Sonesta Select Charlotte University Research Park

The bed was the one good part, very comfortable. Everything else makes me think the hotel badly needs renovation. Our room had a small balcony, which was nice, but the tracks were messed up and opening the door was a pain. The layout was odd. The TV kept losing its signal; when it worked, sports and news were available. There was only one cartoon channel, Nickelodeon, since Cartoon Network showed a black screen with no sound. BET had sound but no picture, and both HBO channels repeated the same movies. The two elevators were another hassle: the one near the front only goes down, so with bags you have to walk to the back for an elevator that goes up, then walk back toward the front where the room is. There's no continental breakfast, which is just dumb, and I thought it was weird they charged a deposit when we had no pets.

The room was comfortable, but the carpet was very dirty. Public spaces, including the halls, walkways, and breakfast room, felt worn and drab, and the hotel is very dog-eared. The continental breakfast was mostly packaged grits, strawberry instant oatmeal, bagels with no butter or cream cheese, and honey buns. There was no juice or hot food. One elevator was out of order, and the bathroom light didn't work. Staff were friendly, but I wouldn't stay again.

Check the details before you book. I expected the Sonesta with indoor and outdoor pools and a restaurant inside, but this wasn't that place. The room wasn't too bad. We had no hot water at first, though it eventually started working. There also seemed to be some sketchy activity in or around the property.

We had a comfortable room, and the hotel was conveniently located for the concert we attended. The desk staff were friendly and informative, and they offer grab-and-go breakfast for early risers. It's dog-friendly too, if you need that. I'd stay again.