Sonesta Essential Fairmont

The bathroom was a mess to use: the shower was extremely loud, and the water drained so slowly that I stood in a pool while showering. There was also banging all night, making it nearly impossible to sleep. The room itself was filthy. Cookies were scattered on the floor, cigarette butts were in a room that was supposed to be non-smoking, and the pillows had no cases. When I told the night staff, the employee brought me a vacuum and said I had to clean up myself because she had medical issues and there was no cleaning staff. Staff later brought pillow covers, but I was expected to put them on myself. We also struggled just to get into the room when we first arrived. I’ve never had a hotel expect guests to handle basic cleaning after check-in. Between that, the maintenance problems, and the noise, this was one of my worst hotel stays. I wouldn’t recommend Sonesta Essential Fairmont. Stay elsewhere.

The staff were excellent, and I had a comfortable stay in a good area, with restaurants nearby and truck parking available. It was surprisingly quiet, even with lots of workers staying there. Breakfast was okay. My room was small but fine, though the view wasn’t great. The dryer in the laundry room took my $3 and still didn’t dry the one change of clothes I put in. I didn’t see a housekeeper during my four-day stay, and there were a few little things I didn’t care for. I’d come back, but I’d ask for a different room.

Breakfast was disgusting, which was a real disappointment. The room was very dirty too: the sheets had hair all over them and clearly hadn’t been changed, and there was hair in the shower and bathroom. When I asked for more towels, I was told they’d have to get some from a clean room. The three towels I was handed were dirty, even though they’d been folded in that “clean” room.

A clean, solid place with friendly people. The staff welcomed us, handled little fixes quickly, and the desk is open 24/7. The free continental breakfast hit the spot, with fruit, cereal, muffins, and good coffee. It’s right off I-79, so getting downtown or to the university is easy. There are a few truck spots too, with no hassle. I’d definitely stay again.