Members-only rates
3.8 / 5 Great

Sonesta Essential Ames

Sonesta Essential Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames – Ames, IA
Sonesta Essential Ames – Ames, IA
Check in 3:00 PM
Check out 11:00 AM

About Sonesta Essential Ames

Located just off I-35, Sonesta Essential Ames is only 3.5 miles from Iowa State University and Jack Trice Stadium, and 35 miles from Des Moines International Airport, making it the perfect base for business and leisure travelers. Relax in our luxury-designed beds for a restful night, and wake up to a complimentary breakfast featuring waffles, breads, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, fruit juices, and coffee. Based on occupancy, we also offer biscuits and gravy, sausages, and egg patties. All rooms include a 50-inch Samsung Smart TV (watch live TV or stream Netflix and Prime with your own login), air conditioning and heating, mini refrigerator, microwave, iron, coffee maker, and a work desk—ideal for work or leisure. Stay active in our fitness center or take a refreshing dip in our large temperature-controlled swimming pool. Additional amenities include 24/7 front desk service, a 24/7 complimentary coffee station in the lobby, vending machines for snacks and cold drinks, and paid guest laundry services. Pet Policy: We are a pet-friendly hotel. A fee of $20 per pet per night applies, with a maximum charge of $50 per pet for stays beyond 3 nights, up to 7 nights. Pets must be declared at check-in, kept on a leash when outside, and not left unattended in guest rooms or anywhere on the property. Service and emotional support animals are always welcome. Nearby, you can explore the charming Ames city center, Reiman Gardens, the Ames Historical Society Museum, Octagon Center for the Arts, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park, all just minutes from the hotel.

Amenities

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Meeting space
  • Fitness center
  • Café / coffee shop
  • Business center
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Full kitchen / kitchenette
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Air conditioning
  • Elevator

Reviews

3.8 / 5
Great 1003 reviews
  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Parking was easy. Room was clean. Tv/cable did not work. Unable to adjust temperature in room (was a little humid). Overall it was fone aside from those two little issues.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    I only needed a room for one night as I had to leave at 6am for a local event so I didn’t need much. For ~$75, I was hesitant, but it was well worth it. Clean front area and breakfast area, clean room with liquid shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You can tell the mgmt/owner is trying to refurbish/refresh the hotel as the room looked recently painted so that was good. Is this a top-notch luxury hotel, no, but it’s not trying to be.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    No concerns, the breakfast was very good!

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    This hotel is a very good value for the money. It's not fancy, but it's clean and appears to have been updated recently. Our room was quiet and comfortable. The breakfast isn't lavish, but there are several healthy options.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Very good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    The price was awesome. Staff was friendly. Breakfast was ample. Pretty quiet. With a little more small tweaks it could be perfect.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Very good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    The sheets and pillow cases were stained. The breakfast was extremely limited, cold, and poor.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Excellent for the price.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Very good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Place was great We had no tv. Didnt work

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    We had no tv. Didnt work

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Our TV wasn’t working correctly and after the guy wasn’t able to bring up the programs, he sent us to another room. The next room was fine with no issues. The breakfast was decent with hot choices.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Older motel. Trying to remodel/laying new carpet. Okay for the price.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Great all around. Best place to stay in town by far. The pool was way too hot

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    No Issues.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Great place to stay. No Issues.

Frequently asked questions about Sonesta Essential Ames

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Sonesta Essential Ames offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does Sonesta Essential Ames offer parking?
Yes, Sonesta Essential Ames offers free parking on-site.
Does Sonesta Essential Ames have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
Yes. Sonesta Essential Ames offers meeting spaces for business and group use.
Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a fitness center?
Yes, Sonesta Essential Ames features an on-site fitness center for guests. Additional wellness amenities include pool.
Where is Sonesta Essential Ames located, and how walkable is the area?
Sonesta Essential Ames is located at 1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA 50010. With a Walk Score of 12, the area is rated Car-Dependent. A car or rideshare is recommended for most trips in this area.

Why no public rates?

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