Sonesta ES Suites Toronto Markham

The hotel is widely recognized for its spacious suites and the welcoming, home-like atmosphere it provides, making it a memorable choice for many travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Its signature feature, the availability of well-equipped kitchenettes within these large accommodations, greatly enhances the guest experience by offering a true home-away-from-home feel. Guests frequently highlight the overall cleanliness, the comfortable living spaces, and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking ample room and separate living areas, as well as long-term guests and business travelers who benefit from the in-room kitchen facilities and a quiet residential setting. To ensure a pleasant stay, guests are advised to inquire about the hotel's ongoing renovation status and consider requesting a room away from potential construction noise. Utilizing the full kitchenette can also provide added convenience and cost savings for extended visits, allowing for meal preparation and a more personalized stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's comprehensive kitchenette facilities, which include a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, hot plate, and a complete set of utensils and dishes, making it highly convenient for preparing meals. The complimentary laundry facilities are a significant advantage, especially for longer stays, though some note the fitness center shares space with the laundry, leading to a musty smell. The indoor pool is generally appreciated, described as heated and a great amenity for families with children, despite some reports of it being too cold or having excessive chlorine, and a few mentions of a loose railing. While the Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests found it slow or unsecure. The hotel's single elevator is frequently mentioned as being slow and appearing dated, which can impact first impressions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be spacious, clean, and well-maintained, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. Many appreciate the modern decor in newly renovated rooms and the convenience of a separate living area. However, some reviews indicate that certain areas, particularly bathrooms and older sections, appear dated or show signs of wear, with occasional reports of mold or gunk. Noise can be an issue for some, stemming from AC units, slamming doors, water pipes, or construction activities. While some rooms are described as quiet, others experienced disturbances. Issues with uncomfortable pillows (too high) and stained sofa beds or mattresses were also noted by a few guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with many guests appreciating the variety of options available, including hot buffet items like omelets, sausages, and pancakes, along with cereals, bagels, and fresh fruit. The coffee is often praised for its quality, and the staff managing the breakfast area are noted for being friendly and efficient. However, some guests found the breakfast offerings to be limited, repetitive, or of "mediocre" quality, with specific complaints about "runny eggs" or a lack of options for those with allergies. There were also instances where food items ran out, and the use of paper plates and plastic cutlery was a point of contention for some, who felt it detracted from the experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally well-regarded, situated in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to parks and greenspace, making it pleasant for walks. Its proximity to Highway 407 is convenient for guests traveling by car, offering good connectivity to Toronto and surrounding areas. Many guests appreciate being close to various restaurants and shopping options. However, the hotel's sign can be easy to miss, especially at night. A significant point of contention is the parking situation; while ample, it is now subject to a daily fee, which many guests find surprising and unnecessary, especially given its suburban location and previous free status. Some also noted the area is not ideal for pedestrian access to amenities like grocery stores.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight their professionalism and willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or late check-out. However, feedback on housekeeping is notably mixed, with many guests expressing dissatisfaction that rooms are only cleaned every three days, or that services like towel replacement and trash removal are not performed daily. Some guests reported specific instances of unprofessional or rude behavior from certain front desk staff, and a lack of clear explanation regarding hotel policies upon check-in, leading to frustration for some.

Additional Information
A prominent theme across reviews is the hotel's ongoing renovations, which, while leading to some newly updated rooms, have caused considerable inconvenience for many guests. These unadvertised construction works have resulted in noise, paint fumes, temporary changes to the lobby and breakfast area, and concerns about safety and cleanliness in common areas. Guests should be aware that the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though it comes with a significant charge, and finding suitable outdoor areas for pets can be challenging. Some guests also reported issues with deposit refunds after checking out. The hotel offers free laundry facilities, which is a highly valued amenity for longer stays, providing convenience for guests.