Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista

Orlando 28.39032200, -81.50539100 , 8751 Suiteside Drive (Show on Map)
8.2
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsSonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista is highly praised for its prime location, offering easy access to major Orlando attractions such as Disney World and Disney Springs. The convenience of nearby grocery stores, restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance makes it an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to explore the area with minimal travel times. The surrounding area is lively yet quiet, providing a relaxing retreat after busy days.

While the breakfast service has garnered mixed reviews with many guests disappointed by the lack of variety and quality, the presence of in-suite kitchens and a nearby supermarket allows guests to prepare their own meals. A Starbucks within the hotel provides a convenient alternative for coffee and snacks. Dinner options are more positively reviewed with various nearby dining establishments and an in-suite dining option including a family dining room and BBQ area.

Guests appreciate the spacious, apartment-style rooms that are particularly well-suited for families and larger groups. Equipped with full kitchens, the rooms offer practicality and comfort, though some guests note the need for modernization and more consistent deep cleaning. The cleanliness of common areas, particularly the pool and outdoor space, is frequently highlighted, despite occasional lapses in housekeeping standards.

The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff stand out with many specific employees receiving accolades for their exceptional service. While there are a few reports of unprofessional behavior, the overall positive interactions significantly enhance the guest experience.

The hotel offers WiFi with mixed reliability; some guests find it adequate while others experience poor connection quality and slow speeds. The gym, while small, is considered well-maintained and functional. The pool area is a major draw, described as clean, spacious and inviting with a heated pool and kid-friendly amenities.

Parking receives mixed feedback due to its $15 daily fee and occasional challenges in finding spots. However, the availability of nearby free parking and the convenience of close proximity to rooms are appreciated by some guests.

Overall, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista is recognized for providing a family-friendly and convenient environment, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking spacious, comfortable accommodations near Orlando’s major attractions.
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Categories
Accessible Hotel
Accessible suites are available with features like roll-in showers and accessible bathtubs. The property offers accessible parking, pool, fitness center, and business center. Assistive listening devices are also available.

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel for Honeymoon

Family Friendly Hotel

Dog Friendly Hotel

Hotel with Swimming Pool

  Heated Pool    Outdoor Pool  


Business Hotel

Hotel with Parking

Hotel with Gym

3-Star Hotel

Hotel with Outdoor Pool

Hotel with Heated Pool

Room Types
One Bedroom King Suite This suite features a fully-equipped kitchen, seating area, and double-sized sofa bed.

Two-Bedroom Suite with King and Two Double Beds This suite features a fully-equipped kitchen, seating area, and sofa bed.

One-Bedroom Queen Suite with Bathtub - Mobility Accessible The quadruple room's kitchen, which features a refrigerator, is available for cooking and storing food. This quadruple room has a private bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box. The unit has 1 bed.

Two-Bedroom Suite with Two King Beds The suite has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. The suite's kitchen, which features a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker, is available for cooking and storing food. The suite features a safe deposit box. The unit has 3 beds.

One-Bedroom Queen Suite with Roll-In Shower - Mobility Accessible The quadruple room's kitchen, which has a refrigerator, is available for cooking and storing food. This quadruple room features a private bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box. The unit offers 1 bed.

Two-Bedroom Suite Queen and Two Doubles with Bathtub - Mobility Accessible The double room's kitchen, which features a refrigerator, is available for cooking and storing food. This double room has a private bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box. The unit has 3 beds.

Two-Bedroom Suite Queen and Two Doubles with Roll-in Shower - Mobility Accessible The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. The apartment's kitchen, which has a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker, is available for cooking and storing food. The apartment provides a safe deposit box. The unit offers 4 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
The 'Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista' receives high praise for its prime location, providing easy access to popular Orlando attractions, particularly Disney World and Disney Springs. Guests consistently highlight the convenience and proximity to theme parks, shopping centers, grocery stores and a plethora of restaurants within walking distance. The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the area with many visitors appreciating the minimal travel times to major attractions and amenities. In addition to its strategic position, the hotel also scores well on cleanliness and spacious accommodations, proving to be a perfect choice for families and those looking to enjoy the parks with comfort and ease. The surrounding area is noted for being lively yet quiet, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of adventures. Overall, this location is celebrated for its exceptional convenience and the wealth of nearby services and entertainment options.

Breakfast
Breakfast at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista has received a range of opinions from guests with many leaning towards the negative side. While some appreciated that breakfast was available, often described as simple but good, numerous guests expressed disappointment over the lack of variety and quality. Historically, the hotel offered a complimentary buffet breakfast that guests enjoyed, but this has been replaced by a grab-and-go option that many find underwhelming and not worth the added cost.

Guests note that the current breakfast consists mainly of muffins, yogurt, fruit and juice, all pre-packaged and often compared unfavorably to what they expect for the price and convenience. Some travelers feel that the grab-and-go offering symbolizes an unwelcome downgrade from the previously more substantial buffet, citing that it is repetitive and lacks essentials like eggs, breads and hot items.

The lack of a hot breakfast and the limited selection have led many to seek alternatives off-site and some reviews hint at frustration over the hotel still citing pandemic-related reasons for these changes. Moreover, several guests expected breakfast to be free only to discover an additional charge or a surprise at its limited scale.

On a positive note, the presence of a Starbucks within the hotel offers a convenient albeit pricier alternative for coffee and snacks. Generally, while the hotel receives praise for its location and other aspects, breakfast clearly emerges as an area that guests feel could use significant improvement.

Dinner
The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers a delightful dining experience for guests with several convenient and appealing options. The spacious and cozy rooms feature fully equipped kitchens, complete with all necessary appliances, utensils and dinnerware, making it easy for guests to prepare their own meals. For those who prefer dining out, there are multiple restaurant choices within walking distance, including an Asian buffet and a hamburger restaurant. A nearby convenience store and grocery store, such as Winn Dixie, provide guests with easy access to groceries and other necessities.

The hotel’s amenities include a family dining room and an inviting outdoor space with a BBQ area, perfect for enjoying a family meal together. Guests appreciate the variety and flexibility of dining options, which cater to different preferences and schedules. While the area around the hotel might see long wait times at nearby restaurants even on weekday evenings, the convenience of having a kitchen in the suite or the option to visit local dining establishments ensures a satisfying dining experience for all. The availability of free dinner and breakfast adds further value, enhancing the overall stay at this friendly and well-located hotel.

Rooms
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers generously sized accommodations that many guests appreciated for their comfort and spaciousness. Each room resembles an apartment with well-equipped kitchens available to prepare meals, making it a practical choice for families and larger groups. The layout of the rooms, including multiple bedrooms and bathrooms in most suites, provides a homely ambiance and ample privacy. Several reviewers noted that rooms are generally clean and comfortable, lending them a cozy and home-like feel.

While the majority found the rooms spacious and enjoyed the amenities like full kitchens and comfortable beds, some feedback highlighted the need for updates. A recurring theme in the reviews is the dated decor and worn-out furniture; some guests encountered issues with musty smells, dirty carpets and occasional maintenance problems such as leaky toilets or malfunctioning air conditioning. Despite these concerns, many appreciated the value for money, noting that the size and comfort of the rooms were well-suited for family stays.

The location is convenient with many dining options nearby and the added benefit of a supermarket across the street. The rooms around the pool area were particularly liked by families, providing easy access for children’s activities. However, some guests mentioned inconsistent room cleanliness and occasional pest issues, which detracted from their overall experience.

In summary, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers spacious, apartment-style accommodations that cater well to families and larger groups, although modernization and more consistent upkeep would enhance the guest experience.

Beds
Guests at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista had mixed feedback regarding the beds with a significant lean towards positive impressions. Many guests highlighted the comfort of the beds, describing them as very comfortable, incredibly comfortable and allowing for good rest. The bedding also received positive mentions for being clean and comfy.

Several reviews mentioned the beds being spacious with multiple mentions of king-sized and full-sized beds. Additionally, the rooms were noted to be large and roomy, enhancing the overall comfort. Guests appreciated the high-quality bedding and clean linens with one review noting that the pillowcases and sheets were particularly clean.

However, some guests experienced discomfort. A few reviews indicated issues such as thin and worn-out sheets, noisy beds and uneven distribution of comfort with some beds being too firm or too soft. The pullout sofa bed was specifically highlighted as extremely uncomfortable by several reviewers. Instances of deflated mattresses and squeaky beds were also noted, along with complaints about insufficient bedding leading to cold nights.

In summary, while most guests enjoyed comfortable and clean beds at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, there were a few areas of inconsistency that affected the overall sleeping experience for some.

Cleanliness
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista has garnered a reputation for cleanliness among its visitors with many reviews highlighting the tidy and well-maintained condition of the rooms and common areas. Guests commonly remarked on the clean, spacious rooms and comfortable layouts, noting that everything appeared to be in good condition. The pool area, in particular, was frequently mentioned for its cleanliness with clean water and well-kept surroundings. The property itself, both inside and out, was regarded as being clean and quiet, offering a peaceful retreat.

However, there's a notable divide in guest experiences. While many found their accommodations spotless and welcoming, others pointed out areas for improvement. Some guests reported issues with musty odors, dated furnishings and sporadic deep cleaning. Reports of dirty carpets, stained linens and occasional neglect, such as uncleaned bathroom fixtures or left-behind trash, emerged in several reviews. Furthermore, dissatisfaction was expressed regarding the hotel's policy of cleaning rooms only once a week, leaving some guests longing for more regular housekeeping services.

Despite the mixed reviews, it is evident that many guests did appreciate the clean and comfortable environment during their stay, particularly the suite layouts and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and kitchens. The commitment to maintaining outer grounds also added to the overall positive impression of the property for many visitors.

Staff
The staff at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista consistently receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness across a broad spectrum of guest reviews. From the moment of check-in, guests are greeted warmly with numerous mentions of specific staff members like Julieta and Scott who make the process smooth and welcoming. The overall atmosphere projected by the staff is one of kindness and accommodation, ensuring that guests feel attended to during their stay.

Guests specifically highlight the front desk team as being very friendly and efficient with names such as Nathalya and Glenny being praised for their exceptional service. Maintenance staff also receive commendations for their promptness and effectiveness in resolving technical issues. The presence of a courteous and professional concierge further enhances the positive guest experience.

However, there are occasional mentions of inconsistencies in staff behavior. Some guests have encountered unprofessional or rude attitudes from certain staff members or experienced issues with inflexible policies and language barriers. It appears that while the majority of the staff strive to provide excellent service, there are a few outliers that fall short of these standards.

Overall, despite these occasional lapses, the general consensus leans heavily towards a positive experience with the hotel's team, characterized by their readiness to assist, friendly demeanor and a strong commitment to ensuring guest satisfaction during their stay.

Wi-Fi
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers WiFi across its premises with some guests appreciating the good coverage and easy access throughout the hotel, including the lobby. For some, the WiFi worked without issues, even delivering an excellent connection with speeds averaging 17 Mbps. However, many found the WiFi to be unstable with frequent comments on poor connection quality and slow speeds. Some guests reported that WiFi was not available in rooms or that it was complicated to access and did not work as expected. The experience seems to be mixed with some satisfied users and others experiencing difficulties. Access to free WiFi is available for members, while others may have to pay for it. Guests also enjoyed a great breakfast during their stay.

Gym
The gym at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista generally receives positive comments from guests. It's described as well-maintained and well-equipped, providing a nice, functional space for exercise. Although some mention that the gym is small and the facilities are limited, overall, it offers a decent and clean environment for a workout. There is also a mention of the gym having a sanitizing wipes dispenser, although it was noted that it was empty at one instance. All in all, the gym provides a satisfactory experience for guests looking to keep up with their fitness routines while staying at the hotel.

Pool
The pool area at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista garners much praise from guests. Described as clean, spacious and inviting, the pool contributes greatly to the hotel's positive atmosphere. The heated outdoor pool and hot tub are frequently highlighted with guests enjoying their perfect temperatures and the added amenities like pool toys for kids. Despite occasional comments about limited pool chairs, overcrowding during peak hours, or slight over-chlorination, the general sentiment is that the pool is a delightful feature. It offers a cozy and relaxing spot for both adults and children with a kid-friendly vibe that includes a specially mentioned kiddie pool. The pool area is touted as picturesque, especially with the morning sun hitting poolside rooms. Available pool towels and a well-maintained environment add to the convenience. Overall, the pool and its surrounding amenities enhance the guest experience, making it a significant draw of the hotel.

Parking
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista generally receives positive feedback for its parking facilities, though several reviewers highlight certain costs and inconveniences associated with it. The hotel charges a daily fee of $15 for parking, which many guests feel is not always clearly communicated upfront in the booking process. This fee covers self-parking and there is no valet or controlled entry and exit, making it a straightforward but additional expense.

The parking areas can sometimes be difficult to navigate, especially during weekends or when the hotel is busy, leading to challenges in finding available spots. There's no shaded parking and limited spaces mean that guests occasionally have to park farther from their rooms, necessitating a walk back. Furthermore, there are no carts provided around the back areas to help with luggage, which can be inconvenient.

Despite these issues, some guests find the parking to be comfortable and appreciate the close proximity to their rooms. Free parking is also available nearby, though it's limited. Overall, while the parking situation includes some logistical challenges and additional fees, it remains an available and manageable option for guests at this location.

Family
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista receives high marks for its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities. Guests frequently highlight the spaciousness and comfort of the accommodations with many noting that the two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites are ideal for larger families, providing ample room for everyone, including groups of up to seven people. The property is praised for its suitable layout, making it easy for families to feel at home. The full-size kitchens are especially appreciated, enabling guests to cook their own meals, which is a convenient option for longer stays.

Families find the location convenient for visiting nearby attractions, including Disney parks, which are a short drive away. The amenities extend to include family-oriented facilities such as a playroom, a firepit area and a pool that kids enjoyed, enhancing the overall experience with fun activities. The environment is consistently described as clean and welcoming, reinforcing a family-friendly ambiance that makes it a great base for family vacations.

In addition to the internal amenities, the site's proximity to various family-friendly attractions adds to its appeal. It is noted for being accommodating for pets, offering a comprehensive solution for those traveling with the whole family. Overall, Sonesta ES Suites stands out as an excellent choice for families looking for space, comfort and convenience on their Orlando trip.

3 Star
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, a three-star hotel, offers spacious yet dated rooms that reflect its mid-range rating. Guests appreciate the reasonably priced accommodations, especially for a vacation town. The property stands out with suites and basic breakfast offerings, though it's limited due to Covid restrictions. Cleanliness meets average expectations, but frequent maintenance issues and aged furniture often detract from the experience.

Rooms are described as dark with a musky atmosphere, containing old, unkept furniture and outdated appliances. Some reviews mentioned damaged elements like broken door locks and falling curtains, indicating a need for renovation. The lack of elevators in the three-story buildings is a notable inconvenience, particularly for guests who have to carry luggage to higher floors.

In terms of service, it often falls short of what is typically expected from a three-star hotel with understaffing cited as a reason for inconsistent room cleaning and general upkeep. The hotel, though labeled accurately as a three-star accommodation, sometimes felt more like a 2.5-star due to these shortcomings. Despite these issues, it manages to provide a fair balance of price and services for travelers seeking an affordable stay in Orlando.

Business
The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers several amenities suited for business travelers. The hotel is noted for being business-friendly, providing good business services and facilities that are adequate for business trips. It is comfortable for both personal and business stays and the staff are helpful, ensuring a smooth check-in process. The hotel is also conveniently located for business purposes.

However, some areas do need improvement. The WiFi signal is subpar and it comes at an additional cost. There are also charges for using the gym, which led some guests to decide against using it. The business center services fall short of expectations and the property is not particularly well-equipped for business trips. Parking could pose some inconvenience and accessing other essential services can sometimes be a hassle. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel still manages to cater to many business travelers with decent overall services.

Accessible
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities. Many positive aspects include accessible rooms for handicapped individuals and a location that is convenient to various restaurants. Some guests appreciated the availability of wheelchair-accessible rooms and ground floor options, highlighting the property's effort to accommodate mobility challenges. With adequate parking spaces and an accessible pool and bath, the property does offer some helpful features.

However, the absence of elevators is a significant drawback. Numerous reviews emphasize the lack of elevator access, making it difficult for guests who require wheelchair assistance or have limited mobility. Steep stairs further exacerbate this issue, often posing a challenge for seniors assisted by wheelchair. Additionally, bathrooms are reported as cramped with limited accessible facilities and some guests noted a need for more shower and toilet rails.

In summary, while the hotel makes some efforts in terms of accessibility, notable shortcomings—particularly the lack of elevators and cramped bathroom spaces—suggest room for significant improvement.

Heated Pool
The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista offers a noteworthy heated pool that stands out as a major highlight for guests. Many reviews praise the warm temperature of the pool, describing it as fabulous and ideal for families. The pool area, which includes an outdoor heated pool with a bar and dining area, is frequently mentioned for its excellent setup. Guests appreciate the special consideration for children with mentions of a kiddie pool adding to the positive experience. While a couple of reviews noted issues with the heated pool's availability, the general consensus is that the temperature is consistently good, contributing to an enjoyable swimming experience. The addition of a hot tub further complements the pool area's appeal, enhancing the overall relaxation and enjoyment for visitors.

Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool area at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista receives high praise from guests for being a comfortable and relaxing spot. Though some consider the pool to be on the smaller side, it makes up for its size with excellent maintenance and cleanliness. The pool is often described as nice, beautiful and even impeccable with the added benefits of being warm and heated, ideal for a relaxing swim. Guests appreciate the pool's surrounding patio and courtyard, which contribute to the picturesque and enjoyable environment. The addition of dining areas, a bar and floating toys for kids enhances the poolside experience, making it suitable for families as well. Additionally, the hot tub and jacuzzi are frequently noted as positive features with both being at the perfect temperature. Overall, the outdoor pool area is a delightful and well-maintained amenity that adds value to guests' stays.

Dog Friendly
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista appears to be a pet-friendly haven that caters well to guests traveling with dogs. The property allows dogs and is described as great for dogs, making it a welcoming environment for pet owners. Conveniently, there is a dog park next door, which adds to the ease of staying here with a pet.

Guests have noted that the hotel is friendly towards pets and accommodating, allowing for large families and their pets to stay comfortably. Notably, the hotel provided shelter to evacuees with pets during Hurricane Ian, emphasizing its commitment to being pet-friendly. Many reviews highlight that guests did not need to leave their "fur babies" at home, thanks to the pet allowance policy.

However, there are a few points to be aware of. Some guests reported issues such as barking dogs in nearby rooms and allergic reactions, suggesting that pet-related noise and cleanliness could occasionally be a concern. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of feedback highlights the property's welcoming stance towards pets and the convenience it offers to dog owners.


Yes, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista.

Yes, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista welcomes dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista.

Yes, Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista has a gym.

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