Colorado Springs Escape: Sonesta ES Suites Review & Hidden Perks!
Colorado Springs Escape: Sonesta ES Suites - My Surprisingly Delightful Stay (and a Few Quirks!)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (okay, maybe coffee from their free breakfast, which, spoiler alert, was surprisingly decent) on my recent stay at the Sonesta ES Suites in Colorado Springs. This review's gonna be a bit of a rollercoaster, just like my last attempt to navigate the Garden of the Gods (seriously, those rocks are intimidating!). Let's get messy, real, and brutally honest, shall we?
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The Arrival & First Impressions: A Solid Meh with a Hint of Promise
Pulling up, the exterior… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly blowing my mind. Think functional over flashy. But hey, at least the car park [free of charge] was spacious, which is a massive win in a city where finding parking can be a competitive sport. Check-in/out [express] was definitely a plus, especially after a long drive. The lobby was clean and tidy – I appreciated seeing hand sanitizer readily available, because, well, germs! – and the staff at the front desk [24-hour] were friendly enough. No red carpets or champagne fountains, but hey, I wasn't expecting the Ritz. They even had the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, making me feel a little safer, especially traveling solo.
Accessibility: More Than Just Ramps (Thank Goodness!)
Now, this is where Sonesta ES Suites really impressed me. I'm not needing a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that actually thinks about accessibility. This place seemed to. The elevator worked flawlessly (a small victory in itself!). The facilities for disabled guests weren't just an afterthought; they felt genuinely considered. I peeked (respectfully!) into a few accessible rooms – spacious, well-designed, and with thoughtful details like lowered light switches. Kudos.
Room Sweet Room (And the Wi-Fi Saga Begins!)
My room? Standard, but surprisingly comfortable. Air conditioning that actually worked (essential!), a desk that wasn't tiny, and a coffee/tea maker (essentialer!). The king-sized bed was comfy with extra long bed, and I appreciated the blackout curtains because… altitude sickness and sunlight are not a good mix. Okay, quick aside: did anyone else notice the mirror placement in some rooms? It's like they’re daring you to judge your travel-weariness in the harsh light of morning. I'm still recovering from the judgement.
Now, the Internet access – wireless situation. Here’s where the cracks in the facade started to show, and boy, was it a crack. The good news is, they boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. The bad news (and it's a big one): the Wi-Fi. For the first few hours, it was utter chaos. I was expecting the speed of an old dial-up modem – and almost got it. I'm talking buffering videos and dropped Zoom calls frustrating enough to make you want to throw your laptop out the window. Finally, after messing with it and a call to the front desk, I was able to get it working. The next day? Fine. The next? Back to dial-up. The rest of the time it was up and down. I'm giving it a pass because, well, sometimes tech just does that, but seriously, Sonesta, get that Wi-Fi sorted!
On-Site Eats & Drinks: A Mixed Bag but with a Shining Star
Breakfast [buffet]… this is where the “surprisingly decent” comment comes into play. It's not gourmet, folks. Don't go expecting artisanal pastries and organic everything. But for a free breakfast, it was perfectly acceptable! Think scrambled eggs (a little…rubbery?), make-your-own waffles (classic!), fruit, cereal, and bagels. The coffee was surprisingly good (that altitude effect, maybe?). And, I’m a sucker for a waffle. If you’re picky, bring your own food, but if you’re hungry, you’ll find something to eat.
Also, worth noting: Restaurants are nearby, but not inside the hotel. However, they do offer Breakfast takeaway service.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool with a View (…of the Parking Lot?)
There is an Swimming pool, which is Swimming pool [outdoor] and I did enjoy it! The Poolside bar was surprisingly a letdown, and the view? Let's just say it was more parking lot than panoramic vista. The Gym/fitness was very basic, with a few cardio machines and some weights. I'd give it a C+. If you're a serious gym rat, you'll want to look elsewhere. If you just need to avoid becoming a complete couch potato on your vacation, it'll do the trick. They also have a Sauna and a Spa/sauna, which I did not used therefore I can’t speak for them.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety were definitely prioritized. I saw staff diligently cleaning common areas. They emphasized Professional-grade sanitizing services and Daily disinfection in common areas. They made sure to have Hand sanitizer available. They had Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher. I appreciate their efforts, especially in the current climate. They had the Anti-viral cleaning products and Room sanitization opt-out available, which made me feel more at ease. I do wish they did have Cashless payment service option.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
They had a Concierge which I didn’t use, however, the Front desk [24-hour] staff were helpful with directions and other requests. There’s also a Convenience store on site and Luggage storage. They also offer Laundry service, which is perfect for extended stays. They have Daily housekeeping. I definitely like those, because I have a messy approach when I am in vacation.
For the Kids & Family-Friendliness: Thumbs Up!
This place felt very Family/child friendly. I saw several families enjoying the pool. They have Babysitting service.
In-Room Goodies & Amenities: The Little Touches
My favorite was the Refrigerator. The Coffee/tea maker came in handy. I would say the Bathrobes made me feel fancy. Although, I’m not sure if the Bathroom phone and Bathtub were a perk or a curse. The Slippers made me feel so comfortable.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] – score! And the car park [on-site] helped. Taxi service is readily available. They provide Airport transfer as well.
The Quirks & Imperfections: Because Nothing's Perfect (and That's Okay!)
This hotel isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi was a pain. The pool view wasn't glamorous. But you know what? That's life. It’s okay to have hiccups. The stuff is real, it humanizes a place.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again? Absolutely! (With Some Pre-Trip Wi-Fi Prep)
Despite the Wi-Fi woes and the so-so pool view, I'd absolutely stay at the Sonesta ES Suites in Colorado Springs again. The accessible features, the free breakfast (and the fact that it was free!), the cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the overall good value made it a winner for me. Just, you know, maybe download a few movies beforehand. And pack your own Wi-Fi router, just in case. 😉
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Alright, buckle up, Buttercups! This isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is my slightly-off-kilter, wonderfully messy, and totally honest attempt to conquer Sonesta ES Suites Colorado Springs. Let's see if I survive… and maybe even enjoy myself.
Sonesta ES Suites Colorado Springs - My Messy, Marvelous Adventure (Or At Least, Attempt Thereof)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Kidding… mostly)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in: Okay, let's be real. Vacations ALWAYS start with a fight against logistics. Flight delayed, luggage MIA (fingers crossed!), and a general feeling of "did I even lock my door?". Finally, made it to Sonesta! Reception was… well, let's say the desk clerk looked like he'd seen things. "Room 208," he grunted, which, of course, is on the opposite side of the complex to where I parked (because the parking gods hate me, I swear it).
- 1:30 PM - Room Recon: The room is… functional. Cleanish. The kitchenette screams "I've seen some serious ramen consumption over the years." The couch looks like it's been through a breakup or two. But hey, it has a mini-fridge, and that's already 10 points in its favor.
- 2:00 PM - The Great Grocery Quest (a.k.a. "Finding Snacks"): My stomach is leading the charge. Time to hit up a local grocery store, because let's be real: that fridge ain't gonna fill itself. Found a weirdly-stocked store with everything from organic kale to a whole aisle dedicated to marshmallow fluff. Clearly, whatever Colorado Springs is, it's eclectic. Picked up the essentials (chips, salsa, questionable pre-made guacamole, and a celebratory bottle of something red).
- 3:00 PM - Snack Time & Mild Panic About, well, EVERYTHING: Back in the room, munching on chips. The guacamole might be a mistake. Feeling a serious wave of "what have I done?!" This itinerary is supposed to be about FUN, right? Am I even capable of fun? Taking a deep breath and resolving to ditch the anxieties and just be. Time for a nap.
- 5:00 PM - Nap Attempt (and Failed): Nope. Just stared at the ceiling. Maybe the first day energy is just a bit off.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (or at least mildly underwhelming): Tried a local spot called "The Grumpy Badger." The name should have been a clue. Food was… edible. The beer was cold. The service was… enthusiastic, in a slightly overwhelming way. Lesson learned: Yelp is your friend, even if you're too lazy to use it.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Debrief, TV & Bedtime: Back in my room. Contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I brought the right shampoo) while watching the local news (which, surprisingly, was not all about bears, though I'd half expected it). Bedtime, because even the most adventurous of us need a good night's sleep, right?
Day 2: Garden of the Gods and Existential Dread's Bigger Brother (Again…)
- 8:00 AM - Wake-Up & Coffee Catastrophe: Coffee machine… is a mystery in terms of how it works. Got a weak, watery brown liquid, and I feel an even worse aftertaste.
- 9:00 AM - Garden of the Gods! (Finally): Okay, this is what I came for. The red rocks are… breathtaking. Seriously. I spent a solid hour just wandering around in awe. The sheer scale of the place is humbling, terrifying, and beautiful. I kind of felt like I was on another planet!
- 11:00 AM - The Hike (and the Reality Check): Signed up for a "moderate" hike. HA! "Moderate" for whom? Probably mountain goats. My legs are screaming. I'm sweating like a pig. The views are still magnificent, but I'm starting to question my life choices. Especially when a little kid with a lollipop zooms past me like it's a casual stroll.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & The Picnic of Regret: Attempted a picnic. The guacamole is… gone. The sandwich fell apart. Bird attack! This is when I realized I am not built for outdoorsmanship.
- 1:00 PM - Return to the Sonesta & Existential Dread's Bigger Brother (Part 2): Back to the hotel, completely worn out, covered in red dust. I needed a shower and some serious soul-searching. The shower water was amazing, but I have nothing but the thoughts of my aching legs.
- 2:00 PM - Poolside Sit (and People Watching): The pool area is pretty standard, but I was mostly interested in watching the other people at the pool, and the way in which they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping Spree (and Impulse Buys): Needed a pick-me-up. Found a cute little souvenir shop. Ended up buying a "I Heart Colorado Springs" mug (because, apparently, I now do). The mug is just the motivation I needed.
- 4:00 PM - Relaxation & Regret (again): Back in the room. I'm tired. I'm sore. I'm starting to think my idea of a vacation was horribly wrong. But, hey, at least I have that mug.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Pizza and a Movie Sometimes, you just need a large pizza and a cheesy movie. This, thankfully, restored a bit of balance.
Day 3: Pikes Peak or Bust (Maybe Just Bust)
- 8:00 AM - Coffee Round 2, still a miss: I tried again. Still nothing.
- 9:00 AM - Pikes Peak Prep: Okay, today's THE day: Pikes Peak. I really, really hope I don't die from altitude sickness. Did some reading online to learn as much as I could, and prepared a sandwich and a water bottle.
- 10:00 AM - The Ascent (and the Gasps): The drive up Pikes Peak is… intense. The views are incredible, but the road is twisty, the altitude is getting me breathless, and I’m sure I should have researched what the right gear requirements were.
- 11:00 AM - Near-Death Experience (Kidding… mostly): Made it to the top! The air is thin. I feel light-headed. The views are breathtaking (literally). But it was amazing.
- 12:00 PM - Downhill & Recovery The descent was much faster and less terrifying than the ascent, and I began to feel normal again.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & Nap: I had a nice sandwich, and actually got a pretty good nap in.
- 2:00 PM - Check-Out & Sigh of Relief: The worst of the trip is over.
- 3:00 PM - Reflection & Departure: Okay, so this trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I ate questionable food, I questioned my very existence. But I saw some truly incredible things. I survived. And I have a mug. And that, my friends, is a vacation win.
- 4:00 PM - Journey Home: Finally, the journey home. I am exhausted, but content. I'll be back for the next adventure.
Final Thoughts: The Sonesta ES Suites? Fine. But, the real star of this show was Colorado Springs itself. It's a place of extremes: breathtaking beauty, brutal hikes, and a healthy dose of existential dread. But hey, at least I have a story to tell. And a mug.
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Colorado Springs Escape: Sonesta ES Suites Review & Hidden Perks! (Yeah, It's a Thing)
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Sonesta ES Suites in Colorado Springs Actually Worth It? (Because Let's Be Real, Hotel Reviews Are A MESS)
Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers. The short answer? ...Maybe. Let me back up. This whole "Sonesta ES Suites" thing... it *sounds* all budget-friendly and vaguely corporate-y, doesn’t it? Like, "Extended Stay - But A Little Nicer". And honestly, that's... mostly accurate. It's *not* the Four Seasons (duh), but it's surprisingly decent. I’ve stayed there, and I have Opinions, which, as a human with internet access, I'm basically legally obligated to share.
The "worth it-ness" depends entirely on *what* you're looking for. If you're on a shoestring budget and need a clean, functional place to crash while you conquer Pikes Peak (or, you know, visit the Air Force Academy), it's a strong contender. If you’re expecting luxury, stop reading now. Go look at the Broadmoor. Seriously. Now.
Me? I was there for a weekend getaway. Needed space, wanted to cook some of my own meals (hello, food allergies!), and didn’t want to spend a mortgage payment on a hotel room. So yes, for *my* purposes, it was totally worth it. Now, let's dig into the weeds...
So, What's the Deal with the "Suites" Part? Does It Actually Feel Like a Suite? (Or Just a Fancy Closet?)
Okay, "suite" is a bit of a stretch, but it *is* more spacious than your average hotel room. Think: a separate living area with a pull-out couch (perfect for kids, or, let's be honest, hiding from your significant other while you binge-watch something terrible) and a small kitchenette.
Now, the kitchenette...it's not a gourmet kitchen. Don’t expect to bake a soufflé. But it *does* have a fridge, microwave, and stovetop. Crucial. Trust me. I made scrambled eggs in mine, and it kept me alive. And coffee. Always the coffee. My personal experience? The fridge... the BEST fridge. Actually kept things cold. Win.
The bedroom? It’s a bedroom, with a bed (usually a comfy one, but your mileage may vary – I’m a light sleeper, so I always travel with earplugs anyway.) Basic, functional, and exactly what you need. The bathroom? Well... it's a bathroom. Clean, but not exactly spa-like. I mean, are we expecting a jacuzzi at this price point? I didn't. So, fine. But hey, the water pressure was decent, and that's what *really* matters.
Let's Talk Hidden Perks! What Were the Secret Advantages Sonesta Was Hiding from Me? (Besides Free Coffee, Obviously.)
Ah, the good stuff! The "hidden perks" is where Sonesta ES Suites can actually surprise you. I'm not talking about like, a hidden door leading to a speakeasy (though wouldn't *that* be amazing?), but more like, pleasantly unexpected conveniences.
First off: the laundry room. This sounds boring, I know. But if, like me, you were traveling with children or the aforementioned food allergies (which require obsessive kitchen cleaning after any use), being able to throw in a load of laundry without leaving the building is HUGE. HUGE, I tell you. The machines were surprisingly clean. I did, however, bring my own detergent -- just a personal habit, you know. I'm a germaphobe. It's a thing.
Then there's the free breakfast. Don't get *too* excited. It's the standard continental fare: bagels, muffins, cereal, yogurt, and the ever-present, questionable, pre-made scrambled eggs (which I avoided after my kitchen adventures). But, and this is a big but, it's free! And it saves you a few bucks, which you can then spend on that overpriced coffee at the tourist trap down the street. Or on a decent bottle of wine (highly recommended).
Oh! And: Some rooms have balconies! I didn't realize this until I peeked out of my room and saw some lucky individuals enjoying the Colorado sunshine with their morning coffee. (I was very, very jealous. Next time, I'm requesting a balcony.)
The Location, Location, Location Question! Is Sonesta ES Suites Conveniently Situated? (Or Am I Going to Spend All Day in the Car?)
Okay, positioning on this is important. Convenience is relative, of course. Sonesta ES Suites, specifically the one I stayed at at (they have a few in town), was reasonably well-located. Not smack-dab in the middle of everything, but close enough to most attractions that you wouldn't spend your entire vacation in the car.
You’re probably going to need a car. Colorado Springs is spread out. *Everything* is spread out. Don’t expect to walk everywhere. The good news? Parking at the hotel was free and plentiful. That’s always a plus! (Especially compared to some of the downtown hotels that charge exorbitant parking fees.)
I was able to get to Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy, and downtown Colorado Springs within a reasonable driving distance – like, 15-20 minutes tops, depending on traffic (traffic in Colorado Springs isn’t terrible, but it *does* exist, FYI). There were also plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby. You're not going to be stuck in a dead zone.
But also, let's be real: I'm terrible with directions. I used GPS. *Constantly*. If you're like me, make sure your phone has plenty of juice. And remember to allow extra travel time for things because you *will* inevitably get lost at least once. It's part of the adventure, right?
What About the Staff? Were They Actually Nice? (Or Just Going Through the Motions?)
Honestly? The staff was generally quite pleasant. It wasn't over-the-top, but the front desk folks were friendly and helpful when I had questions (and I had *plenty*). They quickly took care of a minor issue with my room (the air conditioning wasn't blowing cold enough), and that's always a good sign.
I'm a firm believer in being polite to people. So, yeah, I was polite. I greeted them with a smile, and I treated them with respect. Maybe that's why they were so nice to *me*? Who knows? But in my experience, a little kindness goes a long way.
The housekeeping staff was also efficient and friendly. Nothing to complain about, and honestly, that's all you can really ask for!
Would You Actually Stay at Sonesta ES Suites Again? The Ultimate Verdict! (Spill the Tea, Please!)
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