Sonesta Essential Ames

Key facts

Property type: 2-star motel
Area: Ames
Address: 1400 S Dayton Place | Ames, IOWA 50010, US
Check-in / check-out: 15:00 / 11:00
Top facilities: Free breakfast, Swimming pool, Free parking, Fitness centre, Free Wi-Fi
Rooms: 75
Guest score: 7.2/10 from 324 reviews

Overview

Highlights, description and the facilities guests use most.

Front desk [24-hour]
Great for activities
Located in heart of Ames
Excellent room comfort & quality

About Sonesta Essential Ames

Located just off I-35, Sonesta Essential Ames is only 3.5 miles from Iowa State University and Jack Trice Stadium, and 35 miles from Des Moines International Airport, making it the perfect base for business and leisure travelers. Relax in our luxury-designed beds for a restful night, and wake up to a complimentary breakfast featuring waffles, breads, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, fruit juices, and coffee. Based on occupancy, we also offer biscuits and gravy, sausages, and egg patties.

All rooms include a 50-inch Samsung Smart TV (watch live TV or stream Netflix and Prime with your own login), air conditioning and heating, mini refrigerator, microwave, iron, coffee maker, and a work desk—ideal for work or leisure. Stay active in our fitness center or take a refreshing dip in our large temperature-controlled swimming pool. Additional amenities include 24/7 front desk service, a 24/7 complimentary coffee station in the lobby, vending machines for snacks and cold drinks, and paid guest laundry services.

Pet Policy: We are a pet-friendly hotel. A fee of $20 per pet per night applies, 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. Nearby, you can explore the charming Ames city center, Reiman Gardens, the Ames Historical Society Museum, Octagon Center for the Arts, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park, all just minutes from the hotel.

Top Amenities

Pool
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Fitness center
Breakfast
Pet-friendly

Location

1400 S Dayton Place | Ames, IOWA 50010, US

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Services & Facilities

55 amenities in 15 categories.

Accessibility

2 items

Facilities for disabled guests available
Wheelchair accessible

Fitness Activities

1 item

Fitness center

Food & Drinks

3 items

Free Breakfast
Individually-wrapped food options
Vending machine

General

7 items

24-Hour Front Desk
Elevator
Non-smoking property
Pets allowed (charges may apply)
Air conditioning in public area
Heating in public area

View All 7

Non-Smoking Rooms Available

Kid Friendly

1 item

Kid-friendly dining

Languages spoken

2 items

English
Hindi

Show 9 more categories (39 amenities)

Media & Technology

2 items

TV & Movies/Shows
Free Wi-Fi

Outdoor Recreation

1 item

Golf Course

Room Amenities

23 items

Cleaning products available
Closet
Complimentary drinking water
Radio
Air Conditioning
Hair dryer

View All 23

Bathtub
Shower
Coffee/tea maker
Room towels provided
Heating
Wooden/Parqueted Flooring
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguishers
Ironing amenities
Telephone
Sofa
Trash cans
Kitchenware
Mosquito net
Toiletries provided
Linens
Socket near the bed

Security

1 item

Safety chain and/or latch on doors available

Services and Conveniences

7 items

Daily Housekeeping
Cashless payment available
Xerox/fax in business center
Designated Smoking Area
Invoices
Laundry services

View All 7

Desk/workspace available

Swimming & Soaking

1 item

Indoor pool

Transportation

2 items

Free Parking
On-site parking

Health Services

1 item

First aid kit available

Business facilities

1 item

Meeting/Banquet Facilities

Policies

Check-in, check-out and house rules.

Check-in

15:00
Check-out

11:00
Front desk [24-hour]

Groups: When booking more than 10 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Internet: WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking: Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
Pets: Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.
Children and extra bed policy: Children of any age are allowed. Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot. Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed. You haven't added any cots. You haven't added any extra beds.

FAQs about Sonesta Essential Ames

What are the check-in and check-out times at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 11:00.

Which facilities does Sonesta Essential Ames have?

Facilities include free breakfast, swimming pool, free parking, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly rooms.

Is there a fitness centre or gym?

Yes, there is a fitness centre on site.

Is there a swimming pool?

Yes, there is a swimming pool.

Is parking available?

Yes, free parking is available.

Is breakfast available?

Yes, free breakfast is available.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed (charges may apply).

Does Sonesta Essential Ames offer business services?

Yes, it offers a business centre and meeting rooms.

Guest Score and Reviews

Loved by Guests, Trusted for Excellence

7.2 /10

Good

Based on 324 Reviews

L

Lawrence

Group Traveler · Mar 31, 2026

9.0

Clean, comfortable, affordable place to stay Disliked: Towels were fluffy and not “burnt” in the dryer. Breakfast was nice.

C

Catherine

Couple · Apr 3, 2026

10.0

Definitely stay here if in area Liked: Clean, nice staff, newly updated Disliked: Could have had eggs and sausage added to breakfast

R

Solo Traveler · Apr 10, 2026

10.0

Liked: Everything pretty much ...

J

Julie

Solo Traveler · Apr 13, 2026

10.0

Liked: Love the location because we were there for the Luke Comb concert. And the Breakfast had alot of selection and was very good.. Disliked: We were only there for one night so I really cant say anything I didn't like

View All Reviews

N

Natalie

Solo Traveler · Apr 19, 2026

10.0

Liked: While not in the town center, it's just far enough to still be a quiet area, and be easily connected to the rest of Ames. The price for the nights, and is very pet friendly! The shower was also handicapable as my twin has a metal hip, and after sitting in a car, it can be hard to stand in a

M

Mark

Solo Traveler · Apr 26, 2026

8.0

Liked: Nice staff clean room quiet location Disliked: Nothing everything was fine

I

Irena

Group Traveler · Apr 27, 2026

9.0

Recommend for staying. Liked: Breakfast was good with variety of choice. Wi-Fi was good. Stuff very friendly with the smiles when they talked to us.

A

Alexis

Group Traveler · May 3, 2026

1.0

Wouldn’t spend my money here again Liked: Manager called the room atleast 5x about “multiple” people being in my room even though I warned them I was having an event and I was coming from 2 hours away. Disliked: Very dirty atmosphere and the walls are falling apart, smells bad in the halls aswell ,

P

Pfeffer

Solo Traveler · May 31, 2026

10.0

Very clean, Very Friendly and helpful! Quiet place. I had the much needed relaxation. Liked: N/A Disliked: N/A

K

Kathleen

Couple · May 31, 2026

7.0

Good value for a short stay. Liked: Better than expected. Good value. The pool was nice. Clean.

R

Rick

Group Traveler · Jun 7, 2026

10.0

It was great Liked: Had a good breakfast and a great conversation with Fox the night time manager. He was really nice and helpful.

O

Osuala

Solo Traveler · Jun 9, 2026

7.0

Liked: Staff was nice , rooms were okay , pool was clean , gym was also nice, breakfast was okay Disliked: In our room the bathroom to be precise there was a roach in the hair blow dryer, the shower was good but water was coming out of both holes we saw a spider in the tub shower was also kinda rust

Z

Zman1971

Couple · Jun 11, 2026

9.0

Liked: Great place to stay. Disliked: No Issues.

N

Newton

Solo Traveler · Jun 11, 2026

10.0

Liked: Great all around. Best place to stay in town by far. Disliked: The pool was way too hot

A

angela