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Sonesta Essential opens in Des Moines, IA

The upper-midscale property is owned by Bhavik Shah

Sonesta Essential opens in Des Moines, IA

Sonesta Essential Des Moines is now open in Des Moines, Iowa. The 150-room, upper-midscale property is owned by Bhavik Shah.

The hotel is close to the Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines International Airport, Drake University and Iowa State Fairgrounds, Sonesta said in a statement.


“The opening of Sonesta Essential Des Moines continues the momentum of our newest brand,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise and development. “At Sonesta, relationships are at the core of our growth strategy as we expand our footprint and grow the Sonesta Essential brand through both new and repeat owners.”

Sonesta Essential incorporates upgraded bedding as a core element of its distinct sleep program, the statement added.

Sonesta operates approximately 1,100 properties with a total of 100,000 guest rooms across 15 brands in eight countries. The company recently opened the Red Lion Inn & Suites in Elk Grove, Illinois, a 47-room property owned by Mahesh Chaudhari.

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Deloitte Survey: Holiday Travel Soars but Average Trips Fall
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Report: Holiday travel up, average trips down

Summary:

  • Most Americans are planning holiday travel for the first time in five years, Deloitte reported.
  • Gen Z and millennials now account for half of holiday travelers.
  • About 57 percent of travelers choose driving over flying to cut costs.

MORE THAN HALF of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and early January for the first time in at least five years, according to a Deloitte survey. However, the average number of trips dropped to 1.83 from 2.14 last year.

Deloitte’s “2025 Holiday Travel Survey” reported that the average planned holiday travel budget is down 18 percent to $2,334. More travelers plan to stay with friends or family rather than book hotels or rentals.

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