Sonesta Essential Ames

Family-friendly hotel in Ames with indoor pool and 24-hour fitness

Choose dates to view prices

Tue 18 Nov
Thu 20 Nov
November 2025
17
December 2025
Located near Iowa State University, Red Roof Inn Ames offers a warm welcome with continental breakfast, a 24-hour gym to stay active and in-room WiFi for staying connected. Guests have appreciated the helpful staff during their stay.
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Non-smoking
  • Pet-friendly

Main amenities (10)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Indoor pool
  • 24-hour fitness centre
  • 24-hour business centre
  • Business centre
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Vending machine
  • Self-serve laundry
  • TV in a common area

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Microwave
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Coffee/tea maker
£50
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov

Room options

Showing 6 of 6 rooms
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed

Very good

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Room, 2 Queen Beds | Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
Combined shower/bathtub, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Combined shower/bathtub, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Exceptional

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Bathroom | Combined shower/bathtub, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Memory-foam beds, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
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
Memory foam bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

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Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
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About the area

Map
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA, 50010

What's nearby

  • Ames Dog Park - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Main Street Cultural District - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Iowa State University - 6 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Reiman Gardens - 6 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Jack Trice Stadium - 6 min drive - 6.0 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kum & Go - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hickory Park - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sonesta Essential Ames

At Sonesta Essential Ames, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Iowa State University. You can get a workout in at the 24-hour fitness centre, or take a dip in the indoor pool. The helpful staff and overall property condition get good marks from fellow travellers.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 75 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 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

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • Up to 3 children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
    • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total, up to 36 kg per pet)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Restrictions apply*
    • Pets must be supervised

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
    • On-site motorhome/coach/lorry parking (fees apply)

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 6:00 AM–10:00 AM
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)

What to do

  • Use of nearby fitness centre

Working away

  • 24-hour business centre

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Built in 1996
  • Television in common areas
  • 24-hour fitness centre
  • An indoor pool

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Lift door width (centimetres): 100
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk height (centimetres): 91
  • Accessible bath
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Step-free path to entrance

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Video game console
  • 50-inch LED TV
  • Cable TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Blackout curtains
  • Alarm clock
  • Memory-foam mattress
  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Shower/bath combination
  • Rainfall shower heads
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Free long-distance and local calls
  • Desk chair

Food and drink

  • Mini fridge
  • Microwave

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 10.00 per day

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 15 per pet, per night (maximum USD 105 per stay)

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision

Policies

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms. These are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

Is there a pool at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, there's an indoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total and maximum weight of 36 kg per pet. There's a charge 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.

Is parking offered on site at Sonesta Essential Ames?

Yes, there's free self parking. Motorhome/coach/lorry parking is available.

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

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 4:00 AM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at Sonesta Essential Ames and nearby?

Sonesta Essential Ames has an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre.

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Sonesta Essential Ames Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

RoomService staffBreakfastBedShowerBathroomToiletBuildingValueLocation

6/10 Good

A room to sleep in
Harry, 2-night trip

2/10 Poor

Gross out side and in side.
Holly, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Stains all over the sheets and pillows.
Mary, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

great breakfast
MICHAEL, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Everything was as expected
John, 4-night trip

8/10 Very good

Shower was very very worn which did not match the rest of the updated bathroom. Nice flooring instead of carpet which gives the room a cleaner feeling. Beds were squeaky as other reviews mentioned however they were very comfortable and I slept well. Breakfast was decent and the area was kept very clean and well stocked. All in all, not a bad stay, replace the worn shower walls and it would be better.
Michelle, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Very nice for the price. Safe and quiet. Easy to get around town.
Elizabeth, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Cheapest place in town
Matt, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Clean & a Great Value

Slightly older motel but kept very clean. Good breakfast. The desk staff and housekeeping are extremely friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back.
James, 6-night trip

6/10 Good

Front desk person was helpful. Cleaning ladies were nice.
William, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Tracie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Bed Sheets

They can make sure the sheets are clean because there was black stuff in the sheets other then that it was good an there was someone else hair in the bed on the sheets.
Natasha, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Everything was just okay
Angelica, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
Kathryn, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Claude, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

It was overall a nice place to stay. Had an odd smell in hallways but was very clean. Not much protein choices for breakfast.
Suzanne, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

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.
Cheyenne, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Wish the gym was better, everything else was good overall.
Liz, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice clean cheap
Franz, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

The least pleasant hotel stay I have ever had.
Nickie, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
Diane, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Love the hard floor, they are more sanitized than carpets.
Jennifer, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Definately a budget hotel. Our bed was creeky, haven't had that in a hotel in a while! There was also a lot of noise from the parking lot outside. It was August but people were grillling and yelling out there at 11 pm. Nothing horrible, nothing great. It was inexpensive.
Olga, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I like it.
ana, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Kimberly, 1-night trip