Sonesta Essential Ames

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Exterior
Desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
Desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
Desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
Indoor pool

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Breakfast included
The current price is S$97
includes taxes & fees
19 Jun - 20 Jun

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
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About the area

Map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010

What's nearby

  • Main Street Cultural District - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Iowa State University - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Hilton Coliseum - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Stephens Auditorium - 7 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬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 centre are available to all guests.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An indoor pool
  • Free self-parking
  • Motorhome/coach/lorry parking, a vending machine and a lift
  • Laundry services, coffee/tea in reception and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 75 rooms have comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and desk chairs. Guests reviews say good things about the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 50-inch HDTVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves and video game consoles

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

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 centre

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1996
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • 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

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 are 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 36 kg per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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 USD105 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 18 Jun, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on 19 Jun, 2025 start from S$96.81, including 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 36 kg per pet. There's a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at Sonesta Essential Ames?

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?

Checkout 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. 320 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 348 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 186 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 56 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and quiet. Breakfast was good. Staff were very friendly. My only complaint was the air freshener used in the lobby and room was extremely strong. It was overwhelming at times.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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

8/10 Good

Valerie

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The inside of the hotel was nice and updated as was the room. The only issue we had was when we flushed the toilet in room 109 it made a loud squeaking noise for a while. Otherwise everything was good. Breakfast was also very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was a budget hotel. It met that standard, but was nothing great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Quiet and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Leonard

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel and room were ok. Staff was fine. The hotel was quiet at night, and the ac worked fine but a bit noisy. The bathroom had two small bath towels. The room did not have a safe but did have a fridge and microwave. The free breakfast was fine and included waffles, eggs, breads, yogurt, bananas and some cereals. I had to find a wall plug for the toaster to work.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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

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

2/10 Terrible

Sonia

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its old and outdated, they dont even change the sheets (or they dont wash them properly) there was black mold in the shower and some lamps , its not clean at all
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Place to stay

Its a place to stay with your dogs.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

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

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, overall great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness
When i asked for a receipt after my stay the guy at the desk wasn't going to give me one. It took a bit for me to get one from him and found out the room was actually more expensive through expedia then it would have been on site. There was an empty bottle of shampoo in our room. The breakfast didnt have a lot to offer. There was mold in the tub
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nate

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Got in the building and could tell it was under a remodel. Got to the room and there were burn holes in sheets and hairs all over on both mattresses. Did not sleep at this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Niko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Nathaniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The hotel is not bad considering the cost. Really, only issue is that the hotel is in need of upgrades. Friendly staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diann

Great place.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

bob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe and quiet. Easy checkin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Markus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place with pets
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Exccellent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff at check in!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Delia

It was wonderful very friendly
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024