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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
Room, 2 Queen Beds
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Indoor pool
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Just steps from Iowa State University, Red Roof Inn Ames offers convenience and comfort. Enjoy a continental breakfast to energize your morning, a 24-hour gym to stay fit, in-room WiFi to stay connected, and attentive staff for a pleasant stay.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$133
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Check availability for tonight Oct 5 - Oct 6
Tomorrow
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Check availability for tomorrow Oct 6 - Oct 7
Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Memory foam bed
Rainfall showerhead
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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About the area

Located in Ames, Sonesta Essential Ames is in a rural area. Cinemark Ames Movies 12 and Veenker Memorial Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wilson Farm Prairie and Christiansen Forest Reserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Furman Aquatic Center, or check out an event or a game at Jack Trice Stadium.
Visit our Ames travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010

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
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬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 24-hour front desk and smoke-free property
  • Coffee/tea in reception, a TV in reception and a lift
  • 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:
  • Rainfall showers, shower/bath combinations and free toiletries
  • 50-inch HDTVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves and video game consoles

Similar properties

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Econo Lodge Ames

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  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
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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

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.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift (100 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (91 centimetre high)

More

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

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

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 5 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Ames on 12 Oct 2025 start from NZ$132.52, 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. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

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. 317 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 339 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 196 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 60 out of 1002 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

8/10 Good

Thomas

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

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was extremely clean. I would stay here again. Breakfast was sufficient.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was clean, bed was fairly comfortable, and the breakfast was above average for a budget friendly hotel. The hotel staff was friendly as well. Overall, we were pleased with our stay and would stay again if needed. The motel fit our needs and our budget.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Luiz

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jogo de banho
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It’s a nice economy hotel. Their bedframes are a thin metal platform style that make a bunch of noise and you get woken up by squeaks when you roll over.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Cheapest place in town
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Naykelie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Pet friendly but with a fee
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice for the price. Safe and quiet. Easy to get around town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff was extremely friendly. They are in the process of making upgrades to the property. Could be cleaner but not bad when your on a budget and for a quick stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

William

Front desk person was helpful. Cleaning ladies were nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tracie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
hotel was clean and comfortable. Decent breakfast. only problem we had was when we got to hotel they were redoing parking lot and the work crew swore at us because we wanted to get into parking lot so we could check in through the front door as I am disabled and didnt want to walk through the entire building from the back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No complaints
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Jeanne

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
First room we checked into had a moldy lampshade and mold on the bathroom wall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angelica

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Everything was just okay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Luisa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are dirty! Walked in and the toilet seat was gross. Bathroom mirror was written on and housekeeping came to clean it. Tired to show me it doesn't wipe off but it did. So she kept cleaning it up. There was a plastic bag over the fire alarm over the bed which is weird and unsafe
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

ana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I like it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nickie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The least pleasant hotel stay I have ever had.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dung

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

8/10 Good

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was overall a nice place to stay. Had an odd smell in hallways but was very clean. Not much protein choices for breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Cheyenne

Liked: Staff & service
The beds were terrible, really springy and hard to sleep on. The hallway was super noisy with people yelling and running down the hallways. The staff were super kind.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

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

Liz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wish the gym was better, everything else was good overall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and neat. I like the "no carpet" rooms. They feel cleaner. The water was hot and i liked having a refrigerator in my room. The breakfast was good and the people were friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Claude

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