Sonesta Essential Des Moines

4755 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines, IA 50322 United States (USA) near Exit 131 on I-35 (~0.4mi)
View Map Reservations: 1-800-219-2797
2.0 Star Property
41.646570-93.697390
+1-800-219-2797
AI Disclaimer

This tool is powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT service. We strive to provide 100% accurate and reliable data to our customers, but third-party content generated by AI, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, can sometimes make errors for various reasons, such as incomplete or inaccurate responses. We advise all customers to exercise caution and to use your best judgment regarding the fidelity of ChatGPT's responses.

Check availability
  • Free comp. breakfast
  • The Avg. Group Saves 8.8%!
  • 139 sleeping rooms in hotel
  • 4 floors in property
  • 12 suites in property
  • Check in: 3:00
  • Hotel has a green policy
  • Group booking rating of 6.0/10

Check current prices






Standard prices by room type for the next 60 days

Rates shown are nightly rates before taxes and do not necessarily reflect all discounts available. The chart provides the cheapest public rates available by room type.

Room Types

Check Rates1 King Bed
Non-Smoking
Check Rates1 King Bed Suite
Non-Smoking
Check Rates1 King Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock Radio Coff
Non-Smoking
Check Rates1 Queen Bed
Non-Smoking
Check Rates1 Queen Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock Radio Cof
Non-Smoking
Check Rates2 Queen Beds
Non-Smoking
Check Rates2 Queen Beds Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock Radi
Non-Smoking
Check RatesAccessible Queen
Non-Smoking
Check RatesAccessible Queen - Free WiFi, Microwave, Refrigerator Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Bathtub with Se
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale 1 King Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale 1 Queen Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Cloc
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale 2 Queen Beds Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale Accessible Queen - Free WiFi, Microwave, Refrigerator Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Bath
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale King Suite - Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Sofa Bed Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Ala
Non-Smoking
Check RatesFlash Sale Queen Suite 3 Beds - Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alar
Non-Smoking
Check RatesKing Suite - Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Sofa Bed Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock Ra
Non-Smoking
Check RatesQueen Suite 3 Beds - Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Alarm Clock Rad
Non-Smoking
Check RatesSuite 1 King Bed
Non-Smoking
Check RatesSuite 3 Queens Beds
Non-Smoking
Check RatesSuite Multiple Beds
Non-Smoking

Local Attractions

The Essential Des Moines offers a convenient location with easy access to many of the area's most popular attractions and business centers. Guests are just minutes from downtown Des Moines, home to Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Events Center, the State Capitol, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. The hotel is also close to major employers, shopping centers, and local restaurants, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby parks and trails, while groups appreciate the quick access to main highways for seamless travel throughout the metro area.

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
(Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from US flag
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.
(Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from US flag
19-Apr-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Thu Apr 17 to Sun Apr 20 2025 at a $38.33 average nightly rate.

Property Description

An easy stop on the road awaits you at the Sonesta Essential hotel in Des Moines, IA. Our hotel is near Drake University, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Wells Fargo Arena, Blank Park Zoo, Living History Farms and the Iowa Events Center. We provide all the amenities you need so you can stick to your budget and focus on the important reasons you travel, including free breakfast, free WiFi, guest laundry facilities and meeting space that can accommodate up to 70 event attendees. All of our guest rooms have a refrigerator, microwave and TV. Upper-tier suites have even more amenities, such as a hot tubs and balconies. Also, earn rewards including free nights and gift cards with our Sonesta Rewards program. This is a pet-friendly hotel. Pet policy, $35.00 per pet, per night. Maximum one pet per room.

Green Sustainability

Yes, green certified.

Details / Other Expenses

Check In: 3:00
Check Out: 11:00
Year of Last Renovation: 2021
Floors: 4
Rooms: 139
Corridors: All Rooms Have Interior Hallways
Non Smoking Rooms: 139
Handicap Rooms: 3
Rooms with 1 Bed: 64
Rooms with 2 Beds: 50
Suites: 12
Room Windows: Windows Don't Open
Cleaning Frequency: Daily
Meeting Rooms: 1 View Spaces
Meeting Space: 107.0 sq. meters
Banquet Space: Holds 70 people
Dist. to Food/Bars: 0.4 Km
Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: 0.4 Km
Dist. to Nearest Gym: 0.4 Km
FEMA Approved: Yes
Pool Info: Indoor pool
Ownership: Bhavik Shah
Policies / Expenses
Cancellation:
Happy to hold a courtesy block up to 4 weeks prior to arrival. Deposit may be required on groups of 10 or more rooms during peak season.
Nightly Parking: 0
Typical Group Deposit: 50%
Total Taxes: 12.00%
Total Misc Fees: ¥20.89 CNY
(mandatory resort fees/taxes)
State Tax: 6.00 Per Night
Occupancy Tax: 6.00 Per Night

Amenities / Features


  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Bus parking
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Conference facilities
  • Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
  • Credit card accepted: American Express
  • Credit card accepted: Discover
  • Credit card accepted: Diners Club
  • Electronic key card
  • Elevator
  • Fax available
  • Hairdryer available
  • Handicap accessible
  • Ice Maker
  • Internet - wireless
  • Free WiFi Internet
  • Ironing facilities
  • Laundry facilities
  • Microwave in room
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Pets allowed
  • Private bathroom in room
  • Radio in room
  • Refrigerator
  • Safe in rooms
  • Telephone in all rooms
  • Television
  • TV - Free Cable
  • TV Channel: HBO
  • Travellers cheques accepted

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.

Yes! Pets are allowed.
$35/pet/day

Parking Info

Parking is free for all guests.

Internet / WiFI

Wi-Fi is free to all guests.

Cleaning Policies

Daily housekeeping in the rooms.

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.

Previously known as:
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road

Group vs. Individual Rates at Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Rate fluctuations of Sonesta Essential Des Moines

This chart illustrates trends of sleeping room prices for both our group rates and the best online individual traveler prices our rate checker could find at the time the group/meeting offer was placed. The best group/meeting rate displayed is 22.3% in the month of April 2025 and the highest average individual rate is $139 in the month of April 2026. This chart will show past seasonality and also project future months. If you are flexible with dates, you may want to consider staying at Sonesta Essential Des Moines in a month when rates are lower.

Meeting Rooms and Banquet Rooms at Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Below are the meeting, banquet, conference and event spaces at Sonesta Essential Des Moines.

Feel free to use the Sonesta Essential Des Moines meeting space capacities chart below to help in your event planning. Hotel Planner specializes in Des Moines event planning for sleeping rooms and meeting space for corporate events, weddings, parties, conventions, negotiated rates and trade shows.

Meeting Room Name L x W x H
(Feet)
Size
(sqft.)
Banquet
5'/6'
Banquet Space Layout
Crescent
Crescent Tables Layout
Classroom
Classroom Meeting Layout
Hollow
Square
Hollow Square Table Layout
U-Shape
U Shape Meeting Layout
Boardroom
Boardroom Meeting Space
Convention
8'/10'
Convention Booth Layout
Theater
Theater Layout
Reception
Reception Desk for Meeting
Regist.
Desk
Registration Desk for Meeting
Meeting Room 48 x 24 x 9 1152--/----482833----/--------
Close This

Meeting Room

Room Type:
General Meeting Room
Total Size:
107.0 Sq. Km
Dimensions:
48 x 24 x 9 Ft.
Floor Level:
3
Power Outlets:
10
Columns:
0
Windows:
4
Natural Light?:
Yes
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • TV/VCR/DVD
  • WIFI Internet
  • Podium
  • LAN Internet
  • Microphone
  • Teleconferencing
  • White Board
  • Video Conference
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Computer Rentals
  • Simultaneous Interpretation
  • Sound System

FAQs about Sonesta Essential Des Moines

What time is check in?

Check in time is 3:00 based on the hotel's local time. Early check in may be available if requested at the front desk on the day of check-in.

What time is check out?

Check out time is 11:00 based on the hotel's local time. Late check out may be available if requested at the front desk during your stay.

How many rooms does Sonesta Essential Des Moines have?

There are 139 sleeping rooms in the hotel.

Is there any meeting space at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Yes, they have 1 meeting room that can support various table layouts.

What kind of breakfast is at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Free breakfast which includes fruit, yogurt, waffles, breads, coffee & tea. On the weekends in addition the hotel serves bacon & eggs.

What parking is available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Parking is free for all guests.

How much does internet cost?

Wi-Fi is free to all guests.

Can I get a AAA rate at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Yes, they have stay dates that support AAA hotel discounts. Example room type: AAA CAA Member Rate 1 King Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Al

Can I get a Senior or AARP rate at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Yes, they have stay dates that support Senior hotel discounts. Example room type: Senior 55 and Older 1 King Nonsmk Free WiFi, Microwave, Minifridge Flat Screen Cable TV Hairdryer Al

Can I get a group rate at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Yes, you can get room block and/or discount for a group if you need 10+ rooms per night. The average groups saves around 8.8%.

Testimonials:

Testimonials icon
"Yes, this was so easy compared to our last reunion, where we went from one hotel to the other to get information. Our guests loved the free breakfast. Thanks!" B.B. - Tampa, FL

Learn More Check Rates