Sonesta Simply Suites Clearwater St. Petersburg

The front desk, Rose, maintenance, and housekeeping staff were all great, and the price is excellent. The staff did what they could, but the owners aren’t giving them much to work with. Linens, bathrooms, and counters were clean, though you have to request fresh towels each day. The rooms need paint, the walls are dirty and have drywall holes, and there’s a strong musty smell. The carpet is ground-in dirty and needs deep cleaning or replacing, including in the halls and stairwells. Water pressure is poor, and I had to get my key reprogrammed every day, without much success. It was race weekend, and some guests made the place feel uncomfortable. It didn’t seem like a professional or family crowd. I suspect people were bringing pets in to avoid the fee. Groups of men smoked and drank near the emergency exits, and the property smelled of smoke. Exit doors were held open with rocks or tape. There were loud noises in the middle of the night, and the walls were thin. I wouldn’t want my wife and kids there, or my female staff. It’s a shame, since a modest investment in paint, drywall, and flooring could make this much more welcoming. The staff is clearly good.

The practical touches made my stay easier: free washers and dryers for an extended visit, updated bathroom dispensers, and a clean environment where I had no pest concerns. I also valued the smoke-free atmosphere and the fresh, breathable air. I left my room tidy for housekeeping, because appreciation should go both ways. I’ve seen the leadership here over the years, including hands-on work most guests never notice. Staying with one property that long says a lot, and consistent leadership matters more to me than an isolated tense moment. Hospitality happens with real staffing, policies, and limits. A late-night situation can’t always be handled with a full daytime maintenance crew, so the options at that hour can reflect logistics rather than indifference. Travel is tiring and can raise expectations, but courtesy and realistic expectations help professionalism come through. I left rested and grateful, and would feel confident returning. Steady leadership, fair policies, a clean environment, and useful amenities made for a restorative stay.

There were roaches all over the first room we were given, on the bed, kitchen counter, bathroom, and floor. When we complained, we were moved to another room that smelled of smoke, despite this being supposed to be a non-smoking hotel. That room had several roaches too. I was charged and told I’d get my money back, but it never came. I had four young children with me, and one is allergic to roaches and their droppings. It was disgusting. I used to stay at Sonesta hotels, but after this experience I won’t again. It made me want to stop staying in hotels altogether.

On the stressful days of my visit, the staff made things better. Their customer service is hard to praise enough, they went above and beyond to make the place feel welcoming. The room was clean and well stocked, and the laundry facilities are temporarily free. There’s a rewards program for stays, but finding this place already feels like a reward. Thank you for making my stay easier.