"The breakfast was fantastic, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and it's in a great location for what we needed."
Kate from United States
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"Was able to have my dogs with me and not worry about carpeting, even though I bring pads, they sometimes miss."
Debbie from United States
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"Pleasant breakfast area with a satisfying variety of choices."
Joan from United States
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2-star Sonesta Essential Ames with Complimentary Breakfast and Indoor Pool
Location
Sonesta Essential Ames sits just off I-35, 3.5 miles from Iowa State University and Jack Trice Stadium, and 35 miles from Des Moines International Airport. Ames city center, Reiman Gardens, the Ames Historical Society Museum, Octagon Center for the Arts, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park are minutes from the hotel. Restaurant El Azteca is 150 yards away, while Dairy Queen and SUBWAY are 500 yards from the property.
Rooms
Guest rooms include 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible King, Accessible King- Roll In Shower, King with Jetted Tub, and King with Sofa Bed configurations. Each room has a 50-inch Samsung Smart TV that streams Netflix and Prime with the guest's own login, air conditioning and heating, mini refrigerator, microwave, iron, and work desk. The King with Jetted Tub is available for guests seeking an in-room soak.
Dining
The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast with waffles, breads, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, fruit juices, and coffee. Based on occupancy, the breakfast also includes biscuits and gravy, sausages, and egg patties. A 24/7 complimentary coffee station operates in the lobby, and vending machines offer snacks and cold drinks.
Amenities
The large temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool is open for guests, and the fitness center is available on-site. The hotel has a 24/7 front desk, a Business Centre, meeting/banquet facilities, and fax/photocopying services. Free parking, accessible parking, paid guest laundry services, and vending machines for snacks and cold drinks are also located on the property.
Pet-Friendly
Sonesta Essential Ames accepts pets for $20 per pet per night, 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.
Highlights
Location: 3.5 miles from Iowa State University and Jack Trice Stadium
Rooms: King with Jetted Tub and 50-inch Samsung Smart TV
Dining: Complimentary breakfast with biscuits and gravy
Amenities: Large temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool
Business: Business Centre and meeting/banquet facilities
Pet-Friendly: $20 per pet per night, $50 maximum for 7 nights
Parking: Free parking and accessible parking on-site
“I found the staff here particularly accommodating, even with late arrivals. The clean, well-maintained rooms and comfortable beds made for a solid stop, especially considering the value and pet-friendly atmosphere.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Usiowa
Select your room type
Sonesta Essential Ames offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
1 King Bed
2 persons
360 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
King Jetted Tub
2 persons
400 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
King Sofa Bed
2 persons
380 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Sonesta Essential Ames offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's buffet
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Indoor swimming pool
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Parquet floor
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Sonesta Essential Ames Location
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames,
Map view
City landmarks
Garden
Butterfly
3.0 mi
Church
Cornerstone Church
3800 ft
Landmark
Lincoln Highway Statue
4800 ft
Church
Campus Baptist Church
5000 ft
University
Iowa State University
3.6 mi
Landmark
Billy Sunday Birthplace Rock
1.2 mi
Gallery
Octagon Center for the Arts
1.9 mi
Landmark
Bethany Lutheran Church
1.6 mi
Landmark
Cinemark Movies 12
1.7 mi
Landmark
Movies 12
1.6 mi
Landmark
Twentieth Century Bowling
1.6 mi
Landmark
EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours Ames
1.7 mi
Church
Friendship Baptist Church ames iowa
1.7 mi
Landmark
David A. Dobell Memorial
1.9 mi
Landmark
Ames Church of the Nazarene
1.9 mi
Landmark
Durham Bandshell Memorial
1.9 mi
Landmark
Ames Circle of Arts
1.9 mi
Landmark
Whiskey River
1.9 mi
Landmark
Ames Four Square Church
1.9 mi
Landmark
Story Center Historical Museum
1.9 mi
Landmark
Flat Earth Gallery
1.9 mi
Landmark
London Underground
1.9 mi
Landmark
Ames History Museum
1.9 mi
Landmark
Site of First Home in Ames
2.0 mi
Landmark
First Church of Christ Scientist
2.0 mi
Landmark
Ames Mennonite Church
2.0 mi
Church
First United Methodist Church
2.0 mi
Church
United Church of Christ Congregational
2.1 mi
Landmark
Della Viti
2.1 mi
Landmark
Duff Park
2.3 mi
Restaurants
Kum & Go
2300 ft
2108 Isaac Newton Dr
Explore Ames
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Lincoln Highway Statue
18-minute walk
Iconic tribute to the famous highway, perfect for a quick photo op for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Billy Sunday Birthplace Rock
20-minute walk
Historical site marking the birthplace of the famed evangelist, great for a brief cultural experience.
Iowa State University
15-minute drive
A vibrant campus featuring museums and gardens, ideal for art lovers and anyone wanting to immerse in student life.
Cinemark Movies 12
10-minute drive
Popular local cinema showcasing the latest films, perfect for a family outing or date night.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours Ames
10-minute drive
Exciting motorcycle rentals and guided tours for thrill-seekers looking to explore the scenic routes.
Octagon Center for the Arts
10-minute drive
Cultural hub with art exhibits and workshops, offering a relaxing environment for art and creativity lovers.
Kum & Go
9-minute walk
Casual convenience store offering quick bites and local snacks, perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
Whiskey River
10-minute drive
Lively bar and grill with American classics, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and hearty burgers.
Cinemark Movies 12
10-minute drive
Local cinema known for a variety of films, making it an excellent option for all-age movie nights.
Twentieth Century Bowling
10-minute drive
Fun bowling alley with family-friendly entertainment, perfect for friendly competitions and leisure time.
Getting around
City Centre
Ames 7 min · 2.5 mi
Airports
Boone Municipal (BNW) 46 min · 18.7 mi
Des Moines International (DSM) 92 min · 37.8 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Spanish
Number of rooms:
75
Former name
Hampton Inn Ames
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Sonesta Essential Ames from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
4.1/10
Location
8.5/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Pleasant staff
Comfortable mattress
Early breakfast service
Cons
Mold in shower
Leaking sink
Non-functional ice machines
Guest reviews
based on 254 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
King Jetted Tub2 persons400 sq. feet1 King-size bedAir conditioningBathtubroom details
King Sofa Bed2 persons380 sq. feet1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bedAir conditioningBathtubroom details
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