Sonesta is a mid-range hotel chain with properties across the United States and Caribbean

Sonesta operates about 100 hotels under several brand names, including Sonesta ES Suites (extended-stay properties), Sonesta Hotels and Resorts (full-service locations), and Sonesta Select (limited-service hotels). The chain is owned by Xenia Hotels & Resorts and focuses on business travelers, families, and people staying for multiple nights. Most Sonesta properties are in major cities, near airports, or in beach destinations.

If you are booking a hotel room, Sonesta is one option among many chains. The properties tend to be moderately priced — not budget chains like Motel 6, but not luxury brands like Four Seasons either. Many Sonesta locations include a complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Extended-stay properties (Sonesta ES Suites) have kitchenettes in the rooms, which can save money if you are staying for a week or longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Sonesta operates about 100 hotels under three main brand names, with properties concentrated in the United States and Caribbean.
  • Most Sonesta properties include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a fitness center as standard amenities.
  • Sonesta Select and Sonesta ES Suites are designed for business travelers and people staying multiple nights, while Sonesta Hotels and Resorts serve leisure guests.
  • The Sonesta Preferred Guest program lets you earn points on room bookings and redeem them for free nights or other rewards.
  • You can book Sonesta hotels directly through the chain's website, through third-party booking sites, or by calling the property directly.

The three Sonesta brands and what each one offers

Sonesta ES Suites are extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes, separate living areas, and weekly housekeeping. These properties are built for people staying 5 nights or longer and typically cost less per night than a standard hotel room if you are there for a week. You get a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, so you can prepare some of your own meals.

Sonesta Hotels and Resorts are full-service properties with on-site restaurants, room service, and concierge desks. These are the chain's upscale option and are found in destinations like the Caribbean and major U.S. cities. They cater to leisure travelers and people attending conferences.

Sonesta Select properties are limited-service hotels without restaurants or room service. They are smaller and simpler than the full-service properties but still include breakfast and Wi-Fi. Sonesta Select is the chain's most common brand and is positioned between budget chains and the full-service Sonesta Hotels.

How the Sonesta Preferred Guest loyalty program works

Sonesta Preferred Guest is the chain's free rewards program. You create an account, and every time you book a room at a Sonesta property, you earn points based on the room rate. You can redeem points for free nights, room upgrades, or other perks like airline miles or gift cards.

The program has no membership tiers or annual fees. You earn the same points rate whether you book your first night or your hundredth. Points do not expire as long as you have account activity (a booking or redemption) at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive, Sonesta will notify you before points are removed.

You can join Sonesta Preferred Guest on the chain's website at no cost. You will need an email address and a password. Once you are enrolled, you can provide your membership number when you book a room, and the points will post to your account after checkout.

How to book a Sonesta hotel room

You have three main ways to book: through Sonesta's official website, through a third-party booking site like Expedia or Booking.com, or by calling the hotel directly. Booking through Sonesta's own website usually earns you loyalty points, while third-party sites may not credit points to your account — check the terms before you book.

When you search on Sonesta's website, you enter your check-in and check-out dates, the city or address, and the number of guests. The site shows available properties, room types, and prices. You can filter by brand (ES Suites, Select, or Hotels and Resorts) or by specific amenities like a kitchenette or pool. Once you choose a room, you enter your payment information and confirm the booking.

If you are a Sonesta Preferred Guest member, log in before you search so your points are credited. If you are not yet a member, you can join during the booking process. Cancellation policies vary by rate type — some rooms can be cancelled free up to 48 hours before arrival, while others are non-refundable. The booking confirmation will show the cancellation important date.

What amenities are typically included at Sonesta properties

Most Sonesta locations include complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. Sonesta ES Suites add a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Many properties also have a business center with computers and printers, a 24-hour front desk, and free parking (though parking fees explore at some urban locations).

Full-service Sonesta Hotels and Resorts may have additional amenities like an on-site restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a concierge desk. Limited-service Sonesta Select properties typically have fewer amenities but still include breakfast and Wi-Fi. Check the specific property's listing on Sonesta's website to see what is available at the location where you plan to stay.

Differences between booking directly and using third-party sites

Booking directly through Sonesta's website or by calling the property usually earns you loyalty points and may give you access to member-only rates. Third-party sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com often show lower advertised prices, but those savings may be offset by the loss of loyalty points and member discounts.

When you book through a third-party site, the site handles the transaction, not Sonesta. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation, you may have to contact the third-party site rather than the hotel. Some third-party bookings are non-refundable even if Sonesta's direct rate would allow a refund. Read the terms carefully before you complete the booking.

If you are a frequent Sonesta guest or a member of Sonesta Preferred Guest, booking directly usually makes more sense because you will earn points and may receive a better rate. If you are booking a one-time stay and price is your only concern, a third-party site may offer a lower upfront cost.

What to do if you have a problem with your reservation or stay

If you need to change your reservation, contact the property directly using the phone number on your confirmation email. Most changes (like adjusting your check-in date) can be made over the phone. If you booked through a third-party site, you may need to contact that site first to modify the reservation.

If you have a problem during your stay — such as a broken air conditioner or a missing amenity — tell the front desk when ready. The staff can often resolve issues on the spot, such as moving you to a different room or providing a refund for a missing service. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact Sonesta's customer service after you check out.

Sonesta Preferred Guest members can also file a complaint through their loyalty account. Keep your confirmation email and any receipts from your stay, as these will help Sonesta investigate your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a loyalty member to book a Sonesta hotel?

No. You can book a Sonesta room without joining Sonesta Preferred Guest. However, joining is free and takes less than a minute, so you may as well enroll before you book so you earn points on your stay.

Can I use my Sonesta points to pay for a room directly?

Yes. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for a free night or a discount on your room rate. The number of points needed depends on the room category and location. You redeem points when you book through Sonesta's website or by calling the property.

What happens if I cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies depend on the rate you booked. Standard rates usually allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival. Non-refundable rates cannot be cancelled for a refund. Your confirmation email will show your specific cancellation important date. If you cancel within the allowed window, the charge is removed from your card.

Are there Sonesta hotels outside the United States?

Yes. Sonesta has properties in the Caribbean, including locations in Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten. Most U.S. properties are in major cities and near airports. You can search by location on Sonesta's website to see what is available in the area where you want to stay.

How do I contact Sonesta customer service?

You can reach Sonesta's customer service through the contact page on its website, or call the specific property where you are staying. For loyalty program questions, log into your Sonesta Preferred Guest account and use the help section. Response times vary, but most inquiries are handled within one business day.