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Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly stay near Iowa State University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.
A hotel room with a desk, chair, TV, lamp, and a mirror.
A Sonesta Essential Hotel with a modern design, featuring a large entrance and a parking lot.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a TV.
A swimming pool with a tiled floor and walls, surrounded by chairs and tables.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Place, Ames Dog Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(18 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A modern dining area with a kitchen in the background, a flat-screen TV displaying "Free Wi-Fi All Rooms", and a ceiling fan.

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Ames

In Ames .You'll find Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and Ames Dog Park within 3 miles (5 km) of this hotel. Main Street Cultural District and Iowa State University are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Ames Dog Park - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Iowa State University - 5 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Octagon Center for the Arts - 5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 8.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Mucky Duck Pub - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly stay near Iowa State University
Sonesta Essential Ames offers its guests an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi is free in public spaces. There's an onsite 24-hour business center. Free breakfast is available daily. The family-friendly Sonesta Essential Ames also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

This Ames hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 75 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1996
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Ames offers 75 accommodations with video-game consoles and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature memory foam mattresses. 50-inch LED televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Ames hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; local and long-distance calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames
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  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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The price is CA $93
CA $104 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

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

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: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 80 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

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

  • Up to 3 children 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • 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

How close is Sonesta Essential Ames to the airport?

Sonesta Essential Ames is 37.1 mi (43-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on Aug 9, 2026 start from CA $91, 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.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sonesta Essential Ames.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames offer free breakfast?

Sonesta Essential Ames offers free continental breakfast every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Sonesta Essential Ames?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:00 AM.

Is there free parking at Sonesta Essential Ames?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Ames features an indoor pool.

Does Sonesta Essential Ames have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Sonesta Essential Ames to downtown Ames?

Sonesta Essential Ames is 1.7 mi away from Ames.

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 324 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 327 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1002 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

David

The room was clean and the breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leilania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff. Pleasant environment. Pet friendly. Pool was warm and open. Rooms were nice
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kimberly

It was a convenient location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hotel was clean and the staff was accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hillary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Front desk was helpful in adding a couple more nights to our room assignment in a blizzard. Spacious bathroom layout. Mom enjoyed her stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the price of the room, it was clean, great staff and served a breakfast. We had 2 dogs with us.. there was plenty of outside green space in a good neighborhood to feel safe. We will return.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and the bed was very comfy. I did not get to try the breakfast so I cannot put my input on that one and the AC worked phenomenal it kept the room nice and cool.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a hidden gem! Nothing fancy but a nice clean room, comfortable bed, extremely helpful staff at a price that can’t be beat! We will be back!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Corrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Carrie

Liked: Staff & service
OK
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tamela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean. Staff was kind. Breakfast was what we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sapna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff courteous and it was clean, basic, no frills, good for 1 night
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. Check in was quick and easy and staff were very kind.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Allison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The rooms were clean and the staff was very friendly. But the beds and pillows were extremely hard. I woke up with hip and back aches. I didn't hate my experience but I wouldn't stay again just because it was so uncomfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived just before 9pm, and My hubby asked if the pool was open, because his wife was really looking forward to it. I got there by 9:30 qnd I managed to do my usual 9 laps because I was the only one there. We both had a great nights sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Zong

Liked: Staff & service
Breakfast was limited but free. Staff at night was kind and attentive. Air conditioning worked well. Our particular mattress had a couple bad springs paired with tossing and turning, it wasnt the best sleep. For the price and amenities, it was worth it. However as a lone female it did not feel the most safe. Guys in trucks sitting out in the parking lot. I checked n
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Thomas

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

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Amenities
staff was very nice
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Was very helpful when the heat wasn't working moved me to a room with great heat!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A room to sleep in
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

maureen

Liked: Staff & service
The room , bathroom could use some upgrade. Desk chair was old and has rips. Mini fridge dented and scratched.Bath tub has rust on water spout. Staff was very friendly though .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Niko

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