Mill Ave

The place is clean and nice enough, with decent amenities and a location that works. Street noise can be loud, though, and the Roku TV only worked about half the time because it didn’t seem to connect well to the Wi-Fi. There’s no onsite staff, so every message has to go through the Sonder app. The parking is plentiful, but costs $20 per night and is handled through the app too. Check-in takes more work than most people want on vacation or a work trip. It isn’t really difficult, just a little confusing, though it’s manageable if you read the instructions. Apart from the amenities, I think I’d choose a regular hotel next time.

The neighborhood was lively and easy to get around on foot, and having a Whole Foods attached was a must-have for me. My unit was roomy and comfortable, with a private Internet connection of 13-20 Mbps that worked for Zoom calls and TV. I slept really well on the memory foam mattress, and the concrete walls and floors blocked all the noise. The gym was fully stocked. From my deck I could see the pretty courtyard and pools, and got some sunlight during the day, though not all units do. The pool jets made a soothing sound, like having a private Zen Fountain. A few things kept this from being a five-star stay. There was a strong sandalwood smell in the room that barely faded over my three weeks there. Greasy footprints in the shower wouldn’t come off with spray cleaner, and I realized they came from a filthy kitchen and bathroom floor. When I cleaned it, the wipe came up pure black. There seems to be a known problem with all the shower faucets. My handle kept rotating with no stopping point, switching between hot, cold, strong, and weak. It never really shut off, though I could reduce it to a trickle. That was usable, but I hate wasting water in a desert. The desk chair wobbled on all four legs because the screws were stripped. The pools weren’t heated and felt like Lake Michigan, while the hot tub was in the shade. There was no inner door bolt, just the one controlled by the electronic code. Some Sonder instructions, like the lock-box number and pool code, were buried so deeply in the app I couldn’t find them. Even with those annoyances, Sonder’s representatives responded, and the staff and service were friendly and helpful. I’d definitely stay again.

The location and room are fantastic, and the modern apartment setup has better-than-average hotel amenities, including a gym and pool. Being above Whole Foods is convenient, as are the in-unit laundry and other features. I’d recommend it for a longer stay. Getting inside isn’t quite as smooth. The instructions are clear but convoluted, and there’s nobody to contact in person. First you get a code for a locker with the key fobs for building and elevator access, then a separate code for the room. If you haven’t done it before, it can feel daunting and confusing. Parking is rough. Traffic can get moderate at busy times, and parking costs $20/day on the 3rd floor. It’s first come, first served, and the spaces are tight, so smaller cars are best. Having to download a separate Sonder app just to park feels dumb, and that app is also the only way to get support. The area can be noisy, though foam earbuds are provided. The curtains could do a better job keeping outside light out. I understand why other guests have been frustrated, so book with caution. Hope this helps!

It was nice, but could’ve been cleaner. The pull-out couch was broken, and no one replied when I asked for a fan in my room. The building is very secure, but my daughter-in-law got trapped in the stairwell. Good thing we had our phones.