandoned car in the parking lot. Not well kept up in the back of the hotel. Didn’t give me a sense that my vehicle was safe. Room was clean and comfortable.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: many rooms and some public areas are reported clean, but several guests found dirty linens or bathrooms, pests (including roaches and one bed bug report), and lingering odors or dampness.

Related guest reviews

4

Chad

12 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Place was dirty. Blood stains on pillows. Trash on the floors. Looks like someone was shooting ropes on one of the walls. No coffee for breakfast. Just a dump.

4

Charlotte

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Roaches

6

angela

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

we were in room 303 in des moines. We had NO hand soap.We had no ice bucket . There was pubic hair on the toilet seat . I suspect whoever cleaned the toilet used the bowl brush to clean the seat area. So we asked the front desk girl (who was wonderful but I suspect she was new) she tracked them down by the time we were back from dinner she only found a ice bucket and could'nt find any soap for us to wash our hands with. She found a small tube of shampoo which we used. They are using thoase large refillable bottles attached to the wall. the was on in the shower but not at sink. they did have a door seperating them. At the sink was a bottle of LOTION not soap! could not remove it. What hotel doesn't have bars of soap or liquid soaps at the front desk in case you need them? Also there was NO hand towel hanger by sink for hand washi ng??????who does that? And the whipped cream and the cherry was at 3:00 am we had NOOOOOO toilet paper AND NO ONE ANSWERED THE FRONT DESK PHONE. We had to use paper towels till thenext morning when my Husband coincidently ran into a cleaner. Now I don't know about you BUT have you EVER been to a hotel that didn't have 2 spare rolls in your room?????

2

Adilene

6 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We checked in and immediately checked out after seeing the condition of the room. The property was not well maintained—there was a strong odor upon entering the lobby, and the room itself was in unacceptable condition. We found pee stains on the floor, visible mold, nail clippings, and dirty nightstands. The bedding appeared unclean, and overall hygiene was very poor. Additionally, we observed concerning activity around the property, which made us feel unsafe. This was not at all what we expected and we would not recommend staying here.

4

Ruby

9 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This place looked good on the listing, but when we showed up it was gross. The room was musty and everything felt damp. We killed a cockroach on our first night. Some sort of alarm went off our second night that woke everyone up. There were people walking, talking and banging around all night. Breakfast was fine and the lobby appeared clean but we were unable to sleep for a majority of our stay.

10

Arnie

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

Laramie

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and comfortable

2

Kiley

9 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had bed bugs!!!!!

10

Renee

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beds were comfy. Everything was very clean. Staff was helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay here again.

2

Taylor

16 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Refrigerator in my room, the interior and gasket were covered in mold. Red substance running down the front of the couch. Boogers wiped on the wall. Garbage under the bed. Requested a room move. 2nd rrom was better but had a large wet spot on bed and the sheets had lots of hair. Had to request new linens.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms offer modern updates and some layouts with three beds, but bathrooms are very small and layouts can be awkward; thin walls and hallway noise are common. A few note AC or fixture noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Teresa

14 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room with 3 beds was so convenient. More hotels should offer

10

Judy

8 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in took a while as no one was around for 5-7 minutes when I arrived. The room was well equipped and comfortable. Bed was comfortable but an extra blanket would have been nice. Room was clean and had microwave and huge refrigerator.

10

Vanessa

16 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean plenty of room I had a 3 bed suit with balcony yes I recommend

6

Thor

18 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was very modern looking and new. The room was clean very nice. It was near the elevator and was pretty noisy when people got on and off the elevator. The room had a hard floor (not carpet and not tile) and there was a sizable gap under the door which let in a lot of the noise. Overall I would stay again.

6

Donna

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I don’t know how this place got rated 7.2, it’s kinda ratty looking inside. Walls are paper thin. We were on second floor & it sounded like construction going on above us but it was just a family.

8

Tasha

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff. Clean room. Very small bathroom. Breakfast was ok. Waffle maker, sausage, eggs, breads, coffee, juice. Eggs were not great, coffee was good. Area was not concerning - location was easy off the highway.

8

Marlene

29 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property appears to be an aged facility under upgrade. What has been finished appears new. Bathroom is very small with sink outside the bath door and the tub is original and slippery to stand in. There are no safety hand holds.

6

Theresa

29 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had a weird (bad) smell. Air conditioner made a lot of noise when it turned on or off. Door to bathroom was broken. Curtain rod was broken so the curtain didn't hang properly. Pillows were small. Bed was comfortable though and other guests were quiet.

8

Tonya

28 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very clean but had a little bit of a funky smell too it. Also very thin walls.

6

Allyson

24 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Probably should not advertise sound proof rooms…. It’s not terrible but certainly not sound proof. Rooms are newly remodeled, which is nice. Small but nice to have a microwave and fridge. It’s nice for the price. You can tell they put a lot of money into the remodel. Beds are comfortable! Just not enough hot water and shower head didn’t have enough pressure.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is mixed: friendly, helpful staff are mentioned, yet many report long waits at check-in, rude or absent front-desk agents, and poor follow-up on issues or room assignment errors.

Related guest reviews

4

Kaleb

2 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First room i was given hadnt been cleaned inbetween stays of the costumer before me and after i brought it up they tried to blame me for the mess, was upgraded to a bigger room after the manager stepped in

8

Monica

14 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The place is clean…lots of maintenance work that needs done but the maintenance staff is great! The front desk staff is incredibly rude and disrespectful. Overall, if you can get a room here for $60 or less, it’s worth it. But I wouldn’t ever pay more, you can get better and more respectful staff for $65+.

4

Tracie

30 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Well I first noticed when i pulled into the parking lot, limited parking up front, maybe 10 spots and 2 handicapped spaces. The police were there too. I had to park in the back. People in the back were in cars smoking marijuana hanging out. The front lawn area was upkept and overgrown, that needed to be cut. There were some homeless people roaming and hanging around the hotel. Now check-in l get to my room with tons of luggage for a 5 day stay, the key does work. Housekeeping notices and helps me out by opening the door. Well someone was LITERALLY in that room. After they make themselves known we closed the door with apologies. She opens another room for me and I go back downstairs to let them know the new room I'm in now. She assigns me a key to a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ROOM than what I just explained. Just a mess after a10 hour ride. The room "looked" clean but there were balls of hair (asked them to come and sweep) on the hard floor, linens and towels weren't quite white. We asked for more towels coming in from the day, well we had to bring all of the old ones down and then walk into the laundry room to drop them off first. We were in IA for a softball tournament and wanted to wash (include the new towels that we bought in IA, washing machines out of order), vending machines out of order too. Beds were very uncomfortable and hard. I even felt the springs. Nice across the street at The Holiday Inn Express where my teammates were. Best part were lots of food and shopping near

6

Miriam

10 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff person was not particularly friendly and hard to understand since he muttered his words. It seemed like he didn't like his job. Other than that, the hotel received a nice upgrade, was clean and the breakfast was good the next morning.

6

Paul

27 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

They wanted to put me o a handicapped room that I didn’t ask for then the put me in a room that someone was staying in . Overall the hotel is rundown and 1 person on the front desk when 5 people are waiting to check in. I would not recommend this place.

2

MIchael

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

At 2:45 AM, hotel was loud with drunk/high people in the hallway and on balcony next to room. Could not sleep and asked them to quiet it down with returned laughter. When I express my displeasure with manager in the morning, he just nodded with agreement.

2

Erin

13 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No one was at the front desk to check in for over 30 minutes!! Even tried calling!! Hallways were dirty and dark! Needed to wash a uniform and the guest laundry room had piles of laundry everywhere…probably at least 2 weeks if someone’s clothes…everywhere!!! Would NOT recommend! Didn’t even attempt the breakfast as the lobby had such a strong air freshener odor to cover up the gross smells!! Room was clean though.

10

Brenda

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

When checking in n paid for my 2 pups I was given a placemat for their food/water dish, 2 cute packages of dog biscuits and 2 bottles of water with granola bars attached with ribbon bows! Impressive! Friendly service and comfy room

10

edward

6 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fast check in clean rooms nice staff

2

Nicole

2 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Took over 20 minutes before anyone showed up at front desk to check us in.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient just off the highway and near shops and restaurants, though several guests describe the surrounding area and back parking lot as sketchy with loitering, affecting perceived safety after dark.

Related guest reviews

6

William

16 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was certainly affordable and the staff was friendly and helpful. The reason I gave a mediocre review is the smell of smoke in our room, the trash in the parking lot, and the fact that there was NO door at the entrance on the back side of the hotel. I think they were possibly getting ready to repair it, but it felt unsafe as anyone (or any critter) could have just strolled in.

8

Paul

10 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was ok, nothing special. There is some restaurants near by and a liquor store. Near the highway.

8

Tasha

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff. Clean room. Very small bathroom. Breakfast was ok. Waffle maker, sausage, eggs, breads, coffee, juice. Eggs were not great, coffee was good. Area was not concerning - location was easy off the highway.

10

keith

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

Low key, friendly staff, central location near highway and main roads breakfast included helped budget.

10

Kathy

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was close to the mall. It was clean and easily accessible.

8

Terri

11 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was huge and clean. A lot of shady characters hanging around outside. Was dangerous after dark.

10

Steven

23 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice clean, comfortable, affordable, located nicely to where I needed to be.

8

Simeon

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hall ways are a little confusing. Pa4king lot seems a little sketch but no issues. The teash panda was cute.

10

SHANE

25 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location

8

Cristie

7 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms were nice and updated. The outside area was dirty and there was a homeless person sleeping under a bush. The back parking lot was dark at night. The location was right by 2 car dealerships.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast varies widely: some call it good, while many find it limited, cold, or not replenished; a few stays reported no breakfast.

Related guest reviews

8

Karen

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean and I loved that they weren't using the one use bottles of shampoo and soaps. Breakfast was very limited, not even toast.

10

Shirley

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast. Very good.

8

Tasha

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff. Clean room. Very small bathroom. Breakfast was ok. Waffle maker, sausage, eggs, breads, coffee, juice. Eggs were not great, coffee was good. Area was not concerning - location was easy off the highway.

6

Wayne

28 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

poor breakfast

6

tiffany

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check-in was smooth and quick. The staff was helpful, and the lobby was clean. Initially, I thought the room was okay, but that changed when I opened the curtains and saw a large crack in the glass, and there were no screens on the window. We went downstairs to catch a breeze outside, but there were no benches anywhere. There were also no containers for smokers, which was not surprising since butts were everywhere. Breakfast started at 0630 on weekends, and by 0650-0700, it was all gone, and about 15 minutes later, it hadn't been replenished. The price was decent, and it was close to where I needed to be. May book again if I have to be somewhere on short notice.

6

E K

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I have stayed here three times. If you go for the lowest price it will be a handicap room. They require a $50 deposit. Breakfast only consists of sugar, grain and liquids. No protein.

8

Xavier

27 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Normally I stay downtown or higher end hotels but I had a good time at the hotel. My room was right next to parking spot and I got good deal thru online booking. Nice updates. Breakfast could have been more options and wish the gym was available but I found one down the street from where I was.

10

Derrick

4 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This property is a great place for a low price. I was blown away at how nice this location was compared to how low the price was. Mind blown. Also a great breakfast with a good selection

8

Shaun

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean though there is definitely evidence of a remodel happening. One thing I have found is breakfast to be poor at these sonesta hotels. I just ended up getting coffee and checking out. Security was okay.

8

Kurt

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

hotel was fine. one morning the egg and sausage was cold... even in middle of the pile. not sure why.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $59	2 $61	3 $61	4 $62	5 $61	6 $71	7 $70
8 $60	9 $61	10 $59	11 $60	12 $61	13 $70	14 $70
15 $61	16 $61	17 $60	18 $61	19 $61	20 $71	21 $69
22 $61	23 $61	24 $61	25 $61	26 $60	27 $70	28 $70
29 $60	30 $61

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Prices for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Suite, Multiple Beds

Guest reviews of Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Considering this hotel for your Des Moines trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23 $67	24 $83
25 $48	26 $49	27 $48	28 $51	29 $50	30 $54	31 $56