Sonesta Essential Ames

2.0 star property
Family-friendly stay with free breakfast in Ames

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Ames

Exterior
Room, 2 Queen Beds
Indoor pool
Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Memory foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010
  • Place, Main Street Cultural District
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Jack Trice Stadium
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Iowa State University
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

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

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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 Octagon Center for the Arts are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Main Street Cultural District - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Reiman Gardens - 5 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Iowa State University - 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

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly stay with free breakfast in Ames
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.

Similar properties

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: 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: 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
  • 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
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.

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

Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 318 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 339 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 197 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 60 out of 1004 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

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cairo

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dung

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jasmine

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and fresh aroma throughout Caretakers were visible in various areas which was a good feeling. Very friendly smiles and pleasant atmosphere. Have family n the area so will definitely stay again. Reasonably prices
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Claude

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was very clean and I think it was worth the price in the area. If I'm ever back in the area I will definitely check availability.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

cindy

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool looked good. Nice to have vending machines with a unique variety - including chocolate milk and strawberry milk.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Business traveller, Travelled with pets, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booking and check-in were hassle free. Anything I needed staff was immediately ready to assist. Quiet and close to good food and gas stations only about 5 minutes away from anything else you might need. Close to the highway. And great rates. Clean rooms and pet friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Franz

Nice clean cheap
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brittany

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ann

Travelled with group
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

8/10 Good

Leonard

Travelled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Angela

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Travelled with family, Business traveller
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

Devan

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Anne

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Lindsey

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

4/10 Poor

J.C.

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ok but no more

tv didn't work , had to come fix it , loud exhaust fan ran constantly,, all the time ,,, continental breakfast ok not great
Stayed 2 nights in May 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

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