Verified Reviews of Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Nice Stay"
Overall Score3.0/ 5
Good Time
Dori M. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
22-Sep-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Sep 19 to Sat Sep 20 2025 at a $82.67 average nightly rate.
"Very clean hotel and courteous staff."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
The rooms are very clean and good sized. The staff is courteous.
Jesse S. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
19-Apr-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Thu Apr 17 to Sun Apr 20 2025 at a $38.33 average nightly rate.
Customer Reviews of Sonesta Essential Des Moines
- 3.7 of 5Overall
- 3.5 of 5Amenities
- 3.7 of 5Cleanliness
- 3.8 of 5Comfort
- 3.6 of 5Condition
- 3.8 of 5Service
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Property Description
With a stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in Des Moines (Merle Hay), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Drake University and Casey's Center. This hotel is 10.9 mi (17.6 km) from Jordan Creek Town Center and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Adventureland.
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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 150 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary bottled water, as well as phones with free local calls.
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Merle Hay Mall - 1.8 km / 1.1 mi
Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters - 4.1 km / 2.5 mi
Buccaneer Arena - 5.1 km / 3.2 mi
Waveland Municipal Golf Course - 6.1 km / 3.8 mi
Drake University - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi
Windsor Heights Dog Park - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi
Val Air Ballroom - 7.6 km / 4.7 mi
Des Moines Community Playhouse - 7.8 km / 4.8 mi
Knapp Center - 8.1 km / 5 mi
Saylorville Lake - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
Des Moines Art Center - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
Greenbelt Trail - 9 km / 5.6 mi
Valley Junction - 9.3 km / 5.8 mi
Salisbury House - 9.4 km / 5.9 mi
Water Works Park - 10.4 km / 6.5 mi
The nearest major airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 36.1 km / 22.4 mi
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, a banquet hall, and a vending machine.
Green Sustainability
Yes, green certified.
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
The Essential Des Moines is conveniently located just minutes from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making travel easy and efficient for both business and group guests. With a short drive to and from the airport, guests can enjoy quick arrivals and departures without the congestion of larger metro airports. The close proximity to DSM allows for smooth transportation planning and adds an extra level of convenience for groups, meetings, and travelers flying in from across the country.
Local Shuttle Info: Taxi and ride-share services are readily available near the Essential Des Moines, providing guests with flexible and convenient transportation options throughout the area. Services such as Uber and Lyft operate widely in the Des Moines metro, offering quick access to Des Moines International Airport, downtown attractions, and nearby business districts. Local taxi services are also available for guests who prefer scheduled or traditional transportation, making it easy to travel to and from the hotel without the need for a personal vehicle.
Breakfast Information
Free breakfast which includes fruit, yogurt, waffles, breads, coffee & tea. On the weekends in addition the hotel serves bacon & eggs.
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Maximum number of pets per room 2
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Service animals are allowed
Pets cannot be left unattended
Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions
Pets allowed
$35/pet/day
Parking Info
Parking is free for all guests.
Internet / WiFI
Wi-Fi is free to all guests.
Misc Fees / Policies
- Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
- Service animals are exempt from fees
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
- Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
- Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
- Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
- This property allows pets in specific rooms only (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can request one of these rooms by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
Cleaning Policies
Daily housekeeping in the rooms.
Contactless check-in is available
Contactless check-out is available
Property follows a brand or regulatory agency's sanitization guidelines Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Essential workers only - NO
About Sonesta
- For long stays, check out the Sonesta ES studio suites
- More than 55 properties in brand
- For groups they can typically comp 1 room per 40
The Sonesta highlights above are subject to change without notice.
