Sonesta ES Suites Birmingham Homewood

I booked six hours through the Dayuse app on 2/26 to get some rest away from home. The room was clean, the bed comfortable, and the hall quiet. I’d come back for another day getaway because of the front desk staff, though I hope the GM is kinder about staff learning from mistakes. The woman who checked me in was lovely to talk to, even though I really don't like small talk. She gave me a room tucked away so I could get the rest I needed. When I checked out, the young man told me he was new and wanted to be sure he did everything right. He accidentally charged my card again, but apologized, communicated honestly, and took steps to fix it. The GM called to apologize and assured me it would be corrected. I wasn't bothered by the mistake, but I didn't like his slightly negative tone about the young man. We're all human, mistakes happen as part of learning, and I appreciated that the employee owned it and tried to make it right. I hope the same staff are there when I return.

On checkout morning, which was my birthday, I woke up and got breakfast, then took a nap and was up at 9. Checkout was 11. A younger guy knocked to start cleaning, but I said I wasn't done and he said okay. A little after 10, I took some things to my car. When I came back, he was in another room at the far end of the hall. I went downstairs again with more belongings, leaving my purse with my MacBook and leftover BBQ in the room because I planned to get those last. When I returned, my room was open. The younger guy was across the hall, and another man was inside going through my things, using my MacBook. He said he thought the purse and computer were trash. I told him checkout wasn't until 11, and it was only 10:47. I checked my purse because I didn't trust him, and threw away the food after he'd gone through it. He asked if anything was missing as I left. At the desk, I confirmed checkout was 11. The woman called someone, explained what happened, and said she'd tell her boss. From what she said, this may not have been his first time. Don't stay here, because I don't know whether he's been fired. UPDATE: I read the general manager's response. Why would I leave the door unlocked with my things still inside? That makes no sense. Even if housekeeping is meant to check for items left behind, you don't take a MacBook out of a purse. Checkout is 11 AM, not whenever housekeeping wants to come in. I have no reason to lie. When I told the black lady at the front desk, she called someone, said the man had entered my room, and said this had to stop, among other things. She asked me to write down my name and number, and said she'd tell her boss and call me herself. The response to my experience is stupid. The “manager” is siding with his employee's bad behavior, and that says a lot about him and the company. For anyone reading this, don't stay here.

A peaceful visit, with a very clean room and a bed more comfortable than the one I have at home. The staff were helpful, and I was glad breakfast was available. I'm a travel pass member and will come back.

Our only real downside was having to leave so soon. We had a wonderful stay at Sonesta ES Suites Homewood, with a spacious, spotless room and crisp sheets on a very comfortable bed. The friendly front desk team even arranged a late checkout. Breakfast was hot with lots of options, and the location was convenient for reaching major sights without being too far away. Great prices and atmosphere, highly recommend!