Sonesta ES Suites Somerset

This hotel is primarily recognized for its spacious, apartment-style suites featuring full kitchens, making it a practical choice for families and extended-stay guests seeking a home-like environment. The ability to cook in-room is a significant draw, allowing guests to save on dining expenses. While many appreciate the value and layout, the hotel faces consistent challenges with cleanliness and maintenance, which frequently impact guest satisfaction. It is particularly well-suited for travelers who prioritize ample living space and self-catering options over pristine conditions. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to thoroughly inspect their assigned room upon arrival and consider bringing their own cleaning supplies. Additionally, confirming the functionality of in-room amenities like Wi-Fi and appliances is recommended.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed to cater to longer stays and families, including spacious suites often featuring two bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen, complete with a stove, refrigerator, dishes, and cooking utensils, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. The property is also pet-friendly, accommodating guests traveling with animals. While a pool and gym are available, feedback on their condition is mixed, with some guests noting the pool can be dirty or cold, and the gym having limited equipment. Laundry machines are on-site, though some guests reported issues with their functionality. A recurring complaint is the unreliable or non-existent Wi-Fi, which can be a significant inconvenience for both leisure and business travelers. Some second-floor rooms lack elevator access, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness is a significant and frequently raised concern among guests, with many reporting filthy rooms upon arrival. Common issues include stained carpets, dirty walls, torn and worn furniture, and unpleasant odors such as smoke, mold, or a general musty smell. Guests have found hair on beds and in bathrooms, stains on linens and towels, and even evidence of bugs like roaches, spiders, and ants. While some rooms are described as spacious and having comfortable beds, the overall impression of room comfort is often overshadowed by these pervasive cleanliness issues and the outdated condition of the furnishings. Specific complaints include non-working dishwashers, missing dish soap, and issues with hot water or AC functionality. Noise from neighboring rooms or outside the building is also occasionally reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast, which is generally perceived as convenient, though feedback on its quality and variety is mixed. Most guests appreciate having a hot meal option, with typical offerings including eggs, yogurt, bagels, muffins, and fruit. However, some guests describe the breakfast as mediocre, noting limited fresh fruit options and occasional issues with items like pancakes not being available daily or sandwiches being served still frozen. The use of plastic plates and cutlery is also mentioned. A common point of frustration is the strict and sometimes early closure of the breakfast area, with staff beginning to clear food promptly at the designated end time, occasionally even running out of items.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, particularly for those with a vehicle, offering easy access to highways and being situated near various restaurants. Some guests find it a quiet location, which is appreciated for rest. However, its proximity to other amenities or attractions is often described as being a little far from everything, requiring transportation. Parking is available on-site, but it can be a source of frustration; some guests report difficulties finding spaces, especially due to other vehicles occupying spots, and there are mentions of an additional daily charge for parking. The lighting in the parking lot is also noted as being poor at night, and some guests found it challenging to cross the street nearby.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably varied. Many guests commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and accommodating nature, particularly during check-in and when addressing specific requests. Some individuals are praised for their patience and willingness to assist. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, insensitive, or dismissive, particularly at the front desk. There are frequent complaints about housekeeping service, with guests reporting that rooms are not cleaned regularly, supplies are not replenished, and staff may enter rooms without permission or bang on doors. Communication issues, such as a lack of explanation during fire alarms or unhelpful responses to Wi-Fi problems, are also recurring themes.

Additional Information
The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, which is a key feature for guests traveling with animals, though some have noted challenges finding suitable outdoor areas for pets or reported instances of perceived discrimination. Guests should be aware that an incidental fee or deposit is typically charged upon check-in, with some experiencing delays in receiving their refund after departure. The property appears to be undergoing renovations, leading to a disparity between updated and older rooms, which can impact guest satisfaction. There are observations that some guests appear to be on long-term stays, with mentions of school bus pick-ups, contributing to a unique residential atmosphere. Issues with Wi-Fi connectivity are a persistent problem, and some guests reported a lack of security or poor lighting in common areas.