Located in Lovington, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is in the entertainment district and near the airport. Jordan Creek Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Adventureland and Iowa State Fairgrounds. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Buccaneer Arena. Visit our Des Moines travel guide
50322, IA, Des Moines, 4755 Merle Hay Road
What's nearby
Jordan Creek Town Center
11 min drive - 19.3 km
Iowa State University
34 min drive - 72.1 km
Merle Hay Mall
3 min drive - 1.8 km
Drake University
8 min drive - 8.7 km
Casey's Center
12 min drive - 16.3 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
29 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-fil-A
19 min walk
Starbucks
3 min drive
7 Brew Coffee
15 min walk
Flix Brewhouse
3 min drive
McDonald's
2 min walk
About this property
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Hotel near Drake University
Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides amenities like free continental breakfast and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
Free self parking
A vending machine, a banquet hall, and 1 meeting room
ATM/banking services, coffee/tea in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk
Room features
All 150 rooms feature comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to perks like free WiFi and free bottled water. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations
43-inch TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and premium channels
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
As of Oct 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Nov 3, 2026 start from ¥9,247, 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.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Where is Sonesta Essential Des Moines located?
Located in Lovington, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Merle Hay Mall and 3 mi (4.8 km) from IHS-Iowa Health Systems. Buccaneer Arena and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
This is a no thrills hotel. The breakfast was good.
You get what you pay for. For the price it was what I expected
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Kylie
Sep 21, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean. Friendly the outside around back the parking lot has a lot of very tall over grow. Weeds that could use a clean up. Other than that I enjoy my stay here! Breakfast could have more variety or change up from time to time!
The night guys were super friendly and made checking in easy after a long day the room was clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Jonathan
Sep 12, 2026
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Room was clean, air conditioner didn't work properly but it kept the room cool enough. The staff was mediocre and acted like they didn't want to be there.
It was OK, not terribly bad and not great either.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Tequila
Aug 14, 2026
Liked: Staff & service
Hotel was just alittle outdated.. Staff was very nice and friendly. Room was okay . Not much to choose for breakfast. And food was just sitting out.
Everything was clean. Staff was mediocre with welcoming. And I wish they provided vending that accepts debit/credit cards instead of cash only. Other than that I had a good stay.
Upon walking into the Lobby the hotel had a smell about it that made it somewhat unpleasant. The lobby has been updated as well as the room, but not well maintained. Coat hooks were removed, chairs had holes in them and carpet was peeling off of the patio. The screen door was also in disrepair. The beds were comfortable and the shower was clean. Was an okay hotel for a guys trip, but wouldn’t recommend for a family.
The room was decent and great location. The breakfast was fine with multiple options. Our room had no working light over the vanity mirror and sink, and nobody came to clean our room or provide fresh towels after our 1st night. The carpets in the halls and stairways are extremely dirty and the place has a strong indian food odor. Overall it was not a bad place to stay but maybe a little pricey for what you get.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Dezira
Aug 2, 2026
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
it was close to food and about a 15 minute drive to the hyvee multiplex sports complex. It does need updating and a good deep clean. Breakfast was hot sausage, eggs, and bread items. They have juice and coffee also.
Chose Sonesta Essential based on location - wanted easy access to a Chick-Fil-A and Sonesta was right off interstate and same road less than a mile away. Also had a Dollar Tree on same road for any little things I forgot. Reasonable price, clean and comfortable room, easy check in with friendly staff. No issues and would definitely stay there again.