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From210US$ /night
Check-in
25Dec2025Select date
Check-out
26Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, Iowa, United States
-
Near Iowa State University
Very good
7.1
7.1
/10
3.3
/5

Sonesta Essential Ames - A 2-star rural hotel with fitness center and business facilities

Located in a rural setting near US-30, this 2-star Ames hotel features 78 guestrooms equipped with microwaves and MP3 docking stations. Sonesta Essential Ames maintains a 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center, and a common area with complimentary coffee and tea service. The property includes an indoor pool, laundry facilities, and a breakfast room where continental breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM. Each smoke-free room at Sonesta includes free WiFi access and expanded cable channels. The hotel sits 4 miles from Jack Trice Stadium and provides convenient access to Stephens Auditorium and Brunnier Art Museum. Key landmarks within reach include the Octagon Center for the Arts (2 miles) and Furman Aquatic Center (3 miles). Des Moines International Airport is the nearest major airport to the property.

Pros

Pet-friendly policy allows two pets up to 80 pounds each at no additional cost

Located near multiple dining options including El Azteca (0.3 miles) and Dairy Queen (0.5 miles)

Convenient for business travelers with proximity to Syngenta Seeds (0.3 miles) and Barilla America (1 mile)

Public transportation access available nearby

Cons

21.5 miles distance from Boone Municipal Airport

Limited truck and bus parking space available

“Sonesta Essential Ames strikes me as a solid choice, especially for those prioritizing friendly service and clean, comfortable rooms. While its location might require reliance on ride-sharing for some, the overall experience seems geared towards calm and attentiveness. For a straightforward stay with a welcoming atmosphere, it earns my recommendation.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
1 King Bed
2 persons
33 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Jetted Tub
2 persons
37 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Sofa Bed
2 persons
35 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Heating
2 Queen Beds
2 persons
33 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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

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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Location

1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, Iowa, United States
Map view
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, Iowa, United States
Restaurants
Kum & Go
690 m
2108 Isaac Newton Dr
Explore Ames
Local Highlights Near Sonesta Essential Ames
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Lincoln Highway Statue
18-minute walk
A tribute to the historic Lincoln Highway, featuring impressive art and a great photo opportunity.
Octagon Center for the Arts
10-minute drive
Showcases regional artists in a variety of media, with rotating exhibits and art classes.
Ames History Museum
35-minute walk
Offers exhibits on local history and culture, a must-see for history enthusiasts. Entry is affordable.
Hiking at Izaak Walton League Park
10-minute drive
Enhance your stay with scenic hiking trails that suit all levels, plus picnic areas for relaxation.
Yoga at Zen Wellness Studio
5-minute drive
Inviting studio offering classes for all levels. Ideal for guests seeking a rejuvenating experience.
Kum & Go
9-minute walk
Casual stop for snacks and coffee, with local specialties and quick bites available.
Miyabi 9
10-minute drive
Japanese cuisine featuring sushi and teppanyaki in a chic atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Cinemark Movies 12
30-minute walk
Catch the latest films in stylish theaters. Great for families and solo travelers alike.
Twentieth Century Bowling
10-minute drive
Lively bowling alley with entertainment for all ages, featuring cosmic bowling on weekends.
Getting around
City Centre
Ames7 min  ·  4.1 km
Airports
Boone Municipal (BNW)46 min  ·  30.1 km
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)92 min  ·  60.9 km
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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
is available in 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
FAQs
About Sonesta Essential Ames
What is the distance from Sonesta Essential Ames to Des Moines International Airport?
The hotel is located 35 km from Des Moines International Airport.
Are there any cultural landmarks near Sonesta Essential Ames?
Nearby landmarks include Octagon Center for the Arts (5 km) and Brunnier Art Museum (5 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sonesta Essential Ames?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Sonesta Essential Ames?
Rooms include a 50-inch Smart TV, air conditioning, mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and work desk.
Is breakfast included in the stay at Sonesta Essential Ames?
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM.
What leisure facilities are available at Sonesta Essential Ames?
The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
Does Sonesta Essential Ames offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Ames?
Free private parking is available on-site.
What is the pet policy at Sonesta Essential Ames?
Pets are welcome with a fee of $20 per pet per night, up to a maximum of $50 for stays longer than 3 nights.
Are laundry services provided at Sonesta Essential Ames?
Paid guest laundry services are available.
Are there any restaurants close to Sonesta Essential Ames?
Nearby dining options include numerous local restaurants and cafes located within 5 km.
Does Sonesta Essential Ames provide any business services?
The hotel includes a 24-hour business center with photocopying services.
What languages do the staff at Sonesta Essential Ames speak?
The staff speaks English.
Is Sonesta Essential Ames a smoke-free hotel?
Yes, the hotel is completely smoke-free.

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