Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Hotels
•
Sonesta Hotel
7.2 (240 reviews)
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, 50322 , Des Moines , US
1-515-278-8858

listing image 1
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Pets allowed

Facilities

Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Designated smoking area
Elevator
ATM/banking
Wheelchair accessible parking
Assistive listening devices available
Braille or raised signage
RV, bus, truck parking
Free self parking
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Good for the price
Clean room
Cons:
Unsafe area
Cleanliness issues
Poor breakfast

Categories

Cleanliness
6.8
Multiple reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, including strange smells and bug infestations.
Service
8.8
Several guests praised the staff for being friendly and helpful.
Location
6.3
Concerns about safety and reports of an unsafe area noted in reviews.
Room Quality
7.3
Rooms were described as clean but some had issues like strange smells and evidence of remodel.
Amenities
7.8
Amenities such as breakfast and parking availability were positively mentioned.
Value for Money
7.8
Good value perception for the price point despite some quality issues.
Food and Beverage
5.3
Reviews indicate dissatisfaction with breakfast options and the quality of food.
Overall Experience
7.5
General consensus that the stay was okay, with mixed feelings towards quality and cleanliness.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-17 07:34

Property Description

Modern Amenities

Convenient Location

Comfortable Accommodations

Book your stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines today and experience modern amenities like a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and convenient vending machines. Our hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and free self-parking. Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of our 150 air-conditioned rooms equipped with refrigerators and microwaves. With close proximity to attractions like Merle Hay Mall and Drake University, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is the perfect choice for your visit to Des Moines.

Important information:

  • 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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DSM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 2

  • Pets

    Only dogs and cats are allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • Pets

    Pets cannot be left unattended

See all policies

Location

Property Accessibility

Public Area
  • Ramp: No
  • Entrance Leveled: No
  • Pet Friendly: No
Reception And Restaurant
  • Reception Hearing Accessible: No
  • Reception Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Restaurant Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevator
  • Elevator Audio Signals: No
  • Elevator Braille Numbers: No
  • Elevator Contrasting Buttons: No
  • Elevator Visual Signs: No
Show all accessibility features

Guest Reviews

7.2
Based on 240 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Location: 6.3
Room Quality: 7.3
Amenities: 7.8
Value for Money: 7.8
Food and Beverage: 5.3
Overall Experience: 7.5
L
Leila • family
10
Pros:

Clean room, nice amenities and friendly staff

2025-10-12 • via Nuitee
S
Shirley
10
Pros:

Breakfast. Very good.

2025-10-11 • via Nuitee
S
Shaun
8
Pros:

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.

2025-10-06 • via Nuitee
R
Renee
10
Pros:

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

2025-10-06 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole
6
Pros:

It was late when I got there. Room smelled moldy but too tired to care.

2025-10-06 • via Nuitee
E
E K
6
Pros:

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.

2025-10-03 • via Nuitee
E
Edin • family
2
Pros:

Would never stay here again. In the middle of the night i was woken up by screaming and then police knocking on my door looking for someone. Never felt so unsafe

2025-09-30 • via Nuitee
W
William
10
Pros:

Really good for the price

2025-09-30 • via Nuitee
A
Anne
8
Pros:

Very. Nice

2025-09-27 • via Nuitee
K
Kimberly • family
10
Pros:

Hotel was decent for a nights stay, the free breakfast was a bonus for someone traveling across the country.

2025-09-26 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha
8
Pros:

the room had a strange smell

2025-09-24 • via Nuitee
J
John
10
Pros:

Excellent stay for the money

2025-09-24 • via Nuitee
S
Sean
10
Pros:

Na

2025-09-22 • via Nuitee
J
Jacob
2
Pros:

Unsafe area, the property is not well maintained inside and out, the room looked clean but was infested with bugs. I found bed bugs in my sheets. Avoid avoid avoid.

2025-09-20 • via Nuitee
B
Bridgette
10
Pros:

Staff is excellent

2025-09-17 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle
10
Pros:

Clean nice service

2025-09-16 • via Nuitee
M
Maury
10
Pros:

Great overnight stay

2025-09-16 • via Nuitee
R
Robert
6
Pros:

Room was clean but hallways dirty.

2025-09-15 • via Nuitee
S
Savana
2
Pros:

Got called a lier by a staff member

2025-09-11 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
6
Not bad if you're low on funds
Pros:

Looks like the place used to be a dump, but they tried to clean it up. It wasn't too bad, but there seemed to be people living in this place too, and when you walk by their rooms it smelled really bad like cat boxes and feet. I also found it odd that they wouldn't let you take your breakfast items or coffee back to your room. I didn't want to sit down there and eat with a bunch of strangers when i have a private room around the corner. I had to sneak my contraband back to my cell, lol.

2025-09-08 • via Nuitee