Dallas Richardson Escape: Sonesta ES Suites Luxury Awaits!
Dallas Richardson Escape: Sonesta ES Suites - Luxury… Kinda? My Chaotic Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I just survived – and I mean survived – a stay at the Sonesta ES Suites in Richardson, Texas. "Luxury Awaits!" the tagline screams. Let's just say… the "luxury" part is a little more "aspirational" than "achieved." But hey, I lived to tell the tale, and trust me, there's plenty to unpack. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, perfectly curated review; this is the raw, unfiltered, "I-need-a-nap-after-writing-this" version.
Accessibility & Practicalities: Navigating the Maze (and Finding the Elevator!)
Okay, first things first: navigating the Sonesta is like figuring out a particularly confusing Ikea assembly instruction manual. The signage is a little… optimistic. But! Accessibility? They claim to have it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps and elevators exist, although I felt like I needed a sherpa to guide me. Elevator? Found it! Bless. Facilities for disabled guests? Checked that box, too. Good on ya, Sonesta.
Internet Access - The Digital Dark Ages (and the Glorious Free Wi-Fi!)
Thank. God. For Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Major sigh of relief). You could actually almost rely on it. Internet access – they do have a LAN option, but who uses that anymore? I had one of those old-school cables in my bag, just in case, but never actually used it, so… Maybe it works? Wi-Fi in public areas seemed a little sketchy. Good luck trying to stream anything in the lobby.
Cleanliness & Safety - Sanitized, But Not Perfectly So.
Let's be real, the pandemic has warped everyone's expectations. Did I feel completely safe? Well… they tried. Anti-viral cleaning products? Allegedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? Again, allegedly. Rooms sanitized between stays? Pretty sure. Room sanitization opt-out available? Doubt it. Staff trained in safety protocol? They appeared to be, but my observational skills are a little… rusty. Hand sanitizer available? Yes, but running low by the time I arrived.
The Hygiene certification probably looked good on paper, but my inner germophobe was still twitching. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Praying. Individually-wrapped food options? Definitely saw those. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? More like "at least attempt to create the illusion of…" Shared stationery removed? Thank goodness! The thought of shared pens gives me the shivers. Got the Safe dining setup, as well, with staff at the ready.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Carb Loading Central (and the Mystery of the Asian Breakfast)
Okay, this is where things got interesting. First off, let’s talk about Breakfast [buffet]. It was… a breakfast. Breakfast takeaway service? You betcha. Breakfast service? Same. Buffet in restaurant? I bravely ventured forth. Asian breakfast? This is where things got really weird. I mean, there was a vague attempt at an Asian-themed breakfast, but honestly, it just felt… confused. A plate of questionable fried rice next to some sad-looking scrambled eggs. Let's just say, my taste buds didn't travel to South East Asia that morning.
The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, thankfully. They also had a Coffee shop, but I never saw it open, and the Poolside bar? I think… maybe? Couldn't find it! A Snack bar was available, but it was more like "a corner with some chips and candy". The Restaurants are kind of, well, a restaurant. Not bad.
Services and Conveniences - Lost in Translation (and Finding the Dry Cleaner)
Concierge? Non-existent. Someone at the front desk, maybe? Doorman? Nope. Daily housekeeping? Yep, thankfully! Especially after my breakfast adventures. Dry cleaning? Yes, but the price was a bit… eye-watering. Laundry service? Also available. Luggage storage? They did have it! Thank god! Cash withdrawal? I'm pretty sure a machine was there. Air conditioning in public area? Essential in Texas! Air conditioning in rooms? Essential, again.
For the Kids - Babysitting? In Dallas?
Babysitting service? Might be available, but I didn't need it. Family/child friendly? Absolutely - saw plenty of them! Kids facilities? Nope. Kids meal? Probably.
Getting Around - Where's My Uber?
Airport transfer? Yep. Taxi service? Absolutely. Car park [free of charge]? Huzzah! Valet parking? Nah. Car power charging station? Couldn't say.
In-Room Chaos - My Little Oasis (But Needs Work)
So, the rooms… they’re trying, bless their hearts. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Ehhh, nope. Bathtub? Yep. Blackout curtains? Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. Carpeting? Yes, and it felt a little… worn. Closet? Plenty big enough for my overpacking. Coffee/tea maker? Ho-hum. Complimentary tea? Maybe the tea was better than the coffee for the breakfast. Desk? Functional. Extra long bed? Indeed. Hair dryer? Yes, but it sounded like a dying pterodactyl. In-room safe box? Yep. Refrigerator? Definitely. Satellite/cable channels? Okay. Seating area? Kinda. Shower? Fine. Slippers? No. Smoke detector? Hopefully. Sofa? Yes and it was comfy! Wi-Fi [free]? Bless it. Window that opens? Sadly, no.
The Spa: My Emotional Breakdown
I had high hopes for the spa. Spa? Yes. Sauna? Possibly. Massage? Definitely. But the whole experience felt… a bit sterile, to be honest. I wanted an escape, a total immersion. Instead, it was like being in a very clean operating room. And after staring at that fried rice at breakfast, felt like my body needed a Body wrap. Did not have one. Maybe that's what's wrong here.
My Verdict - It's… Complicated.
Would I stay at the Sonesta ES Suites in Richardson again? Honestly? Maybe. It's a functional hotel, with some definitely redeeming qualities (hello, free Wi-Fi!). But it's not the "luxury" promised. It's more like "comfort with a side of controlled chaos." And that sometimes, is exactly what you need. Just lower your expectations a tad, and you might just survive… and maybe laugh a little along the way. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 fried rice portions (and a solid 4 for blackout curtains).
Jacksonville Mayo Clinic Getaway: Luxury Courtyard Hotel Near Beaches!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a journey. A Dallas, Texas, adventure, specifically centered around the Sonesta ES Suites in Richardson. Forget meticulously planned itineraries, this is… well, it's my attempt at one. Let's see where this train wreck of a trip goes, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Richardson Scramble
1:00 PM - Arrival at DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International): Ugh, airports. The land of overpriced coffee and existential dread. I hate that pre-flight anxiety, the feeling that you've forgotten something vital (like, say, pants). Luckily, I remembered pants. Mostly. Getting through security felt like trying to herd cats, and the TSA agent's bored monotone only amplified my already-throbbing headache.
2:30 PM - Uber to Sonesta ES Suites Dallas Richardson: Okay, so, first impressions of the hotel. It's… a Sonesta. You know, clean enough. The lobby smells faintly of cleaning product and… hope? (Maybe I'm projecting, I was hangry). The front desk guy was enthusiastically helpful which is always a bit suspicious, like, they’re trying to sell you something. He gave me a room on the third floor and gesticulated wildly at the pool.
3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and unpacking (Kinda): My room… well, it's spacious. Which is a good thing, because I’m basically a tornado of belongings when I travel. I promptly dumped my bag on the floor (unpacking? We'll get there). And hey! It has a kitchenette. Maybe I'll… make a sandwich. Eventually. The fridge is temptingly empty, the microwave is blinking the dreaded "12:00." Oh god, I hate setting clocks.
4:00 PM - Richardson Food Quest (and utter failure): Okay, time to hit the town! Armed with a vague desire for something… edible, I set out. First stop, a highly-rated BBQ joint. Closed! (Curse you, early closing times!). Next, a Mexican place. Turns out, it was takeout only (I’m craving sit-down tacos, damn it!). Finally, after driving around like a lost puppy, I stumbled upon a… Subway. Defeat, thy name is me and my rumbling stomach. At least the sandwich was vaguely satisfying.
6:00 PM - Poolside Contemplation (and missed opportunity): I'd planned on lounging by the pool, a majestic image of relaxation in my head. But, alas, the weather had other plans. A sudden downpour turned the pool into a watery prison. I retreated, defeated, back to the room to… watch some mind-numbing TV.
7:30 PM - Dinner (Subway leftovers): Eating cold, slightly soggy Subway in a hotel room. Glamorous. I watched a reality show about bakers. It was strangely soothing.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Exhausted from the day's emotional rollercoaster (and the sheer effort of finding food), I crashed. The pillows are oddly comfortable. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe.
Day 2: Arts, Awkward Interactions, and a Quest for Redemption (in the form of Pizza)!
8:00 AM - Morning Wake-up Call (and a desperate plea for caffeine): Ugh. That groggy feeling. I contemplated ordering room service, but the thought of even speaking to someone on the phone seemed too daunting. Instead, I made a terrible instant coffee in the room. It was… brown.
9:00 AM - Richardson Arts Scene (attempted): I thought I'd be cultured and visit an art gallery. I got hopelessly lost trying to find it, and when I did, it was closed. See, this is a pattern, folks. A pattern of my inadequacy.
10:30 AM - The Awkward Conversation with the Laundry Machine: Let's face it, I'm not exactly known for my grace. I was attempting to do laundry (because, let's be real, I haven't unpacked). There was this old-school laundry machine. The kind with dials that are cryptic and a slot for quarter's. Let's just say, I ended up having a rather loud and public battle with the machine.
12:00 PM - Pizza Redemption!: I was determined to have a proper, sit-down meal. This time, I did some research. I tracked down a pizza place. I ordered a pizza. It arrived. Glory be! It was absolutely, deliciously perfect. I ate the entire thing like a starving person. No regrets.
2:00 PM - Richardson Exploration (maybe?): I tried to walk around the local parks. There was a strange encounter with a very chatty squirrel. He wasn’t afraid of me. I think he’d seen some stuff.
4:00 PM - Poolside Re-do! (Success!) - The sun finally decided to peek out, so I ventured back to the pool. This time, it was glorious. I found a lounge chair, dove right in and I did absolutely nothing. It was the best.
6:00 PM - Dinner (Pizza leftovers, again!): Don't judge. Pizza is versatile! It worked perfectly.
9:00 PM - Early Night: I couldn't stay awake any longer.
Day 3: Departure and the Promise of Never-Ending Laundry.
8:00 AM - Coffee, and Regret: The last thing I am doing at the Sonesta. Packing took a while I packed everything.
9:00AM - Final thoughts: The whole hotel stay was a wild ride. Would I stay here again? Maybe. Probably. It was… comfortable. The staff were friendly. And the pizza was amazing.
10:00 AM - Uber to DFW: Goodbye, Dallas. Goodbye, Sonesta. You've been… interesting.
11:00 AM - Final Flight: Ugh. This is going to be a long journey.
This itinerary is a wreck, but it's my wreck. And honestly? That's the best kind.
Escape to Billings: Your Home Away From Home at Extended Stay America!
Dallas Richardson Escape: Sonesta ES Suites FAQ - 'Cause Let's Be Real, You're Curious... and Maybe I Am Too
Okay, "Luxury Awaits"? Really? Is this actually LUXURY-luxury, or just... mildly upgraded hotel room luxury? My expectations, you know, are... nuanced. Like a well-aged cheddar. Or a poorly-written novel.
Alright, *deep breath* luxury. Let's just say the "luxury" is... relative. It's not the Four Seasons, okay? Don't go in expecting marble bathtubs big enough to swim in. I DID, and my inner diva had a tiny, very audible sob. What you get is a clean, spacious suite (that's the key!), with a decent kitchen, comfy beds (mostly!), and a separation between the sleeping area and the... *other* area. This is HUGE if you're traveling with kids, or, like me, need to hide from your partner's snoring for at least a few hours a night. Think more "comfortable and convenient" than "rolling in diamonds." Though, hey, you could *bring* the diamonds. No judgment.
The Kitchen... Tell me *everything* about the kitchen. Can I actually *cook* a meal, or is it just a glorified microwave nook designed to taunt me with my culinary inadequacy? Because *currently* I can barely boil water… successfully.
The kitchen! Ah, the siren song of potential home-cooked meals! Alright, the kitchen is... functional. They've got a fridge (a decent size, THANK GOD), a microwave (obvious), a stovetop (YES!), and a dishwasher (double YES!). Now, the *quality* of the cookware... let's just say I burnt some toast. Okay, I burnt a *lot* of toast. And then I nearly set off the smoke alarm. Twice. It was a learning experience, okay? They do supply the basics: pots, pans, a few utensils... enough to make a *mostly* edible meal. But pack your own decent chef's knife. My life (and my toast) would have been significantly improved. I'm dreaming of a non-stick skillet even now...
Also, the little coffee maker. Bring *your* coffee. My friend, the coffee was so weak, I think a hummingbird could have survived on it. And that from a woman who often runs on fumes, like a jet engine. *whistles*
Pool time! Is the pool actually... *usable*? Because I once stayed at a hotel with a pool that looked like a swamp. And smelled like a swamp. And I vowed never again…
The pool! Okay, the pool is... better than the swamp. Much better. It's clean, thankfully. I actually *went in*! Though, I'm not a huge fan of public pools in general, you know? Germs, etc. But the kids loved it. And they were happy, so I was happy. Mostly. There's a decent amount of space, some chairs... It's your standard hotel pool scene. Nothing to write home about, but also, nothing to run screaming from. Except maybe the kids. Kids are loud.
It did get a little crowded at peak times, but mostly manageable. I, however, am *not* manageable after a long day. Let's just leave it at that.
Location, location, location! Is it, you know, *convenient*? Or am I going to spend half my trip stuck in Dallas traffic, weeping internally?
The location is... pretty good, actually! Dallas traffic is a beast, yes, but this Sonesta (at least the one *I* stayed in) was pretty central, close to the highway, and a few restaurants were nearby. You know, the usual suspects: a chain or two, a cute little local place… Depends on which location, but I found it manageable. I hate driving, by the way. I *really* hate it. Parking was easy, which is a huge bonus! The worst part of any trip, tbh. I actually got to relax a *smidge* on that front. Which is a win in my book.
I'd recommend looking at a map *before* you book to see how far you are from the things you want to do. But overall, a thumbs up on the location. Unless you are *me*, and then, there is no escape.
The Staff... Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they the surly, jaded hotel staff from my nightmares? Because I need friendly. I need *help* sometimes. And I need to avoid the jaded at all costs.
Okay, this is a definite positive. The staff were generally great! Friendly, helpful, and surprisingly patient (especially with me, I'm a mess). I had a minor issue with a leaky faucet (classic, I know), and they were on it *immediately*. Like, ninja-speed fast. And they were nice about it. And they still smiled, even though I probably looked like I had just wrestled a bear, and lost. Kudos to them, seriously. They definitely made the experience better. I could have stayed longer, just for the friendly faces. Almost.
Breakfast: Included? Crappy continental? Or… a glimmer of hope? Because I *need* breakfast. I become a hangry monster if I'm not properly fueled.
Breakfast. Ugh. Okay, some Sonesta ES Suites *do* offer a free breakfast, and some don't. Check your specific location's policy *before* you get there, otherwise you'll be staring at a sad little vending machine thinking about your next break. If it's included, it's usually continental-ish. Think: pastries, cereal, fruit, yogurt, and the usual breakfast fare. Don't expect a gourmet spread. You get what you pay for, and, well, it's free. So, no complaints. Well… maybe a few. I *would* have loved some decent coffee at breakfast! But again… Coffee. (See previous coffee note). You could probably make it better yourself with that kitchen. I mean, you know, if you're a morning person… Which I am *not*.
What about the Wi-Fi? Because I have a job that requires me to be vaguely connected to the internet at all times. And I have a bad habit of… well, “browsing.” Is it reliable? Or am I going to be screaming at my laptop all day?
The Wi-Fi... I'm going to be brutally honest here: it wasn't always *perfect*. There were moments of "buffering hell" and "spinning wheel of doom." But, generally, it was usable. I managed to get my work done (eventually), and do some light browsing (ahem). But don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Think of it as… adequate. Bring a hotspot. Or a strong will. Seriously.
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