Sonesta Simply Suites Garden Grove Anaheim

It’s easy to get in and out if you’re in the area, and the rooms are a good size and clean enough. But I probably wouldn’t stay again. The whole place has a strange smell, like air freshener is being used to cover mustiness. The Wi-Fi is slow, it’s very close to the freeway, and there isn’t much within walking distance. The front desk seemed friendly enough, but I chose not to interact with them. The bathroom light flickers, though I didn’t mention it, so I’m not really complaining about that. There was no housekeeping during my stay, which was under seven nights, as it’s an extended-stay place. No other issues.

Maricel, I think that’s her name, works at the front desk and was super helpful and great. She gets five stars from me, but I can’t say the same about the hotel overall. I had to go to the front desk three different times because nobody came to clean my room on the scheduled day. The hotel condition is poor. There’s a horrible smell on every floor and hall, and trash is left unattended for days. I’ve seen roaches. The AC unit in my room made extremely loud noises that woke me up and left me with many sleepless nights. The laundry room only has about two good washers and dryers. I’ve attached pictures of my comforter with a huge hole in it, even though these were supposed to be new, clean sheets. It shows how lazy the hotel staff are. Unacceptable. If I could give negative stars, I would.

Marisal at the front desk was sweet both times I spoke with her and checked us in. She’s the only reason I’d give service two stars. The room cleanliness was shocking, among the dirtiest I’ve seen at any Sonesta, despite being a Platinum member who’s stayed at many locations. The public door handles were so greasy I used my shirt to open them, and I took a photo of the kitchen at check-in because I couldn’t believe it. Manager Eva charged me $200 for having marijuana in the room. I had the product with me but never smoked there. Eva accused me of smoking and said she had proof, which is a complete lie. I have a medical prescription and travel with it all the time without issues. I don’t smoke in rooms, never have and never will, but sometimes carry it as medicine. As a Platinum member, I haven’t reached that level by disrespecting hotels or ignoring policies. Eva wouldn’t discuss the issue and hung up on me. She was unprofessional and catty, and seemed to enjoy the power of her title instead of working through the problem. I called corporate because she wouldn’t give me another manager’s name and said she was the highest person I could speak to. I’ve never been treated so rudely by Sonesta staff, and I’ll never return to this location. It’s also left a bitter taste about Sonestas.

The room was roomy enough to sleep in and fairly clean, with basic essentials, and parking was reasonably priced. Still, I noticed red spill marks on the bathroom door and bugs on the floor. The hallway smelled really odd and dirty, and the room definitely needed more cleaning. Overall, I had a decent time.