Unbelievable Seattle Escape: Sonesta Select Redmond Bellevue Awaits!
Unbelievable Seattle Escape: Sonesta Select Redmond Bellevue Awaits! - Or Does It? A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, because I just survived (and maybe even enjoyed) a stay at the Sonesta Select Redmond Bellevue. "Unbelievable Seattle Escape," they call it. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? This is gonna be a real, unfiltered look, folks. Forget the perfect, polished reviews. This is the gritty truth, from someone who values a clean toilet and a decent cup of coffee above all else.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack About Accessibility)
Okay, so Redmond. Not exactly Seattle proper, but hey, it is near the tech giants, so the vibes are… well, let's just say they're there. Arriving, I immediately scanned for accessibility. I've seen hotels promise the world and deliver a rickety ramp and a pray-you-don't-fall shower. Sonesta's website said wheelchair accessible. My heart rate did a little double-time as I approached the entrance and… yes! Proper ramps, automatic doors. Good start. Elevators? Tick. This is a must for me, and the elevator looked reliable.
Accessibility: 8/10 (Mostly Good, But…)
They get points for the physical aspects. The lobby was spacious, and the common areas seemed navigable. Then I started thinking about the rooms. Okay, I didn’t need an accessible room but just imagine if I did. Were they really fully equipped? I didn't personally inspect one, so I’m knocking off a few points. It’s always a concern.
On-site Accessible Restaurants & Lounges: (Uh…?)
This is where things went a little… vague. I wouldn’t call the dining situation “robust.” More on that later. Accessibility within what they did have was less clear-cut. Again, I didn't need to worry about this, but I really can't comment definitively on whether all the tables and setups inside the "restaurant" (a glorified breakfast area, really) were truly accessible.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi, Hallelujah! But Did it Work? (Spoiler: Mostly, but…)
Okay, let's be honest. This is essential. My job relies on the internet. I need to stream shows in the evening (a vital part of my de-stress strategy, ok?) And Sonesta promised, promised, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet."
Internet Access, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas: 7/10
The good news: Wi-Fi. The better news: It was mostly free. (I mean, come on, it's 2024). The less good news: It occasionally hiccuped. I actually had to restart my laptop AND my phone twice in one day. That's not ideal when you're trying to meet a deadline. It was far better than the old days of paid internet! Plus, hey, at least they offered a LAN connection (I'm looking at you, old-school gamers.) Wi-Fi was also available in public areas, although I didn't spend much time actively trying to use it.
The Room: A Sanctuary, or Just Another Hotel Room?
Look, I'm not expecting a palace. But I do appreciate a clean, comfortable space.
Available in All Rooms: 8/10 (Comfortable, but the devil's in the details)
Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Absolutely! I could smell the cleaning products, practically a guarantee that things were sterile and sparkling.
I mean, the basics were there. Air conditioning (praise be!), alarm clock, blackout curtains (a MUST for this light sleeper), coffee/tea maker, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, iron, mini bar (though a surprisingly empty one), fridge, separate shower/bathtub, telephone… the usual suspects. My "desk" (which was more like a working surface) was well lit. The bed was comfy, linens were clean and crisp. The Carpeting was… well, carpeting. Not the most modern look, but hey, it was clean. The soundproofing seemed decent, too. My room was non-smoking (thank GOD).
Now for the quirks and the slightly less shiny stuff:
- No slippers. First world problem, I know, but it's a nice touch. Comfort is key.
- My Seating area was one sad, lumpy armchair. Bring your own cushions!
- The Mirror was a bit too dim, I always struggled a little to get ready.
- I swear, The Alarm clock… Why must they always blink relentlessly?
The Bathroom: Function Over Form (Mostly)
Again, clean is the priority. The Toiletries were decent -- not the luxurious stuff, but at least it had things like soap. The Shower was decent, with good water pressure. The Towels were fluffy enough. I had the usual options: an Additional toilet (which, hey, I didn't need, but it was there).
Things to Do: Relaxation, or The Lack Thereof?
Oh, I'm not a big spa person. I'm about as far from a body scrub as you can get. However, I did poke my head into the Fitness center. It looked… adequate. A few treadmills, some weights. Nothing to write home about. If you're a hardcore gym rat, this probably won't cut it.
Ways to Relax: (Limited, but potentially useful)
- Sauna: I didn’t use it, but it was there.
- Steamroom: Ditto.
- Swimming pool (Outdoor): Looked inviting but it was closed for the season.
Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom and the whole shebang felt… a little extra. Not the kind of place for a full-on relaxation retreat, but a solid option for a business trip.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast is an Adventure (But Not a Delicious One)
Let's be frank. The dining situation at the Sonesta in Redmond Bellevue is… not the highlight.
Dining, drinking, and snacking : 5/10 (Emphasis on “basic”)
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: I wouldn’t call it a 'buffet', more like a continental offering. Pretty standard stuff. Cereal, pastries, fruit (mostly bananas!), some sad-looking scrambled eggs. It was edible, but nothing to write home about. Western Cuisine in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee… well, it woke me up. That's about all I can say.
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Not really.
- A la carte in restaurant: I didn’t spot it.
- Room service [24-hour]: The hotel mentioned this, but I didn’t order it and the limited menu wasn't that appealing.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Little Too Much, or Just Right?
I'm generally a germaphobe, so this was important.
Cleanliness and safety: 9/10 (Confidence is key here)
I could smell the disinfectant everywhere (maybe a little too much, sometimes!), which is reassuring. The hotel made a big deal out of their safety protocols.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
Services and Conveniences: More Than You Might Need, Possibly
This is where Sonesta tries to shine.
Services and conveniences: 7/10 (Decent, but some are useless for casual travelers)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Concierge: Apparently one.
- Convenience store: A vending machine.
- Currency exchange: Unnecessary.
- Daily housekeeping: Wonderful, and efficient.
- Elevator (essential)
- Facilities for disabled guests: Good
- Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes standard extras.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Yes
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings: if you need them.
- Smoking area
- Terrace
For the Kids…
I don't have kids, but it seemed reasonably family-friendly.
For the kids: 6/10 (if you have little rugrats)
I saw:
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly, Kids meal
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location… and Uber
The hotel is in Redmond. (Duh!) It's not
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my itinerary, and it's gonna be about as smooth as a gravel road. We're aiming for Sonesta Select Seattle Bellevue Redmond Bellevue (WA), a place I’ve heard is…well, it's a place, okay? Wish me luck, and prepare for a rollercoaster of feelings.
Day 1: Arrival and Reality Checks - AKA, "Where's My Luggage?!"
- 1:00 PM (ish): Touchdown at Sea-Tac! The moment of truth. Did my checked bag make it? Nope. Classic. I swear, baggage claim is my personal purgatory. The carousel just mocking me with everyone else's meticulously wrapped suitcases. "Oh, look, honey, your matching luggage set!" Ugh. Deep breaths. Grab a sad-looking airport coffee and start the lost luggage ritual.
- 2:30 PM (ish): Uber-ing (or should I say, relying on the questionable navigation skills of an Uber driver in Seattle traffic) towards Bellevue. The views, even through the drizzle, are… pretty, I guess? Gotta give the city credit, it's green. So green. My emotional state is closer to a shade of grey.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Check-in at Sonesta Select Bellevue Redmond Bellevue. Okay, first impression… it's a hotel room. Clean-ish? The air conditioning seems to be on the fritz. Well, adventure is the spice of life, right? I'm trying to channel that. Also, the phone in the room is ringing, but nobody is there. I thought they were going to ask feedback on this hotel.
- 4:30 - 6:00 PM: Quick Trip and the Search Begins: This is where I usually go on Google maps to find the nearest shopping mall and buy a couple of supplies. In this case, a suitcase, a couple of shirts, socks, and a toothbrush. You have to love the unplanned expenses that come with traveling alone.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Finally! Dinner time! Looking for an available eatery that makes me happy. The plan is to get out there and explore the dining options.
Day 2: Bellevue Blues and Coffee Coma - and the Quest for Happiness (and a Good Burger)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The same sad-looking breakfast buffet as yesterday. The scrambled eggs look suspiciously yellow. I think I'll just stick to toast.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Wandering around Bellevue Square. This place is HUGE. Did I mention I'm still suitcase-less? Sigh. I have a feeling this is going to be a theme. Did some shopping.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Coffee Break. This is vital. Found a local coffee shop somewhere. "Oh, this coffee place is fantastic!" I exclaimed. "They have a great customer service too." Ahhh, the simple joys…
- 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. Seeking out a burger joint. Not just any burger, the perfect burger. This is a mission, people. I needed a win. Went to the cafe and ate a burger.
- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: I decided to go to the zoo. This place is really nice. The environment is relaxing and the animals are pretty. I spent hours there.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I am back at the hotel! Relaxing and waiting for dinner.
- 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Dinner. I went to the local restaurants. Oh, the food is delicious. That was so good!
Day 3: Redmond Revelations and Deep Thoughts (and Possibly More Lost Luggage)
- 8:00 AM: Eggs again. I need a vacation from my vacation. But at least there's coffee.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore Redmond. The birthplace of Microsoft. Okay, not as exciting as it sounds, unless you’re a computer nerd. Actually, it's kind of cool, in a very corporate, sterile way. I'm walking around the streets, and found a cool place.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Redmond. Something less… corporate. Something with character. Something, anything, that’s not a chain restaurant.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to Bellevue, this time with a newfound appreciation for the rain. Maybe I'm getting used to it? Definitely starting to appreciate the quiet.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Relaxing at the hotel and waiting for dinner.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Went to a steak house. Oh, the steak is juicy and great!
Day 4: The Great Escape (and Maybe Getting My Bag Back)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast and hoping, praying, begging the hotel gods for a good breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping (for myself, obviously). You know, the things you realize you needed when you're about to leave.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Checking out. Back to the airport. The final wait. Is my bag here? The suspense is killing me.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Flight home. Goodbye, Seattle area. You were… an adventure. Maybe I'll get my luggage back eventually. I'll always have my memories (and the five t-shirts I bought).
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is less a schedule and more a mood board. It's messy, it's imperfect, and sometimes it will feel like I am not enjoying, but that's life, and that's travel. I’ve learned a few things: pack light, embrace the unexpected, and always, ALWAYS have a good book (or two). And maybe, just maybe, my suitcase will arrive next time. One can dream. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. I'm exhausted!
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Okay, Unbelievable Seattle Escape… Sonesta Select Redmond Bellevue? Is it *actually* unbelievable, or just… Redmond?
Alright, let’s be honest. "Unbelievable" is a loaded word. It certainly got my attention, though! And, you know, Redmond *can* be… well, *Redmond*. Lots of tech bros, sure. Microsoft's practically in the backyard. But the Sonesta Select? It’s surprisingly decent. My expectations were low, let me tell you. I was picturing a beige box with a vending machine and questionable instant coffee.
But! I was pleasantly surprised. The rooms were clean, the bed was comfy enough to actually sleep in (which is a HUGE win for me, seriously, I’m a light sleeper), and the staff? Actually friendly. Not that forced, plastered-on-a-smile friendly, but genuine, "hey, how's it going?" friendly. Big difference, believe me! So, unbelievable? Maybe not. But a solid, comfortable base camp for Seattle exploration? Definitely.
What's the deal with the location? Is it, like, a million miles from everything in Seattle? Because…traffic, you know?
Oh, the traffic. Don't even get me started. It's a beast. Redmond is *technically* in the Seattle area, but mentally, it’s a little further out. Think of it as the suburbs with a lot of expensive cars.
It's not *ideal* if you're planning on spending every waking moment downtown. Factor in at least a half-hour drive, maybe longer, depending on the time of day and the whims of the I-90 gods. That also means a *lot* of time in the car and a whole lot of boredom. I started learning swear words in a new language on my last commute. But! There's a light rail station nearby, which can be a lifesaver (once you figure out the schedule, which, for me, took a solid three tries). Plus, it's close to some beautiful parks and hiking trails, so there’s that. Depends what you're after, really!
The website promises a "heated outdoor pool". Was it...actually heated? And are we talking "slightly warmer than the outside air", or "actually delightful and relaxing" heated?
Oh, the pool. I have STRONG feelings about pools. Okay, the pool. Let me tell you...it *was* heated! Thank the gods, because it was still a bit chilly out when I visited. But... and this is where it gets… nuanced… it wasn’t *blazing* hot. More like… a comfortable simmer. Enough to take the edge off, but not warm enough to laze around for hours.
My experience? It was a cold, grey day in late Spring, and the pool was *mostly* empty, which was great. I can't relax with kids splashing around. Also, it was windy. VERY windy. Even indoors I get nervous with a breeze. So, was it relaxing? Well, I wouldn't call it a spa experience, more of a "good enough to not completely freeze" kind of situation. But hey, at least it was open, and that's a win in my book! I did a few laps, shivered a bit, and then went back to my warm room.
Breakfast! Is it a sad continental breakfast, or something worth getting out of bed for? (Because let's be honest, breakfast can make or break a hotel experience.)
Breakfast… the great hotel divide. Ugh, I hate the sad continental breakfasts! Thankfully, the Sonesta Select had a decent enough spread. Not gourmet, mind you. Definitely not. But it was perfectly acceptable. There was cereal (the good kind, not the cardboard kind), some fruit (mostly apples and bananas – which is fine, you get what you pay for), pastries that looked like they *might* be edible (I skipped those, always a gamble), and the holy grail: a waffle maker!
Now, I'm not a huge waffle person, but the option is key. I grabbed a waffle, loaded it up with syrup, attempted some fruit, and declared it a win. And, crucially, there was coffee. Hot, strong coffee. So, not something to get out of bed for, exactly, but it’ll do the trick to get you to the coffee shop where you can actually take pride in your choice.
Are there any restaurants or things to do nearby? Or am I going to be completely reliant on Uber Eats?
Okay, this is one area where Redmond actually shines! It’s got a decent selection of restaurants – from your standard chains to some local gems. I stumbled upon a fantastic Thai place that I still dream about. Uber Eats is *always* an option, of course, but I encourage getting out and about. Redmond Town Center is also nearby that has a bunch of restaurants and shops. I highly recommend it! There are also some nice parks and trails nearby, which is a great way to stretch your legs after being cooped up in a car. You're close to the Sammamish River Trail, which is good for walking, biking, or just people-watching (my personal favorite). It’s not a bustling nightlife destination, but it's not exactly a ghost town either. So, no, you won't be relying solely on Uber Eats, unless you *want* to.
What about the rooms? Clean? Spacious? Or did it feel like a cramped shoebox?
The rooms! Okay, I'm going to be honest with you here. They were… fine. Not palatial suites, but perfectly adequate. Cleanliness is my biggest priority. And they were clean! That’s a huge relief. I hate finding random hairs or questionable stains. No issues here. Woo!
Space? Well, it wasn't a ballroom. But I didn't feel claustrophobic. There was enough room to move around, and the bed was comfy. The desk was big enough to work on, which is always a plus. There was even a little seating area, with a couch and a table. So, not luxurious, but reasonably comfortable. Honestly, for the price, I was satisfied.
Did you have *any* truly awful experiences? Spill the tea!
Okay, so… this isn't a perfect review. There was one little hiccup. The first night, I heard some *serious* construction noise from the next room. Honestly. It went on until about 11 PM. It was banging, the whole shebang! I called the front desk, who apologized profusely. That was good. But the noise didn't really stop for like, another half hour. I eventually just fell asleep.
I was tired, so I got over it. It didn't ruin my stay, or anything. But it was annoying, and the noise kept me from finishing my book. It’s a bit of an understatement to say that being woken up by construction isn't what I expected. But, let's be frankSerene Getaways
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