8/10 Good
Steve, Oakland
5 Dec 2025
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The Sonesta looks a lot better in pictures than it did in real life. In real life, it's kind of shabby. It's like economy lodging with a few nice touches but can't escape its origins. There was florescent lighting in the bathroom, a hole in the bathroom ceiling that looked like maybe someone had cut an opening for a new light but never got around to installing it. It was relatively clean but not thoroughly cleaned—there was still dirt in some corners, dust on some surfaces. A coffee machine in the lobby that was turned off (did it not work? was it simply off? who knows). The heater in my room was apparently broken (still cold after running for a few minutes) but I was too tired and it wasn't *quite* cold enough for me to bother contacting the front desk about it (I was warm enough under the blankets).
The bright spots were:
- pet friendly (like *very* pet friendly)
- wonderful free breakfast!
- bed & pillows were comfortable
- shower had decent pressure and plenty of hot water (when I showered late at night)
- minifridge & microwave in the room
- relatively affordable
I'd consider coming back here in a pinch, but I'd look for a nicer hotel first.
Steve
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025