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Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Just steps from Iowa State University, Red Roof Inn Ames offers convenience and comfort. Enjoy a continental breakfast to energize your morning, a 24-hour gym to stay fit, in-room WiFi to stay connected, and attentive staff for a pleasant stay.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is ￥9,123
￥10,217 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 23 - Nov 24

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
50010, IA, Ames, 1400 S Dayton Place

What's nearby

  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Iowa State University - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Hilton Coliseum - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Stephens Auditorium - 8 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kum & Go - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel near Iowa State University
Consider a stay at Sonesta Essential Ames and take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • RV/bus/truck parking, smoke-free premises, and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • A vending machine, books, and a TV in the lobby
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 75 rooms feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and desk chairs. Guest reviews speak well of the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Rainfall showers, shower/tub combinations, and free toiletries
  • 50-inch HDTVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves, and video-game consoles

Similar properties

Restaurant
Quality Inn & Suites Ames Conference Center Near ISU Campus
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
7.0 out of 10, Good, 459 reviews
The price is ￥11,100
￥12,432 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Quality Inn & Suites Ames Conference Center Near ISU Campus

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Books
  • Indoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • 24-hour business center

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator (39 inch wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (36 inches high)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch LED TV with cable channels
  • Video game console

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 80 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 children, up to the age of 18 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Daily housekeeping is included for stays of 6 nights or less. Limited housekeeping is provided for stays of 7 nights or more.
Pets must be declared at check-in. Guests bringing 1 pet will not be charged pet fees. The listed pet fee in the Fees section applies only if guests bring 2 or more pets. Pets must be leashed in public areas of the property. Guests are expected to clean up after their pet.

We should mention

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
Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Hampton Inn Ames Hotel
Red Roof Inn Ames Hotel
Hampton Inn Hotel Ames
Hampton Inn Ames Iowa
Ames Hampton Inn
Red Roof Inn Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel
Sonesta Essential Ames Hotel Ames

Frequently asked questions

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Ames?

As of Nov 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Nov 23, 2025 start from ￥9,123, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Sonesta Essential Ames pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 80 lbs per pet. There's a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Sonesta Essential Ames located?

This family-friendly Ames hotel is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Cinemark Ames Movies 12, Main Street Cultural District and Ames Dog Park. Octagon Center for the Arts is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) away.

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Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 316 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 337 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 199 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1001 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Soechun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the free breakfest and variety or chooses and the ac worked good as well as the shower, enjoyed my stay and had excellent service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Decent hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The front desk was helpful and breakfast was good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff was extremely friendly. They are in the process of making upgrades to the property. Could be cleaner but not bad when your on a budget and for a quick stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Cheapest place in town
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It’s a nice economy hotel. Their bedframes are a thin metal platform style that make a bunch of noise and you get woken up by squeaks when you roll over.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No complaints
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angelica

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Everything was just okay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was very good and I will likely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was fine; clean, spacious. Not fancy but good value.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

christina

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
I would not recommend this hotel nor book it Thur Expedia
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Luisa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are dirty! Walked in and the toilet seat was gross. Bathroom mirror was written on and housekeeping came to clean it. Tired to show me it doesn't wipe off but it did. So she kept cleaning it up. There was a plastic bag over the fire alarm over the bed which is weird and unsafe
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Marco

TV was not working. Otherwise
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very pleasant and the rooms were clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Theresa

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Never again

First room reeked of cigarette smoke the second one they gave looked to be clean but had damp sheets on top of a made bed and smelled liked pee and an 80’s men’s locker room
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place good bed clean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Tammy

Disliked: Amenities
A typical motel. Not hotel quality. Thin, rough towels which were stained. Pillow cases were also stained and stunk like body oil. I laid a hand towel over the pillow case because it seemed like it was previously used without washing. The room was not pre-cooled so it felt hot and muggy for the first several hours.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Clean but needs updates throughout. Beds should be the first to be replaced
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lobby was warm....room was nice and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

LeAnne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have 2 dogs and the property had a large yard for us to walk in, which was very nice. Will be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was outstanding. The breakfast was outstanding. We had biscuits and gravy available along with other regular Motel offering.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very helpful
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Exccellent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Angela

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty comforter & sheets. TV not working. Switched rooms for it to dirty, dried blood in bathroom. No refund offered. Booked a new hotel & left. Never stayed the night.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025