The Sonesta Essential Des Moines hotel is located with easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 35. The hotel is just minutes from the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa State Fair fairgrounds and the Science Center of Iowa museum. Drake University is five miles away. Nearby is the Merle Hay Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the area and home to more than 100 shops and services. Enjoy outdoor recreation in the surrounding area, including golfing, tennis, boating and fishing. A variety of restaurants are nearby, several within walking distance from the hotel. This Des Moines, IA hotel offers many features and amenities, including free deluxe continental breakfast with waffles, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free local calls, access to copy and fax services. The hotel has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 150 people for events and functions. In addition to standard amenities, all guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, cable television and pay-per-view movies. Some rooms feature sofa sleepers, coffee makers, desks, irons and ironing boards. Suites with balconies and whirlpool bathtubs are available. Nonsmoking rooms are offered. This hotel is pet-friendly hotel (additional fees apply). Ample parking is available on the premises and can accommodate most trucks, RVs, buses and cars.