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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

ee - (888) 420-1655
Sonesta Essential Des Moines, 4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA -(888) 420-1655
Area: Urbandale - Merle Hay
(Map)
3.35
HOTEL RATING: 
PLEASANT
3.35 out of 5 (354 Ratings)
12.1 miles Iowa State Fair
v17 mins driving
UBER from $16-22
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 420-1655
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Hotel Description
The Sonesta Essential Des Moines hotel is located with easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 35. The hotel is just minutes from the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa State Fair fairgrounds and the Science Center of Iowa museum. Drake University is five miles away. Nearby is the Merle Hay Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the area and home to more than 100 shops and services. Enjoy outdoor recreation in the surrounding area, including golfing, tennis, boating and fishing. A variety of restaurants are nearby, several within walking distance from the hotel. This Des Moines, IA hotel offers many features and amenities, including free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free local calls, access to copy and fax services. The hotel has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 150 people for events and functions. In addition to standard amenities, all guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, cable television and pay-per-view movies. Some rooms feature sofa sleepers, coffee makers, desks, irons and ironing boards. Suites with balconies and whirlpool bathtubs are available. Nonsmoking rooms are offered. This hotel is pet-friendly hotel (additional fees apply). Ample parking is available on the premises and can accommodate most trucks, RVs, buses and cars.

Check-in time: 15:00   Check-out time: 11:00
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7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
A
Business Center
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
B
Airport Shuttle
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Golf Course
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Air Conditioning
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Elevator
` BBQ facilities
` Private check-in/check-out
` vending machine
` telephone
` kitchenware
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Game Room
` Daily Housekeeping
` English
` Spanish
` Convenience Store
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Hygiene certification
` Staff trained in safety protocol
` Temperature check for guests and staff
` Contactless check-in/out
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Laundry services
` Non-smoking property
` Safety chain and/or latch on doors available
` Separate shower/bathtub
` Soundproof rooms available
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Individually-wrapped food options
` Air conditioning in public area
` Heating in public area
` Desk/workspace available
` Professional cleaning services
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Cleaning products available
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)
` Xerox/fax in business center

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Pleasant (3.35 out of 5)

Write a review

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Ellbie Fri, 11 July 2025

Wouldn’t recommend staying here

Liked: Building and room itself was fine it just smelled so awful. We got in late and were tired, only there for a night so put up with it but I’m shocked rooms filled with mold smell and body odor are being assigned. Rooms need a deep cleaning for sure
Disliked: Smelly, dirty, overpriced, rude staff. Guy early in the morning after saying hello to him, he just glared at me in me and partner, like you’re in customer service? Lol shouldn’t be so rude to the people paying your bills

1.5

Poor - 1.5 out of 5

Anonymous Fri, 11 July 2025

Poor

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Anonymous Wed, 9 July 2025

Pleasant

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Anonymous Wed, 9 July 2025

Superb

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

2restlesstravelers Tue, 8 July 2025

Disappointing

Liked: quick detour off the freeway
Disliked: rundown facility, sketchy people outside of the property, parking lot was not well kept

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Josh Mon, 7 July 2025

Very good

Liked: Easy check in and clean rooms. Good place for the price.
Disliked: Could use some cleaning up outside. Junk car sitting in the parking lot seems trashy. Only has pop machines. Would be nice for some other options on vending machines.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Honkomp Sat, 5 July 2025

Exceptional

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Graham Fri, 4 July 2025

Superb

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Eric Fri, 4 July 2025

Exceptional

1.5

Poor - 1.5 out of 5

Michelle Thu, 3 July 2025

Dirty and not safe

Liked: Nothing
Disliked: Property was dirty and smelled bad, burn holes in the blankets, unsavory people hanging out in the parking area. Felt unsafe and unsanitary

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Sonesta Essential Des Moines 4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA