The Bel by Sonder

I’m almost reluctant to recommend this place because I don’t want demand, or prices, to go up. Hoai was especially helpful and hospitable, and I love the location, clean rooms, nice lobby, friendly staff, and good heating and AC. One thing really needs attention: the key system. On both of my stays, my keys had to be remagnetized several times even though I kept them away from other cards. Please just upgrade the door and key technology.

The room was clean and well looked after, and everyone working there was friendly and helpful. The hotel is right by the Red Line and surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops you can reach on foot. There’s a garage around the corner that was convenient, about $38 a day. I had a great stay in April and would happily come back.

We found nearby daily parking for just $20, and there are plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and venues around. The hotel has an old-world feel but also the modern amenities we wanted, including snacks, a fridge, and drinks in the room. Ours faced the street, yet it was quiet and relaxing. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff were lovely. It’s close to a train stop, too. Much more enjoyable than staying at a chain hotel.

The hotel is clean, the staff are friendly, and the location is great. The walls are thin, the heat kept coming on and was strange to control, the shower pressure was horrid, and there’s no microwave in the room. Still, it wasn’t a bad stay and I’d come back.