Sonesta Essential Van Buren

Sonesta Essential under renovation.... Well, we stayed in late December and the hotel is under renovation, which really plays into the review. The room was fine, as it had already been renovated, but there was no carpeting...all tile flooring.The fridge was nasty on the inside, so we could only use the freezer part. The heater did work well to keep the room warm. The hotel lobby and hallways were dusty and dirty due to the renovation activity, and there was stuff stacked in the first floor hallway. Luckily we were on the first floor as there is no elevator. We were the only guests in the hotel for the night, which is a rather odd feeling (maybe I've seen too many movies where that is the part of the storyline). The location is actually difficult to get to and Apple Maps had trouble directing us to the hotel because you have to weave your way through parking lots to get to it. We finally spotted the hotel and were able to make our way to it without assistance from Maps. While normal Sonesta hotels have been quite nice, this Sonesta Essential was underwhelming and will not be a choice in the future.

Property was under extensive remodeling. No elevator - doesn't appear to be any place for one. No coffee & condiments in room. Nice breakfast room, but no breakfast available. Parking lot pavement extensively damaged. Attendant "Chris" is excellent! great help in moving in and out. Seems to be a very nice facility - our room was enormous. This has a potential for a few "stars" when renovation complete!

It was very hott temp wise and the ac unit didn’t help much. The air conditioner leaked and the bucket underneath overflowed onto the carpet so the carpet was soaking wet. The toilet barely flushed. The beds are very uncomfortable and the pillows are tiny. The room had a bad smell to it the second we walked in. The second floor itself is hott and felt like a sauna.

You get what you pay for. This hotel was a bargain and after spending 2 nights there, it was apparent why. - In the first room we were given, the bathroom sink was clogged. Our first night was a Saturday night, so when we reported the problem Sunday morning, they couldn’t call a plumber to come fix it on a Sunday. The best they could do was move us to another room after housekeeping was done at 11 am Sunday - There was no one attending the front desk either when we wanted to check in or when we needed to report the plumbing issue. There was just a sign saying call this phone number. - We weren’t sure we had the right place because they’re in the process of rebranding from Quality Inn to Rodeway Inn and the signage hasn’t yet been updated. - The streets getting to the hotel were horrible - The electrical outlets on the nightstands didn’t work on either side of the bed

clean and friendly staff.

Room next to me smoked every night I left