Ann Arbor's BEST Kept Secret: Sonesta ES Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the not-so-secret-anymore world of Sonesta ES Suites Ann Arbor. I’m gonna be brutally honest here, so prepare for a messy, honest, and maybe a little bit rambly review. Forget those cookie-cutter, corporate mumbo jumbo reviews; we're talking raw, unfiltered hotel experiences. And spoiler alert: this place has a lot going for it.
(SEO-tastic intro, because, well, Google likes that)
Ann Arbor's BEST Kept Secret? Sonesta ES Suites Review!
Let's just get this out of the way: I was skeptical. "ES Suites" screamed "budget extended stay," and honestly, Ann Arbor ain't cheap. But, after, I was totally amazed. Sonesta ES Suites Ann Arbor? It's a legit contender for a cozy stay, especially if you're looking for something beyond the usual hotel blah.
Accessibility: (Because it’s important!)
Alright, right off the bat, they've done a decent job. Wheelchair accessible areas are present, which is a massive plus. The elevator is obviously essential, and I spotted a few things that could be helpful, and a lot could be improved. I didn't personally need extensive accommodations, but I did notice and appreciated the effort to make it easier for everyone.
Rooms and Amenities (The Nitty Gritty, and the Good Stuff):
Okay, let’s talk rooms. They’re like actual suites, which is pretty sweet. And the kitchenette? A LIFESAVER. Seriously. Refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker. You can actually eat actual food! Staying here felt less like living in a hotel and more like existing.
- Available in all rooms: You get Air conditioning, Alarm Clock, Desk, Hair Dryer, and Ironing Facilities. The Free Wi-Fi is solid (more on internet later).
- Additional touches: Blackout curtains are a godsend for sleeping in, but they also have a sofa! Like, a real sofa! A place to, you know, sit and relax.
- The Internet Saga: Let's be honest, Internet is crucial. I got a good Internet access - Wi-Fi, which is essential for work, streaming, and sanity. The Internet access - LAN, is ok. I did have a minor connection hiccup once, but it cleared up right away.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Important in 2024, right?): They take the Cleanliness and Safety very seriously. Thank goodness. They boast about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They've got the basic CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and even a Fire extinguisher! It's the little things that really ease your mind, especially after a long drive or a full day in Ann Arbor.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- Breakfast: They offer a Breakfast [buffet]! It's a standard hotel spread (eggs, pastries, fruit), but it gets the job done, so no complaints here. They should definitely add more options for Vegetarian Restaurant.
- Convenience: There's a Coffee shop for your caffeine needs, and a Snack bar.
- Other Options: They don’t skimp on the basics. They take a lot of care in this!
Pool and Relaxing Stuff (Important for sanity!)
Alright, the Swimming pool [outdoor]? It's not the biggest, but it's clean and perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. I didn't get a chance to use the Gym/fitness, but it looked pretty well-equipped, I'd say. Let's be honest, the gym? That's for people who have their lives together!
Services and Conveniences (The stuff you need, and maybe some you don't):
- The Essentials: They have Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and a Convenience store. These are all super helpful.
- Extra Perks: There's a Concierge for help and they offer Food delivery too.
- Things I Missed: I didn't see a Spa or Steamroom, which is just something to note.
Things to Do in Ann Arbor (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
This is Ann Arbor, people! A hive of activity. Sonesta is near everything!
Now, for the Rambling and Opinions… (Don't worry, I'll rein myself in… maybe.)
Look, this isn't the Ritz. But the Sonesta ES Suites Ann Arbor? It’s charming. It has an undeniable comfort.
Quirks and Imperfections? Heck, Yeah!
The décor isn't exactly "hip." Okay, it’s a little dated. But honestly? When you’re crashing after a long day, you want comfort over super-trendy. It’s like a well-worn, reliable pair of jeans – they just work.
The "Messy Truth" moments:
- Check-in/out [express]: Super easy. Almost too easy. I was in and out in a flash.
- The Staff: They are friendly and seem to genuinely care.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, a HUGE win!
The Verdict (Drumroll, Please!)
Sonesta ES Suites Ann Arbor is a solid choice. It’s clean, comfortable, surprisingly spacious, and offers a bunch of amenities for the price. Plus, the location is hard to beat. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and real hotel experience in Ann Arbor, give this place a shot. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
ARE YOU READY TO BOOK?
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Daleville's Hidden Gem: Super 8's Unbeatable Fort Novosel Deal!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt at a travel itinerary, hopefully with enough chaos and charm to keep you entertained. We’re talking a trip to that lovely, charming, and occasionally baffling Ann Arbor (specifically, Sonesta ES Suites – I’ll get to the "ES" conundrum later).
Important Note: This is my ideal itinerary. Yours? Totally different. That's the beauty of travel, right? (And the potential for epic fail, but hey, we’ll embrace that too.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Sonesta ES Suites Mystery
(2:00 PM) - Arrival & Check-In Fiasco: Okay, first things first: the Sonesta ES Suites. I've heard tales. Visions of spacious rooms danced in my head. Reality? Well, it was definitely… a room. Spacious-ish. The "ES" part, however, remains a goddamn mystery. What does "ES" even mean? Is it "Extra Spacious"? "Exceptionally Sleepy"? "Existential Stress?" I’m still pondering it as I unload the car, which, by the way, involved wrestling a suitcase that’s clearly plotting against me.
- Anecdote: The check-in process was… character-building. Apparently, I'd booked a room with a "view." Of what, exactly? The parking lot? The dumpster? The sheer face-of-nothingness that is the back of the hotel? Turns out, it was a view of a slightly less depressing parking lot, but hey, small victories.
(3:00 PM) - Settling In & Snack Sourcing: Now for the essential task: unpacking and assessing the snack situation. I'm heavily reliant on a specific brand of gummy bears. Don't judge. Find the nearest grocery store!
- Quirky Observation: The room's decor is best described as "functional." Think less "Pinterest-worthy oasis" and more "well-used college dorm room." But hey, it's got a bed, a fridge, and a microwave. We're practically living the high life.
(5:00 PM) - First Taste of Ann Arbor - Walking Tour or Bust!: My grand plan is to wander aimlessly Ann Arbor, soaking it all in. But getting "lost" could be a good thing. If I don't find a place with some beer.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already overwhelmed by the potential of being lost.
(7:00 PM) - Dinner Dilemma & The Quest for Pizza: Dinner! Ann Arbor is pizza territory, in my research at least. But the choices! The pressure! I'm paralyzed by indecision, so I'm going to ask the front desk, which is always the best idea.
- Rambling Interlude: Do I just want something easy and tasty, but at the same time, I don't want to go to a chain restaurant.
Day 2: U of M, Maize & Blue, and a Near-Disaster
- (9:00 AM) - Breakfast Blues & The Microwave's Reign: Breakfast. One of the great challenges of hotel life. I had high hopes for the "complimentary breakfast" at the hotel. I quickly realized it’s not a buffet. I'm still not sure if I'm supposed to tip a person for the breakfast. So, I'm sticking to Pop Tarts and instant coffee.
- Messier Structure: Okay, let's be honest. The coffee is barely drinkable. The Pop-Tarts are… well, they're Pop-Tarts. My emotional reaction? Underwhelmed.
- (10:00 AM) - Campus Capers: A Whirlwind Tour of the University of Michigan: Time to face the University. I'm no student, but the campus is gorgeous. Armed with my phone, I'm aiming for a self-guided tour.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The architecture is stunning, the energy is palpable! So many young people, so much… potential.
- (12:00 PM) - Lunchtime and the Accidental Pizza Conquest: Because I didn't get enough Pizza yesterday. So I need to try another place.
- (2:00 PM) - The "Museum of Art" Debacle: I attempted to go to the University of Michigan Museum of Art. The biggest issue I ran into was finding the parking lot. I think even the museum was angry.
- (5:00 PM) - Second Attempt for Dinner: I'm still not great with food choices, but I'm determined.
- More Opinionated Language: I wanted a perfect meal.
Day 3: Farewell, For Now
- (9:00 AM) - The Final Breakfast & Lingering Doubts: Another attempt at the hotel breakfast. I'll probably stick to the Pop-Tarts.
- (10:00 AM) - Souvenir Search & Last-Minute Panic: I need to find something to bring home. A t-shirt and a stupid mug.
- Quirky Observation/Rambling: I'm always worried I'm going to get a parking ticket.
- (12:00 PM) - Check-Out & The Great "ES" Mystery Revisited: Goodbye, Sonesta ES Suites. Although, I still don't understand what "ES" even stands for.
- (1:00 PM) - The Drive Home & Post-Trip Melancholy: I'm packing up and hitting the road. The end of the trip is always a bittersweet thing. I'm already planning my return!
In summation: This is Ann Arbor, Michigan. It's charming, sometimes confusing, and filled with the potential for both delightful discoveries and complete comedic chaos. Embrace the mess, roll with the punches, and for the love of all that is holy, bring snack!
Escape to Paradise: Afytos Bodrum Hotel Awaits in Stunning Bodrum, Turkey
Sonesta ES Suites Ann Arbor: The Surprisingly Okay-ish Secret? (A Messy Review)
Alright, alright, let's tackle this Sonesta ES Suites in Ann Arbor. They call it a "best kept secret," huh? After my recent (and rather eventful) stay, I’m not entirely convinced of the "best" part, but "kept secret"... maybe. Depends on your definition of 'secret' being a place with a decent pool and some seriously hit-or-miss service that you might accidentally stumble upon after booking the only available room nearby.
1. Is this place actually a secret? Is it GOOD?
Secret? Nah. Google knows. TripAdvisor knows. My wallet knows, since it's taken a hit. Good? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It's... serviceable. Let's call it that. Picture a slightly above-average chain hotel that's trying SUPER hard to be homey, but... well, sometimes it feels like it's trying TOO hard and ends up feeling a bit... forced. Like that friend who *really* wants you to like their cooking but accidentally oversalts everything. (My friend, Steve. Love you, Steve, but that chili was a disaster.)
Honestly, it depends on your expectations. If you're expecting the Ritz, run! If you're expecting a clean, functional place to crash for a reasonable price (and Ann Arbor is rarely "reasonable"), then you might be okay. I came expecting... well, I don't know what I was expecting, really. But it wasn't the saga of the missing remote control, which brings me to my next point...
2. The Room: Am I going to be living in a disaster zone? (Or, you know, a hotel room?)
The room situation... ah, yes. Where to begin? Firstly, I walked in, and it *looked* okay. Clean-ish. Spacious-ish. Kitchenette-ish. The "ish" is key here. The decor? Think beige. Lots and lots of beige. Beige furniture, beige walls, beige... well, you get the idea. It’s less "design-forward" and more "safe bet". Which, honestly, is fine. I'm not expecting a design magazine spread.
BUT! The missing remote control... This is where the "messy" part comes in. I swear, it was like a conspiracy! They knew I was coming. I check in, I'm tired as all heck. I plop onto the couch and grab the remote...and...nothing. Gone! Vanished! I call the front desk, and the nice lady (bless her heart, she sounded as tired as I was) assures me they'll send one right up. An hour later, still nothing. Another call. Another promise. Eventually, after three calls and a descent into full-blown channel-surfing withdrawal, a new remote arrived. The whole saga made me feel like I was in a low-budget thriller.
The bed was... fine. Not the best, not the worst. Think slightly above a college dorm mattress. I lived. But after a long day of moving furniture (another story for another time…), it had me wishing for my own bed. The kitchenette? Basic. Microwave, fridge, and a sink. Sufficient for making instant noodles and reheating leftovers (yes, I did both). So, yeah, a hotel room. With a tiny bit of "lived in" feel, which is fine, so long as you can accept the missing remote control situation.
3. Breakfast: Is it really free, and is it edible?
Okay, here’s where Sonesta tries to redeem itself. The "free breakfast" is a solid attempt. Think continental fare: toast, bagels, cereal, instant oatmeal (always a classic), a waffle maker, and some sad-looking pastries that probably wouldn't win any prizes at the bakers’ convention. There was also coffee – strong, blessedly strong – and juice, which was probably 75% sugar.
Edible? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely not. Filling? Mostly. It’s the kind of breakfast you grab when you’re in a hurry, and you need something to line your stomach before a day of... well, whatever activities you're planning in Ann Arbor. If you're a foodie, you'll want to head out. If you're on a budget, this is gold. I went for the toast and the coffee, and survived.
4. The Pool: The Glorious, Chlorine-Filled Exception?
Alright, the pool. This is where Sonesta might actually shine – or at least, it did for me. A decent, reasonably clean pool (I’m not sure about that, but I choose to believe), plus a hot tub! After a long day of navigating the parking situation near the University of Michigan (another story for another time…), the pool was literal heaven. The water was warm, the chlorine didn't smell *too* overwhelming, and I could actually relax. It's a simple pleasure, but it was a welcome one. I'm not sure if it's enough to be a major selling point, but for me, with my specific needs, the pool was a *major* win.
The only downside? The noise. Sometimes, there are kids, which is fine. But other times, it's a cacophony of splashing, screaming, and general poolside chaos. I'm not a grump; I like kids, but sometimes you just want to quietly float and contemplate life. Either way, it's a nice amenity if you want. It's probably the BEST part, honestly.
5. Service: Helpful, Hurting, or Horrendous?
The service is... inconsistent. The front desk staff was, for the most part, friendly and helpful. Except for the whole remote control saga, which I’m still not over. (Okay, I *might* be over it, but it's still fresh in my memory!) The cleaning staff? Well, let's just say the definition of "clean" is debatable. The room was tidied, but it wasn’t spotless. A few stray hairs here and there, a slightly dusty surface... nothing major, but a good reminder that you're not in a five-star hotel.
I found the service to be a mixed bag. Some staff members were amazing, genuine. Others... well, they seemed to be going through the motions. It felt like the attitude varied shift by shift. However, they're definitely trying, which is more than I can say about some hotels, so props to Sonesta. It's a win-some, lose-some scenario, don't expect miracles.
6. Location, Location, Location: Is it actually convenient to... everything?
Location is... alright. It's not *in* the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, which arguably could be a benefit, considering Ann Arbor traffic. It's a short drive to the University of Michigan campus and various attractions. There's food and shops nearby. The surrounding area is fairly unremarkable. It’s convenient enough if you have a car. Without a car?Find Secret Hotel Deals
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