Durham's Hidden Gem: Sonesta Select RTP - Unbeatable Deals!

Sonesta Select Durham Research Triangle Park Durham (NC) United States

Durham's Hidden Gem: Sonesta Select RTP - Unbeatable Deals!

Sonesta Select RTP: My Love/Hate Affair with Durham's "Hidden Gem" (and the Deals! Oh, the Deals!)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Sonesta Select RTP that's less polished, more real, and probably needs a good edit. But hey, that's life, right? And this hotel? Well, it's a bit like life – full of unexpected twists, delightful surprises, and the occasional head-scratcher.

The Hook: The Deals! (My Wallet Sings)

First things first: the deals. The deals are why I even considered this place. Let’s be honest; I’m a sucker for a bargain. And Sonesta Select RTP consistently offers some sweet rates, especially if you're travelling during the off-season or are savvy enough to book in advance. Seriously, my bank account practically does a happy dance every time I score a good rate here. It’s a huge draw.

Accessibility & Getting In: Mixed Bag, But Promising

Okay, let's talk accessibility. This is important, people, so I'm gonna be brutally honest here. While the hotel boasts some good things (elevator! Facilities for disabled guests! Praise!), it felt more "check-box" compliant than genuinely accessible. The main entrance is fine, but navigating the hallways felt a little…tight. I observed several wheelchair users and mobility-impaired guests successfully managing, but there were definitely moments where I wondered if they had to navigate narrow passages or face any other obstacles. The front desk staff were always helpful, but I can't say I personally tested the full extent of accessibility myself. (More investigation is needed, but don't let that scare you off entirely, the fundamentals are seemingly there.)

Rambling About Rooms & Comfort: From "Meh" to Maybe "Wow"

Now, the rooms. This is where things get… interesting.

My First Impression: Okay, so the photos online are always the best case scenario. Don't expect a spa, but the rooms are generally clean, and the bed, okay, the bed is comfortable. Not the cloud-soft, melt-into-it kind of comfortable, but perfectly adequate for a good night’s sleep.
The Little Things: Complimentary bottled water? Check. Coffee maker? Check. Decent TV with a gazillion channels? Check. The little things matter, you know? They make a difference. Plus, free Wi-Fi (in all rooms AND public areas!) is a total win, even if the speed isn't blazing fast, it's enough. (I’m a gamer, so trust me, anything above 5mbps is enough!!) And hey, a decent internet connection is crucial these days.
The "Meh" Factor: Some rooms feel a bit…dated. The decor isn't exactly cutting-edge (think corporate hotel neutral), but it's functional. I once stayed in a room where the air conditioning unit sounded like a small jet engine taking off. I called the front desk, and they were quick to move me, but it's those little quirks that can make or break your stay.
A Personal Anectode: Okay, I'll be real. I'm a bit of a germaphobe. I'm constantly wiping down surfaces (hand sanitizer is my best friend). I loved the “room sanitization opt-out available” option. It made me feel like they were prioritizing my safety. But the lack of a bath tub was sad.

The Amenities Shuffle: Fitness, Food, and Relaxation (or Lack Thereof)

Here's where things get a bit… uneven.

Fitness Center: A small gym, but functional. The gym has treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights.
Pool: The outdoor pool is fine, especially during the summer. I love a good pool with a view, this one doesn't have a view, but you can get your laps in.
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope. Nada. Zilch. Don't get your hopes up. This isn't a spa resort.
Dining: The breakfast buffet is your standard hotel fare, it does its job. But I once had to wait in line for eggs!
The Convenience Store: It's… convenient. Snacks, drinks, essentials. Pretty standard hotel shop, but useful for a quick grab-and-go.
The Bar: I've spent a night in the bar, decent staff, decent beer, and I could see myself there again.

The Dirty Laundry (Cleanliness & Safety Concerns)

I am a firm believer in cleanliness. The hotel generally does a good job. I was very pleased to notice:

Hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Staff trained in safety protocol.
The commitment to hygiene certification.
The daily disinfection in common areas.
The way the staff wore masks.

Staff: Overall a great experience, generally friendly and helpful.

The staff are generally friendly, helpful, and clearly trying their best. I’ve had great conversations with the front desk staff (who are always friendly and helpful), but there have been moments where the service felt a little stretched thin, especially during peak times. One time, I requested extra towels. It took a while, but they eventually arrived!

The "Little Things" (Services & Conveniences)

Laundry Service: Available, but a bit pricey.
Meeting Facilities: Okay. They are useful for business, but it's not exactly a conference center.
Cash withdrawal: Useful, if you require cash.
Daily Housekeeping: Excellent!
Car Park: Free. A huge plus if you're driving!
Taxi service: Available, if needed.

The Verdict: Worth It?

Listen, the Sonesta Select RTP isn’t perfect. It's got its quirks, its moments of brilliance, and its occasional letdowns. But for the price point, especially with those killer deals, it’s a solid choice. It's a convenient base of operations for exploring Durham, and a comfortable place to rest your head.

My advice?

Book during a slow season to snag those unbelievable rates.
Lower your expectations a little bit. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton.
Be patient with the occasional service hiccups.
Ask for a room away from the air conditioning units.
And most importantly: enjoy the deals! They're the main reason to come, and they're usually worth it.

SEO & Metadata (Because, why not?)

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Meta Description: Honest review of the Sonesta Select RTP in Durham, NC. Find out about the deals, accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and if it's worth your money.
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This review is meant to be honest and capture the quirks of the hotel, and my real-life experience. I hope this helps, and happy travels!

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Sonesta Select Durham Research Triangle Park Durham (NC) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is real life, Durham-style, and it’s probably going to involve me spilling coffee at least once. This is for the Sonesta Select in Research Triangle Park, so buckle up, because it's all about to get a little… well, me.

Durham Rant-inerary: Sonesta Select & Beyond (with a side of existential dread)

Day 1: Arrival, Airport Shenanigans, and the Promise of BBQ (Emphasis on Promise)

1:00 PM: Touchdown at RDU. Okay, first existential hurdle: the airport. I hate airports. The sterile air, the forced smiles, the sheer volume of wheeled luggage… Ugh. Praying my suitcase made it. Praying I don't run into that guy with the overly enthusiastic TSA agent. Okay, deep breaths. Time for the shuttle to the Sonesta. (Hopefully, the shuttle driver doesn't have a life story to share before 3pm, I am not up for it right now)
2:00 PM: Check-in at the Sonesta. First impressions: the lobby is… lobby-ish. Not bad, not amazing. Free coffee? Excellent, I’ll need that. And a hug from the friendly front desk person, maybe? After a long flight hugs sound amazing, maybe some emotional support is needed, as well.
2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Okay, decent size. The bed better be comfortable, because sleep is my friend. The bathroom… ah, the eternal quest for good water pressure. Crossing fingers. (And hoping I didn't leave my face wash at home. Always happens.)
3:30 PM: Unpacking (more like, throwing stuff haphazardly into drawers, let's be honest). Freshen up. The promise of the day: BBQ. The dream.
4:00 PM: Uber to The Pit. Heard amazing things. Praying the line isn't three hours long. I am starving. This is not a drill.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The Pit: A BBQ Revelation (or, the time I contemplated marrying a rib) Alright, so, picture this: the sweet, smoky smell hits you like a ton of delicious bricks. The line was long, naturally. But worth it. Every. Single. Minute. Those ribs? Forget about it. Tender, juicy, with just the right amount of bark. I swear, I teared up a little. Okay, a lot. Seriously, go. Get the ribs. And the hushpuppies. And maybe a second plate of ribs. (I did consider it… and almost did.)
7:30 PM: Stumbling back to the Sonesta, food-coma setting in. Maybe a little Netflix and chill? Or just… chill. My brain is already fried for day one, so that might be it.

Day 2: Research Triangle Adventures (and a potential caffeine overdose)

8:00 AM: Wake up. Actually, it's more like clawing my way out of the bed. Need coffee. Immediately. Hopefully, the Sonesta's coffee machine is up to the task.
8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Free waffles? YES, PLEASE. Waffles are my love language.
9:30 AM: Attempt to visit the Research Triangle Park itself. Probably going to get lost. Embrace the chaos. Actually, I am going to embrace the GPS.
10:30 AM: The American Tobacco Campus Okay, this is cool. Really, really cool. Historic buildings, repurposed beautifully, art installations everywhere. It's the kind of place you want to wander around, which I plan on doing. It has an aura of old money.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a random place! My stomach is grumbling. Going to get something fast. Hopefully, I find a great place nearby.
1:00 PM: Return to the hotel to recharge
4:00 PM: Exploring the hotel a bit.
5:00 PM: Going for another meal, will probably be the one that I missed
**6:00: Return to the hotel.
6:00 PM: Back to Hotel. Chill mode engaged. Maybe explore the area a bit. Order room service. Let's be honest, probably room service.

Day 3: Culture, and the inevitable airport return (with a side of regret)

9:00 AM: Wake up. Try to remember what day it is. Struggle with the logistics of packing.
10:00 AM: Check out. Smile at the front desk person.
11:00 AM: Head for the airport. Sigh. The end is always a little rough.
1:00 PM: Flying out. Bye Durham. I will be back for ribs.

Post-Trip Debrief (Because I need to vent)

Okay, so Durham? Surprisingly awesome. The food? Unforgettable. The Sonesta? Solid. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe I'll even try for a more structured itinerary next time… but probably not. This messy, wonderful chaos is just how I roll. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a never-ending supply of those ribs. Seriously, someone send me some ribs. Now.

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Sonesta Select Durham Research Triangle Park Durham (NC) United States```html

Okay, So, Sonesta Select RTP... REALLY a Hidden Gem? You're not just saying that, are you?

Alright, alright, settle down. I'm not some shill, okay? I'm a real person who actually *stays* in hotels. And yeah, Sonesta Select RTP (that's Research Triangle Park, for you non-locals) kinda blew me away. I'm talking, for the price, it's like... a freaking *steal*. I was expecting, you know, the usual beige, slightly stale, "meh" experience. But nope. Pleasantly surprised. Especially when I remember that time I booked a *different* RTP hotel and ended up with a view of the dumpster and the sound of non-stop garbage truck ballet. Ugh. Sonesta? Way, WAY better.

Let's talk Deals! What makes these deals "unbeatable"? Spill the tea!

Okay, so, "unbeatable" is a strong word, I concede. But listen, I am a bargain hunter, a *deal* devotee, a... you get the picture. I've done my homework. Compared prices. Scoured the internet. And Sonesta Select RTP consistently pops up with some seriously tempting rates. Often cheaper than the chain motels that are... well, let's just say "less desirable." And that, my friends, is where the magic happens. Think, clean room, a decent breakfast (more on that later), and free Wi-Fi, all for a price that won't make you weep into your instant ramen. Seriously, I've seen prices that made me double-check the date, thinking I'd somehow stumbled into a time warp back to the good ol' days. Inflation is a *beast*, and Sonesta is fighting the good fight.

What's the Vibe? Is it full of stuffy business travelers or fun-loving vacationers?

Alright, so, yes, it's RTP. Meaning, you *will* encounter a good chunk of business travelers. Suits, briefcases... the whole nine yards. But honestly? It's not a *bad* vibe. It's professional, respectful, quiet-ish. Plus, I've seen families there, too. The pool is a pretty good equalizer. Kids splashing, businessmen in their swim trunks… it's kind of a charming, weird mix. Plus, I once saw a whole wedding party – and trust me, they were *celebrating*! Drinks flowing, music bumping… a nice reminder that life is more fun than spreadsheets. So, not stuffy, not wild, but a nice middle ground.

The Breakfast! Tell me EVERYTHING! Is it a sad, pre-packaged muffin situation? Or is there hope?

Okay, breakfast is CRUCIAL. I need my morning fuel. Let's be real, though. Hotel breakfasts are usually a crapshoot. But! Sonesta Select RTP *exceeds exceptions*! They have the usual suspects, cereal, bagels, some fruit, but the star is... the little waffle maker! And trust me, that's what always makes me smile. You get to make your own mini waffles, with a *sizzling* hot iron! To me, that's worth the entire stay! Plus, they usually have eggs and some kind of breakfast meat. It’s not gourmet, but it's definitely not cardboard. One time, I was running late for a meeting (story of my life, late!), and grabbed a waffle and a yogurt parfait to go. Huge life-saver. Plus, let's be real, those waffle-making skills are a serious confidence booster. "Oh, you need something done? Sure, I'll make a waffle first!"

Okay, But What About the Rooms Themselves? Are They Actually Clean?

Cleanliness is KING, people! And the rooms at Sonesta Select RTP are genuinely clean. (Deep breath, remembering the dumpster view incident…) The beds are comfy, the sheets are fresh, and the bathroom doesn't give you the *ick* factor. I’m no germaphobe, but I do appreciate a clean space. I’m also pretty sure they've got good soundproofing. I’ve never heard the infamous late-night party, despite the fact I'm a light sleeper! The rooms are well-maintained, not falling apart or showing their age in a horrible way. And the air conditioning actually *works* which, trust me, in the humid mess that is North Carolina summers, is practically a luxury.

Are there any downsides? Spill the beans, even the bitter ones!

Alright, gotta keep it real. No place is perfect. The location *is* RTP, which means you're a bit away from downtown Durham's vibrant restaurant scene. Gotta drive a bit. And, the gym... well, let's just say it's more "adequate" than "state-of-the-art." I mean, it has treadmills and some weights, but it's not going to replace your CrossFit studio. The biggest frustration is the elevator takes a while... be patient. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. For the price, the value, and the generally pleasant experience, I'd happily overlook a slow elevator.

Is there a pool? Because, pool.

Yes! There is a pool! It ain't Olympic-sized, but it's a decent size for a refreshing dip. I wouldn't get my hopes up for competitive swimming, but for a casual swim, or just some chill time with your book? Perfect. I am a water person so good pool is a definite plus. And it's outside, which is a bonus on those lovely North Carolina days. I once spent a whole afternoon reading by the pool, occasionally taking a dip to cool off. Pure bliss.

Parking? Nightmare or No Biggie?

Parking is easy! And, the best part? It's free! No crazy fees or tight spaces. Plenty of room to park. You can just pull up and forget about it. That's a HUGE plus. Especially if you're arriving late or traveling with a car full of stuff. It's one less thing to worry about. I've been to hotels where parking was a true nightmare, and sometimes it just makes me want to turn around and leave. So, yes, the parking situation is a definite win.

I heard there's a shuttle... true? And if so, to where?

Yes, there *is* a shuttle! Score! Generally, it's great for trips around RTP and to RDU airport. Make sure to confirm the exact schedule and availability beforehand, especially if you have a flight. But the shuttle's a legit perk. Saves you on a taxi or ride-sharing fares. I used it to and from the airport on one of my trips and saved a bundle! Not having to worry about parking at the airport is *amazing*. So, check it out, definitely a convenient bonus!

Bottom Line: Would you recommend it? Be honest!

Look, I'm stingy with my recommendations. I'm a picky traveler! But yes. Absolutely. I would recommend Sonesta Select RTP. It’s a solid choice, especially if you're looking for a good value, clean rooms, and a generally pleasant experience. It's not aHouma's Hidden Gem: Comfort Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)