Raleigh Cary's BEST Kept Secret: Sonesta ES Suites Unveiled!
Raleigh Cary's BEST Kept Secret Unveiled (And My Chaotic Stay!) - Sonesta ES Suites: A Review You Can Actually Trust!
Alright, y'all, buckle up. I just crawled out of a stay at the Sonesta ES Suites Raleigh Cary, and let me tell you, it was a journey. Forget those sterile, PR-approved reviews, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with typos (probably) and the occasional existential crisis. So, let's dive in, shall we?
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(Deep breath… here we GO!)
Accessibility: My First Real Test
My main reason for booking was this: I needed a hotel that actually cared about accessibility. I'm talking wheelchair-accessible rooms, elevators that actually work, and a staff that doesn't look at you like you’re an inconvenience. Sonesta ES Suites… well, let's just say it was a mixed bag.
The good news? Yes, they do have accessible rooms. Wheelchair accessible was ticked off the box. The elevator functioned. Hallelujah! The bathrooms were (mostly) user-friendly. But the little things? They made me want to scream into a pillow. Like, the front desk was a wee bit high, and the ramp up to the entrance… felt like it had a secret, soul-crushing incline. Getting in and out with my chair was a workout, even if they had Facilities for disabled guests. Which they did… in theory. Overall, it was doable, but could be smoother.
Things to Do (And Ways to Avoid Everything):
Okay, so "things to do" at Sonesta ES Suites. Let's be honest, it's more about not doing things. Things to do include… well, there's a swimming pool [outdoor]. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the thought of shared pool water gave me the shivers. I did take a peak and it seemed well maintained.
Ways to Relax…? This is where the "ES" in Sonesta ES Suites really shines. You can relax by, um, existing. There's no spa. There's no sauna. The closest you'll get to a massage is maybe nagging your partner. Nope, this isn't a luxury resort, more like an extended-stay haven for people who just want a decent place to crash. They do have a fitness center, but I can't remember if it was open. Truthfully, I was more interested in the giant bed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Can We Breathe Easy?
This is a BIG deal, especially these days. Let’s be real, I got worried. They do claim Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which was reassuring.
I opted out for Room sanitization opt-out available I didn't feel the need. The rooms felt clean. I was also pleased they had mask when I checked in.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Soul…Or Just Surviving?
Alright, the food situation. This is where things get… interesting. They offer Breakfast [buffet]. That was the first thing I attacked. I went in with reasonable expectations. No Michelin star, but hopefully, something edible. The problem? It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t amazing. The coffee was weak, the eggs… well, they were eggs. Breakfast takeaway service was available and an option I never used. I do think they should have a Vegetarian restaurant option, it would be good to have.
There is a Snack bar. I never saw. There is a Poolside bar however never saw it operating unfortunately.
They had Restaurants… plural. The only one I saw was what had breakfast. There is Room service [24-hour] but it really would have been nice to have a proper restaurant. The option to have Coffee/tea in restaurant was there.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have a Concierge, but I didn't see one. They have the standard stuff: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage. The Elevator was vital, especially since I was higher up. Business facilities were also there. They have a Convenience store, perfect for emergency chocolate runs. They also have a Cash withdrawal service. I was glad they had an Invoice provided, which saved me a headache later. Air conditioning in public area was certainly appreciated during the heat wave.
For the Kids: Family Friendly? Maybe?
Family/child friendly - I saw a few kids running around, so yeah, pretty sure, it's fine. There's a Babysitting service too. I didn't use it (not that I have kids), but nice to know it's there.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
This is the good stuff! Air conditioning, thank goodness. The Internet access – wireless was actually pretty decent. No complaints. A Coffee/tea maker, a godsend, because I'm useless until I've had my caffeine fix. Refrigerator essential. Microwave as well! I also was so grateful for the Alarm clock which got me up in the morning. A Desk was there, for those who needed to work. The TV had Satellite/cable channels. Shower and Bathtub. In-room safe box. And Window that opens.
My Personal Ramblings (Because Why Not?):
My room? It actually felt surprisingly spacious. The bed was heavenly. Honestly, I could have spent the whole trip just lounging there. I’m not sure I enjoyed the Blackout curtains, I never knew if it was day or night! I'm not kidding. Several times I woke up disoriented, which I think is the biggest negative.
The biggest "whoa" moment? They had complimentary tea and free bottled water. Little things, right? But it felt like a thoughtful touch, like someone actually cared.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Look, the Sonesta ES Suites Raleigh Cary isn't perfect. But for the price, the location, and the accessibility (with a few tweaks needed), it's a solid option. If you're after a luxe resort, go elsewhere. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable place to stay, with some nice perks, and are willing to put up with a few quirks (mostly on the accessibility front), then give it a shot. Just don’t expect miracles. Expect… a decent stay.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (would be higher if the accessibility was perfect!).
Manhattan Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is the Sonesta ES Suites Raleigh Cary, NC, version – the real version. And yes, it’s going to be a glorious, messy, probably caffeine-fueled adventure. My brain works more like a pinball machine than a perfectly organized planner, so prepare for some… spontaneous detours.
THE UNCROWNED KINGDOM: SONESTA ES SUITES & BEYOND (Cary, NC Edition)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Fridge Mystery
(Afternoon/Early Evening): ARRIVAL. Okay, first things first. Get into Cary, NC. I, for one, am praying the flight wasn't delayed again. Once you're IN the Sonesta ES Suites Raleigh Cary, you get that initial rush of "Yay! Freedom! Hotel room!" And then… the critical inspection. Is the fridge… working? (This is a core value). I'm already envisioning a lukewarm beer, so that's a concern.
Imperfection Alert: Luggage, inevitably, a complete disaster. One shoe always missing. Always. Managed to trip over the hotel lobby floor mat. Classic.
Quirky Observation: The hallway carpet smells faintly of… memories? (Probably a mix of cleaning solution and a thousand forgotten toddler tantrums).
Emotional Reaction: RELIEF. Exhale. Made it. The world might be slightly blurry, but the promise of a comfy bed is a balm to the soul.
(Evening): Unpack (sort of). Maybe. Basically, I'll find a place to dump the most important things (phone charger, toothbrush) and let chaos reign. Then, the quest for sustenance begins! Hopefully, there's some decent takeout nearby. Praying to the gods of DoorDash someone delivers something edible.
Messy Structure: Okay, so I meant to find a good restaurant, but got sidetracked by a grocery store. Because, you know, snacks. Always snacks. Ended up grabbing a bag of chips. Not sure I'll make it back to the hotel.
Opinionated Language: The hotel coffee better be good. I have standards. (Okay, maybe not high standards, but still.)
(Night): Netflix and… maybe try to organize the disaster zone that is my suitcase. Probably fail. Reading a book is also not a bad idea. I can already hear the snoring starting.
Day 2: The Cary Exploration, (Maybe) and Deep Fryer Debacles!
(Morning): Breakfast. Free continental breakfast? That's a blessing and a curse. The questionable-looking scrambled eggs will either be the highlight of my morning or the culinary downfall of the day. I'll probably brave it, though. Coffee, coffee, coffee. Then, the real exploration begins. Time to see all the wonders of Cary.
Emotional Reaction: Dread. Maybe I'm too introverted to want to leave the room. I really just need to sit with a book for a few hours.
Anecdote: Remember that trip to… oh never mind, I don't need to go down memory lane.
(Mid-Day): The "Cary Experience". Let's see what wonders the town has to offer. I’m thinking Research Triangle Park (RTP) - purely for the photo ops and the bragging rights. I’m not sure if anything more exciting will happen.
Messy Structure: Okay, so, I said I was going to RTP, but I got lost. I am hopelessly directionally challenged. Ending up at a completely random strip mall. Sigh. This is my life now. And I'm not even mad.
Opinionated Language: Strip mall food, I am always wary. Never trust the "New Pho Place" that's next to the "Best Pizza Place" in the universe.
(Afternoon/Evening): Back to the hotel! Maybe a dip in the pool. Or not, probably. Just let me sit and… breathe. And then… Dinner. Tonight, I'm going to try to find a decent place to eat out in the Cary area.
Double Down on the Experience: Oh my god, I remember that time I tried to deep fry something… don't even ask. It involved copious amounts of oil, a smoke alarm, and a very apologetic fire department. The end! I've learned.
Rambles: Is it weird that I always feel like I'm forgetting something? Like a vital piece of my brain is in another suitcase. I'm not sure. Probably best I just move on.
Day 3: Departure and the Post-Trip Meltdown (Or, "Did I Even Leave?")
(Morning): The dreaded packing. Again. I have no clothes. Or rather, the laundry hasn't been done.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, to be honest, I'm feeling rather sentimental.
(Late Morning/Afternoon): Breakfast (again). This time, making a beeline for the questionable omelet station. One last tour of the lobby. One last glance at the questionable pool. Then, the final goodbye.
- Quirky Observation: How many people actually use those weird little exercise rooms? I've never seen anyone in there.
(Afternoon): Flight. Praying for no delays. Praying for a window seat. Praying I don't have to sit next to someone who chews loudly.
Messy Structure: Wait, did I even go anywhere? Is this reality? My brain feels like a tangled ball of yarn. Did the trip even happen?
Opinionated Language: This is the worst part. Actually, the worst part might be the fact that you can't wear shoes.
(Evening): Home. Unpack (the rest of it). And crash.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. Happy. Slightly bewildered. Already thinking about the next escape.
Sonesta ES Suites Raleigh Cary: The "Best Kept Secret" - Or Just My Hot Take?
Okay, so they’re *calling* it the best-kept secret. Me? I’ve got opinions. And I’m not afraid to share them. Here's my take on the Sonesta ES Suites in Raleigh Cary, warts and all (and trust me, I hunted for the warts).
So, Is This Place REALLY a "Secret"? Or Just Clever Marketing?
Honestly? I think the "best-kept secret" thing is a bit much. Like, everyone and their dog seems to know about it! But here's the deal: it's *good*. Really good. It's not like some hidden speakeasy where you need a password. But the value… the *value* is definitely something worth keeping to yourself. It's a solid choice, especially if you're, you know, trying to survive a weekend with your in-laws. (No judgment. I've been there. Twice. Brutal.)
The Suites: Are They Actually Spacious? Or Just…Roomy-ish?
Okay, this is where they *really* shine. Spacious? Heck yeah! I’m talking the kind of space where you can actually *breathe*. We’re not talking shoe-box hotel rooms. I even managed to do a yoga flow in ours without knocking over anything (a minor miracle, trust me). The kitchen is clutch. We're talking full-sized fridge, which is a godsend if you're trying to avoid the $14 mini-bar water bottles. My only beef? The dish soap they provide is… well, let’s just say it’s not my favorite. Bring your own. Seriously.
What About the Breakfast? Is It the Usual Bland Hotel Fare? (Or Worse?)
Alright, look, let's be real. Hotel breakfasts are rarely *amazing*. Sonesta ES Suites’ breakfast? It’s not going to win any Michelin stars, but it's *way* better than those sad little continental breakfasts of yore. They do offer those pre-made omelets that are a little… plastic-y, but there was fresh fruit (hello, bananas!), decent coffee (essential!), and the bread for toast wasn’t stale! Success! I'm a pretty easy breakfast critic, and it did the trick, and more importantly, saved me from having to get dressed and deal with crowds before noon. Win-win. Plus, they have those waffle makers. I am a sucker for a waffle maker.
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually Convenient?
Okay, this is another HUGE plus. It's *super* convenient, especially if you're, like, me, and perpetually lost. You’re close to everything! Restaurants? Check. Shopping? Check. I spent a solid hour wandering around Trader Joe's (because, you know, Trader Joe's), and it was a breeze to get back to the hotel. It was also easy to get to downtown Raleigh and Cary, and anything else that was on my to-do list. You won't be stuck in endless traffic, which is always a win.
The Pool and Fitness Center: Are They Worth a Damn?
Okay, confession time: I *intended* to use the pool. I really did. It looked lovely! But then, life happened (aka, I discovered a new Netflix series). So, I can’t personally vouch for the pool experience. I peeked through the window, though, and it looked clean and inviting. The fitness center… well, it had treadmills, some weights, and the usual suspects. Again, I’m not a gym rat, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. All the equipment looked modern and well-maintained, at least.
Let's Talk Staff: Are They Friendly? Or Just...Present?
I’ve got to give a shout-out to the staff. They were genuinely friendly and helpful. Not in that fake, forced-smile way, but in a real, "how can I help you?" way. I even had a minor issue with my TV remote (user error, probably), and they fixed it right away. Kudos! Seriously, good staff can make or break a trip, and they definitely made it. This is something I think is the most important. You want to feel welcome, not like you're inconveniencing someone by existing.
The "Worst" Thing About This Place? Be Honest!
Okay, here's where I get nitpicky. The decor is… functional. Not particularly stylish, but not offensively ugly either. It is a bit… beige. Very, very beige. They could use a splash of color, maybe some funky artwork, something to give it a little personality. But hey, IStay Classy Hotels
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