Venue photo 1

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

3.6(219)
Hotel

About

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers a refreshed, modern stay with 140 rooms featuring flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. Select suites include sofa beds, in-room hot tubs, and balconies, providing flexible comfort for business travelers and small groups.

Conveniently located off I-35 near Drake University and downtown, the hotel supports easy access to the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Wells Fargo Arena. Its quiet, clean atmosphere and friendly staff make it a practical choice for multi-night stays and event attendees alike.

Best for

  • Multi-night group stays near convention hubs
  • Affordable team lodging with easy access
  • Casual business trips & overnight stays

Request a Package

Tell the venue what you're planning and they'll respond with a custom proposal within 1–2 business days.

Group Meeting

Custom request

Professional meeting space for your team — whether it's a meeting, training, workshop, or multi-day offsite. Half-day, full-day, or multi-day — with the option to request AV, catering, and your preferred room layout.

What's typically included

  • Meeting room & layout
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology

Room Block

Custom request

Reserve a block of rooms for your group — ideal for multi-day conferences, offsites, or any event where attendees are traveling from out of town.

What's typically included

  • Reserved guest rooms for your group
  • Flexible check-in & check-out dates
  • Negotiated group rates

Meeting + Room Block

Custom request

Bundle your meeting space and guest rooms in one request — perfect for multi-day offsites and conferences where the team meets by day and stays overnight.

What's typically included

  • Meeting room & layout
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology
  • Reserved guest rooms for your group

Venue Details

Standout features

Location
Convenient access near major Des Moines landmarks
Located just off I-35 with easy access to Drake University, downtown Des Moines, the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Wells Fargo Arena, and the Iowa State Capitol, making it ideal for business travelers and event attendees.
Room Amenities
Modern, comfortable rooms with practical features
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, free Wi-Fi, and select suites offer in-room hot tubs and balconies. Some rooms also have sofa beds for extra sleeping space.

At a glance

Rated 3.6 on Google · 219 reviews