Court Square Hotel Long Island City New York , Belvilla District 6 Formerly Sonder

The location is handy, with the subway just down the street and markets and shops within walking distance. But after my check-in experience, I’d only stay at Sonder LIC again if I were really in a pinch. I arrived right at check-in time with luggage and groceries, and they said my room wasn’t ready. I told the front desk attendants that wasn’t acceptable and that I wanted to rest. They offered late checkout, which I declined, then suggested I leave my groceries in the staff fridge and wait nearby. I said I wasn’t putting my food in their fridge and asked them to find a room. A few minutes later, one suddenly became available. The room was mostly clean, but there were crumbs by the stove and stray hairs in the bathroom. It wasn’t the worst stay, but it’s not one I want to repeat after a 3.5 hour train ride before a few days of business travel.

I spent 3-4 hours trying to sort out my booking and get inside. I’d booked through Agoda, but on the day I was due to check in, the hotel staff told me over the phone there was no reservation under my name. I don’t know whether Agoda or the hotel made the mistake. There’s no front desk, so guests have to call for help, and my confirmation email didn’t include the access code. I hadn’t even known there was an access-code system. When I finally reached someone, their English was barely understandable, and they just kept saying, “I don’t know.” I strongly advise against staying here. The reservation system is unreliable, possibly because of Agoda; there’s no front desk to help; the entry code wasn’t properly sent; and customer service was unhelpful and unequipped to deal with problems.

They cancelled my reservation with no explanation the day before my booking, even though I’d made it weeks earlier. It was the day before Valentine’s Day! When I asked why, they said they couldn’t tell me. That’s extremely unprofessional and unacceptable, and they offered no compensation. I’d paid and arranged for someone to decorate the room for a special night, and now the whole plan is ruined. Everything is booked or extremely expensive because of the Valentine’s Day demand. I think they overbooked and gave away my reservation. I’m pissed, and I do not recommend booking here!

There was no email with check-in instructions, and the hotel didn’t answer the phone. I was stuck out front for an hour and had to try calling Priceline. The room wasn’t clean or made up, it looked like someone had used it, and the towels were all on the floor. Terrible.