Somerset's BEST Kept Secret? This Sonesta ES Suites Will SHOCK You!
Somerset's "Best Kept Secret" Revealed… And Did It Really Shock Me? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe, Kinda, Sort Of?)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just emerged from a stay at the Sonesta ES Suites in Somerset, NJ, and I promised myself I'd spill the TEA. They’re calling it a "best kept secret," and well, let's just say the word "secret" is doing some heavy lifting here. But hey, that doesn't mean it's bad. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm including all those SEO keywords because, let's be real, that's the name of the game now, isn't it?)
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
First things first, accessibility. This is a huge deal for me, so I'm starting here. I'm not mobility-impaired, per se, but I AM a fan of not having to scramble over obstacles. On the WEBSITE, it claims to be wheelchair accessible, and it did have an elevator, which is a major plus. However, I didn't see a ton of specific details about accessible rooms. The hallways weren't narrow, but they also weren't super wide. This could be a potential issue for some, so definitely call ahead. The front desk [24-hour] access was good, that's a massive win! They also had facilities for disabled guests. They need to be clearer on the website. I'm talking ramps, grab bars, the works. This is a crucial point, Sonesta!
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
Okay, so I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially post-pandemic. I appreciated the effort. The Anti-viral cleaning products being used were a definite plus. Seeing the staff actively disinfecting common areas, like the elevator (which is always a HIGH TOUCH zone) was reassuring. They’ve got Daily disinfection in common areas on lock. I did notice a lot of Hand sanitizer stations scattered around. Also, they had Individually-wrapped food options for breakfast. (More on that later… shudder…) They're also boasting about professional-grade sanitizing services, and doctors/nurses on call. All good stuff!
Room Sanitization: The “Opt-Out” Clause?!
Now, this is where it gets interesting. They mention a Room sanitization opt-out available. Okay…so…if I opt out, does that mean they…don't clean? Or is it just a lighter touch? This is a bit unsettling. Maybe it's because I'm me, but I still got a little paranoid. I chose the cleaning, just to be safe! But the rooms sanitized between stays is what I would HOPE is standard practice. The Sterilizing equipment also earns some points.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Blues and Bar Bliss (Maybe?)
Alright, let's talk food, because, frankly, a bad hotel breakfast can ruin a whole day. The Breakfast [buffet], or attempt at a buffet, was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the Ritz. It was mostly the individually-wrapped stuff. The Breakfast takeaway service was the best option. The coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty meh. They had a Snack bar, which was convenient, and they did, thankfully, offer Bottles of water. No Asian cuisine in restaurant, which is a shame, because I love a good Szechuan meal! There was a Bar, and while I didn't spend much time there, it looked alright. No Poolside bar though. That's always a bummer.
Overall Dining Ramblings:
Ugh, that breakfast. They need to step it up. Maybe a proper buffet in restaurant would add some charm. An A la carte in restaurant would also be nice! But the fact that there was a bar felt like a win to me, after the disappointment of the breakfast.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Fitness Fix and Poolside Dreams
Now, this is where Sonesta ES Suites kinda surprised me. They have a Fitness center! Yay for pumping iron! The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, although I didn’t actually swim (because, let’s face it, I mostly lounged in my room). It does not, however, have a Pool with view, which would have been a definite plus! Plus I couldn't find any Spa, or Sauna, or Steamroom… which kinda felt like a missed opportunity. I mean, a little pampering never hurt anyone! No Body scrub or Body wrap either, but I couldn't expect the world here.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Wars
A MUST-HAVE in 2024. Luckily, they tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. I tested it relentlessly, and the Internet access – wireless was solid. I needed to work, so the fact that there's Internet access – LAN was a plus. No complaints on the tech front. Internet services were satisfactory. No issues there. They got the basics right.
Rooms and Amenities: The Comfort Factor (Mostly)
The Air conditioning was a GODSEND, especially with the Jersey humidity. The Blackout curtains were also appreciated. My room had an Additional toilet, which is always a perk, and a Refrigerator to store my leftovers. The Coffee/tea maker was crucial for my caffeine addiction, and there was free bottled water. I'd say the rooms were generally comfortable, and, you know, livable. The extra long bed was a game changer!. They had Complimentary tea. The desk came in handy for working in my room. They had Daily housekeeping. They also offered Room decorations, or so it seemed!
Services and Conveniences: The Extras (And the Misses)
The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful, and they also offered a Concierge. The Car park [free of charge] was a HUGE win. Absolutely no complaints there. They also had Laundry service, which is always great. The Luggage storage was also a plus. Unfortunately, they didn't offer Babysitting service, which I don't need, but just saying. No Doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids: No Kids facilities, which means this is not a family-friendly kind of hotel, which is a shame.
Getting Around: Ground Transportation
They have a Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] which is great. They also had Taxi service, although I didn’t use it. They didn’t have Airport transfer, either.
In Conclusion: Shock or Shrug?
Did the Sonesta ES Suites "shock" me? Not exactly. Was it THE best kept secret in Somerset? Probably not. But, was it a solid, decently priced option? Absolutely. It's a good choice for an extended stay, and it's conveniently located. Just manage your expectations, especially in the breakfast department. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another coffee. And maybe a real breakfast. Then I will have the true shock!
SEO/Metadata Summary (for the Keyword-Obsessed):
- Keywords: Sonesta ES Suites, Somerset, NJ, hotel review, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, free wi-fi, internet, swimming pool, fitness center, laundry, breakfast, cleanliness, safety, car park, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests
- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of the Sonesta ES Suites in Somerset, NJ, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience. Is it really a "best kept secret?" Find out!
- Title: Somerset's BEST Kept Secret? This Sonesta ES Suites Will SHOCK You! (Review)
- Focus Keyword: Sonesta ES Suites Somerset
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my potential disaster zone, a trip to the Sonesta ES Suites in Somerset, NJ, that might actually be… fun? Don't hold your breath.
Day 1: The Great Jersey Arrival (and the Panic That Ensues)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Newark Airport (EWR). Oh, joy. Airport security. I swear those TSA agents can smell the sheer anxiety radiating off me. This time, though, I'm hoping I don't get pulled aside for my suspiciously large bottle of shampoo. (Pro tip: Always check those liquid limits!)
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I got pat-down. I felt like a suspect in a particularly boring crime novel. They were extra thorough, and it was awkward to the max.
- 1:45 PM: Rental Car Gauntlet. Praying to the car gods for a smooth pickup. And that the GPS doesn't lead me into a swamp. My sense of direction is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.
- Observation: Why are rental car agencies always so chaotic? It's a pre-trip anxiety appetizer.
- 2:30 PM: Drive to Sonesta ES Suites Somerset Franklin Township. Google Maps says 45 minutes. Reality says… longer. Traffic in Jersey? A true marvel.
- Opinion: The drive better be worth it. I need a solid escape from the endless monotony of my daily life.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in. Praying for a Room That Doesn't Smell Like Mildew. I'm not a princess, but I do value clean air. And maybe a decent view. Even a parking lot view will do.
- Emotional Reaction: Instant relief if the room is bearable. Complete despair if it's a moldy dungeon.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack (or, more accurately, assess the damage I've inflicted on my suitcase). I overpacked. I always overpack. It's a compulsion.
- Imperfection: Found a ripped sock. Great. Already off to a stellar start.
- 5:00 PM: Grocery Run. Necessity. Gotta stock up on snacks. Essential travel rule.
- Rambling: Thinking about snacks gets me excited. Gonna get some chips, the extra spicy kind. Maybe Ice cream. Gotta be prepared for the night.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at [Restaurant Name - TBD, maybe a local diner]. I have a terrible time deciding where the eat. Looking for something that isn't a chain restaurant. Something with character. Also, reasonably priced.
- Quirky Observation: Spotting a Jersey diner is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Each one has its own personality.
- 7:30 PM: Evening Leisure. Maybe a swim in the pool? Perhaps Netflix and chill?
- Emotional Reaction: Crossing my fingers for the pool, but if the remote control situation is dire, I'll huddle in the bed, with the snacks.
- 8:00 PM: First night's sleep at a hotel…hopefully.
Day 2: Adventures, Maybe?
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. Probably the bland "continental" kind. I'm not expecting much, but I'll eat it anyway.
- Opinion: Hotels can be so stingy with the breakfast spread. I’m expecting a mountain of food though.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the area [possible destinations: Rutgers University, Princeton, local parks - TBD]. I have no idea what I want to do. Open to anything and everything.
- Imperfection: I might get lost. Almost guaranteed.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Another food decision. Where will the culinary adventure lead me?
- Rambling: This area has so many options. Pizza. Burgers. Thai food. Decisions, decisions…
- 2:00 PM: Destination? I'm thinking of going around. I hate planning.
- Anecdote: Taking photos, I always have a hard time because I can't find a good angle.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Probably someplace new. I'm hoping for something that will surprise me.
- Quirky Observation: I spend so much time debating what to eat. My anxiety is on high alert.
- 7:30 PM: Free Time/Evening Leisure.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm so excited, or terrified. I'll have to wait and see.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Post-Trip Blues
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The same bland breakfast, because consistency is key, right?
- Opinion: I am probably going to be disappointed.
- 10:00 AM: Final packing (and the inevitable search for missing socks). Where do socks go? It's a mystery.
- Imperfection: This is when I start getting really frustrated which is when my imperfections show.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Hoping the bill doesn't have any surprises.
- Rambling: I hate checking out.
- 11:30 AM: Drive to Newark Airport (EWR). Let's hope the traffic gods are feeling generous.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m not sure if I'm ready to go yet. Going home always makes me sad.
- 12:30 PM: Airport Arrival. Here we go again.
- 1:00 PM: Departure. Onto the next adventure.
This itinerary is a work in progress, just like me. It's flexible, subject to change, and guaranteed to have its share of ups and downs (and probably a few misplaced car keys). But hey, that's life, right? And at least I have snacks. Wish me luck.
Hyatt Place Roseville: Your Dream Roseville Getaway Awaits!
Somerset's "Best Kept Secret" – Sonesta ES Suites? You've Gotta Hear This! (FAQ – Because Seriously, Where Do I Even Start?)
Okay, Okay, Spill It! What's the "Secret" with the Sonesta ES Suites in Somerset? Is it even *that* secret?
Alright, alright, pull up a chair. The "secret" is... well, it's *supposed* to be good. Sonesta ES Suites in Somerset. I’d seen the ads, you know? "Extended Stay" and "Comfortable Living." My initial thought? Probably a glorified Motel 6. Wrong. Dead wrong. Now, “secret”? Maybe not. Everyone and their grandma is online these days. But it’s definitely a place people talk about in hushed tones, like, "Oh, you're going to Somerset? *Definitely* check out... you know…”
I, for one, was shocked. Truly. I went in expecting… well, not a whole lot. My expectations were low enough to limbo under. My first reaction? "Woah." (Actual quote.)
So, What *Specifically* Shocked You? The Price? The Decor? Did They Have Actual Coffee?
Okay, okay, details, already! Let's start with the obvious: the price. I'm not gonna lie, I was fully expecting to be ripped off. Extended stays often feel like a black hole for your wallet. But the price, relative to what you get? Seriously, a steal. Like discovering buried treasure. (Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic, but you get the idea.)
Then there’s the apartment-style setup. It's not just a room with a bed. You get a *kitchen*. A *real* kitchen! Now, my kitchen skills are… rudimentary at best. I mostly survive on takeout and the sheer force of will. But still! A fridge you can actually use, a microwave, a stovetop... it’s a game changer. Suddenly, the prospect of making a sad little scrambled egg isn't so daunting (and the prospect of saving serious cash on breakfast is super appealing!). This is how they get you! You think, "I'll cook! I'll eat healthy!" (Spoiler: I still ordered pizza. Multiple times.)
Right, But What's *Actually* Bad? There's Gotta Be a Catch, Right? Every place has flaws.
Okay, here’s the truth. It ain’t all sunshine and roses. Let's be real. Nothing in life is perfect.
Okay, let's be honest: The internet speed? Sometimes… well, let's just say it tested my patience. I'm a freelancer, so a reliable connection is, you know, kinda essential for paying the bills. I *may* have screamed into the void a few times during a particularly frustrating Zoom call. (My fault, really. I should have planned ahead.) I swear, sometimes it felt like I was back in the dial-up days! But hey, it did give me a solid excuse to disconnect and, you know, actually *look* at the world around me. Silver linings, right?
And the other thing? The occasional minor noise. You know, the usual suspects: slamming doors, the distant rumble of traffic (it's Somerset, so be prepared!). You're not getting total silence, but it’s not bad enough to ruin your stay. Definitely better than if you get a noisy neighbor.
The Pool/Gym/Amenities: Worth It? Or Just a Gimmick? Be Honest!
Honestly? Actually worth it! The pool? Clean, refreshing, and perfect for a post-work dip. I’m not a huge gym rat, but it was functional. Important for feeling like a human being, you know? Not some grubby hermit locked away with a pizza box. Actually, just writing this is making me want a dip in the pool!
The breakfast situation? Complimentary. (Score!) It's not a gourmet buffet, people. Lower your expectations. But it's enough to get you going. Cereal, toast, coffee, maybe some fruit. (The coffee? Way better than the sad, lukewarm swill I'd anticipated!) And the communal areas? Clean, well-maintained, and actually usable. Not just some dusty lobby you'd never willingly hang out in.
Okay, So, You're Saying You *Like* This Place? Would You Actually Recommend It?
Look, here’s the bottom line. Yes. Absolutely. I would recommend it. For extended stays, for a work trip… even for a little weekend getaway. (Okay, maybe not a *romantic* getaway, unless you're REALLY into apartment-style living... which, hey, no judgment!)
It's not perfect. But for the price, the space, the comfort, and the generally decent vibe? It's a solid choice. I was honestly surprised. And look, the best kept secrets are usually a little rough around the edges, right? It adds to the character. Just try to keep the internet demons at bay, and you'll be golden.
Go! But don't go telling *everyone*. You know, protect the secret a little.
Tell Me About a Specific Moment That Really Stands Out – Something Funny, Annoying, or Just… Memorable?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause this is a good one. One night, during a particularly ambitious attempt at "cooking" (read: microwaving a frozen burrito), I set off the smoke detector. Like, really set it off. Loud, ear-splitting, piercing siren.
Now, I'm usually pretty quick on the uptake. But in that moment? Full panic. I waved a towel around like a frantic idiot, opened all the windows, and generally made a fool of myself. Then, the fire alarm! (I’m not sure if this was the same alarm, or a different one in a different section of the building, but it sounded like it was right outside my apartment. I panicked even *more*.) In my fluster, I forgot about the latch on the window. Of course, it would get stuck at the worst possible moment. I was like some deranged, fire-alarm-induced mime, banging the windows. My neighbors must have been *mortified*.
Eventually, I got it sorted. No actual fire, just my culinary ineptitude. I swear I still feel a little embarrassed talking about it! But the staff? Totally chill. They came up, checked everything out, and were super understanding. (Probably used to it!) It's a small moment, but it really sums up the whole experience: a little chaotic, a little embarrassing, but ultimately… fine. And I did learn how to better to vent the toxic fumes from my culinary endeavors. (I still haven't figured out the cooking part...)
So, What's Your Final Verdict? Is It Worth the Hype?
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