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Summary of reviewsSonesta Select Columbia receives high marks from guests for its convenient and strategic location. Situated near numerous restaurants, shopping centers and essential stores like Wegmans and Walmart, the hotel provides easy access to various amenities and main roads. Its proximity to significant events and venues, such as the Capital Jazz Festival and concert halls, adds to its appeal, especially for event-goers. The surrounding area is well-lit and safe, contributing to an overall positive guest experience.
The rooms at Sonesta Select Columbia are consistently praised for their cleanliness, comfort and modern design. Guests called attention to the spacious, well-decorated rooms equipped with comfortable beds that ensure a good night's sleep. Additional amenities like mini-fridges and in-room coffee enhance convenience, although the absence of microwaves was a noted drawback. Balconies in some rooms and inclusive features for handicapped guests further add to the hotel's appeal.
Cleanliness is a standout factor with many reviews highlighting the hotel's immaculate environment. Words like spotless and fresh frequently appear, indicating high satisfaction levels with hygiene standards. Public areas including the lobby, restaurant and bar are described as welcoming and tidy. While there were occasional lapses, such as dirty hallways and maintenance issues with the pool, the general sentiment underscores that the hotel is well-maintained.
The hotel's staff receives accolades for their friendliness and professionalism, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Standout employees like Allen, Ruby, Danica and Darren are frequently mentioned for going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The front desk staff are particularly noted for their exceptional service, making check-in and overall interactions smooth and welcoming.
The breakfast at Sonesta Select Columbia, however, has mixed reviews. The main contention revolves around the absence of a complimentary breakfast, which many guests contrast with other hotels offering inclusive options. When available, the quality and variety of breakfast items are appreciated, but the cost is often seen as higher than expected. Additionally, guests found the lack of complimentary coffee in the lobby to be an inconvenience.
For those needing to stay connected, the Wi-Fi service at Sonesta Select Columbia is generally reliable, albeit with some inconsistencies. The service is deemed good in the rooms but can be weak in the lobby. The lack of USB ports for charging devices is a slight inconvenience for those with multiple gadgets.
The hotel gym, while small and lacking some equipment like weight benches, suffices for a basic workout. Guests should note the dim lighting, although the dressing area is better lit. Occasionally, the gym being out of order can be an issue.
The pool area also draws mixed responses. Guests appreciate the indoor heated pool with late operating hours, describing it as warm and pleasant. However, there are concerns about the cleanliness and availability of the pool with frequent unexpected closures and occasional reports of dirty water.
Parking at the hotel is praised for being spacious, well-lit and free, providing security and convenience for guests. However, the side parking lot near the woods could be cleaner and some logistical issues, such as the distance from rooms and occasional paid parking fees, were noted.
Sonesta Select Columbia is recognized as a family-friendly hotel, creating a comfortable environment for guests traveling with children. Its clean and quiet ambiance makes it a favorable option for visiting families, especially during holidays. However, being a busy family-oriented hotel sometimes results in noise and occasional overcrowding in facilities like the pool.
Beds at Sonesta Select Columbia are highlighted for their comfort and quality with many guests noting an exceptional sleep experience. The variety of bed setups, including king-size beds and pull-out sofas, are frequently mentioned.
In summary, Sonesta Select Columbia offers a convenient, clean and comfortable stay with an exceptional staff contributing to a positive guest experience. While there are areas for improvement, particularly with breakfast offerings and pool maintenance, the hotel ranks highly as a budget-friendly, family-oriented and business-friendly option for travelers. Show more
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Categories
Accessible Hotel
Accessible public areas include the entrance, registration area, meeting rooms, fitness center, and swimming pool. Accessible parking spaces are available. Mobility/hearing accessible rooms are offered, including a Deluxe King Room with Roll-In Shower. Accessible room doors have a 32-inch wide opening.
Hotel with Gym
The hotel features a fitness center and an indoor pool, ideal for guests looking to maintain their fitness routine with both cardio and swimming options.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
3-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Guestroom King with Sofa BedThe quadruple room provides a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guestroom Two QueensThe quadruple room provides a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit offers 2 beds.
Hearing Accessible Guestroom KingThe quadruple room offers a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit offers 2 beds.
Hearing Accessible- One-Bedroom Suite KingThe air-conditioned suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite offers a coffee machine, a wardrobe, a sofa, a carpeted floor and a TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Mobility/Hearing Accessible Guestroom King Roll-In ShowerThe quadruple room provides a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit offers 2 beds.
Mobility/Hearing Accessible Guestroom Two Queens Roll-In ShowerThe quadruple room offers a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit has 2 beds.
Mobility/Hearing Accessible One Bedroom Suite Two Queen TubThe apartment features a tea and coffee maker and a balcony.
One-Bedroom King SuiteThe suite features a tea and coffee maker and a balcony.
One Bedroom Suite Two QueensThe suite provides a tea and coffee maker and a balcony.
One-Bedroom King Suite - Hearing AccessibleThe quadruple room offers a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guestroom Two Queens with Roll-In Shower - Mobility AccessibleThe quadruple room features a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe King Room with Roll-In Shower - Mobility AccessibleThe quadruple room features a tea and coffee maker and a balcony. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Sonesta Select Columbia boasts an enviable location praised by guests for its convenience and proximity to a variety of amenities. The hotel is nestled close to numerous restaurants, shopping centers and main roads, providing easy access to everything guests might need during their stay. Its strategic position near major highways allows for seamless travel while maintaining a sense of privacy.
Guests have highlighted its closeness to essential stores like Wegmans and Walmart, as well as parks and other recreational venues. The site’s location is also favored for family visits with many reviewers noting how convenient it was for their specific plans and events they attended. The surrounding area, while mostly composed of business buildings, is well-lit and complemented by nearby eateries and shops, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment.
Several reviews pointed out the hotel’s proximity to various key destinations and events, such as the Capital Jazz Festival and concert venues, making it a prime choice for event-goers. Additionally, being situated just 30 minutes from Baltimore adds to its appeal as a central hub for visitors.
The quiet and clean surroundings, coupled with the convenience of having everything within a short drive or walking distance, enhance the overall guest experience. Despite a few mentions of the location being somewhat challenging to find, the overwhelming sentiment underscores that Sonesta Select Columbia’s location is perfect for both personal and functional needs.
Breakfast
Sonesta Select Columbia offers a charming and serene environment, lauded for its cleanliness and attentive service. The breakfast experience, however, appears to be a recurring point of contention among guests. Numerous reviewers expressed disappointment that breakfast is not complimentary, contrasting it with other hotels that offer inclusive breakfast options. The selection is described as minimal and, at times, of inconsistent quality.
Some guests appreciated the good quality and variety when it was available, noting the beautiful area where breakfast is served. However, the convenience comes at a price. Many guests found the cost of breakfast to be on the higher side with some mentioning that it consisted of pre-packaged or microwaved items.
There were also mentions of modest breakfast times and inadequate training of staff serving breakfast. Additionally, a lack of complimentary coffee in the lobby was a noted inconvenience.
In summary, while the hotel excels in service and ambiance, the breakfast offering leaves much to be desired in terms of value and inclusion within the room rate.
Rooms
Sonesta Select Columbia offers a blend of comfort and convenience with many guests praising the spacious, clean and comfortable rooms. The rooms are well-decorated and equipped with comfortable beds that ensure a good night's sleep. Many guests appreciated the quiet ambiance and the friendly, helpful staff, contributing to a pleasant overnight stay.
Noteworthy features include the spacious suites, balconies in some rooms and handicap-accessible accommodations, which demonstrate an inclusive approach. Guests often highlighted the cleanliness and modern design of the rooms, noting them as well-maintained and cozy. The availability of amenities like mini-fridges and in-room coffee added to the convenience factor, though the absence of microwaves in many rooms was a common downside mentioned.
Some rooms are noted to be on the smaller side and certain areas of the hotel showed signs of wear, such as stained carpets and a musty smell. Despite these occasional issues, the overall setup, including nice grounds and ample parking, received positive feedback. For those looking for a comfortable and fairly quiet stay, Sonesta Select Columbia generally meets expectations, although a few enhancements, particularly concerning room odor and the availability of microwaves, would make the experience even more seamless.
Beds
At Sonesta Select Columbia, the bedding experience stands out in guest reviews with a general consensus highlighting the comfort and quality of their beds. Most guests noted the beds were exceptionally comfortable, often mentioning the softness of the mattresses and the pleasant surprise of a good night's sleep. The hotel offers various bed setups, including big king-size beds and cute pull-out sofas, all contributing to a cozy environment.
Compliments about the bed setup, clean linen and stylish extra pillows were frequent, emphasizing the tidy and appealing presentation. The larger king pillows and soft mattresses were particularly well-received, ensuring that guests had a restful and relaxing experience.
While most guests found the beds to be of good quality, a few mentioned issues like uncomfortable spots or a cheap look. Despite this, the majority of feedback points towards a positive stay with many guests appreciative of the overall comfort provided by Sonesta Select Columbia's bedding.
Cleanliness
Sonesta Select Columbia has consistently garnered praise for its cleanliness. Guests frequently highlighted the hotel’s clean and well-maintained environment, mentioning that the rooms, bathrooms and public areas are thoroughly cleaned. Descriptors such as spotless, immaculate and fresh frequently appear in reviews, underscoring the guests’ satisfaction with the cleanliness standards.
Many guests noted the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a pleasant stay. The hotel’s convenient location and pleasant atmosphere also received positive mentions. Specific areas like the lobby, restaurant and bar were often described as welcoming and tidy.
However, feedback wasn't uniformly positive. Some guests pointed out specific shortcomings such as dirty hallways and elevators and occasional lapses in room and bathroom cleanliness. A few reviews also mentioned issues with the pool’s cleanliness and maintenance.
Despite these occasional negatives, the general consensus showcases Sonesta Select Columbia as a very clean, comfortable and well-maintained hotel that successfully meets high expectations from its guests.
Staff
The Sonesta Select Columbia is consistently praised for its exceptional staff. Many guests highlighted the friendliness and professionalism of the front desk personnel, often describing them as welcoming, accommodating and attentive. Specific mentions include standout employees like Allen, Ruby, Danica and Darren, who went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Guests appreciated the efficient service during check-in and were pleased with the helpful and polite demeanor of the staff throughout their stay. It seems that the night crew also received special acknowledgment for their exceptional service.
However, some reviews did mention less favorable experiences with a few guests encountering rude or inattentive staff members, particularly at the reception. Despite these occasional negative remarks, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff at Sonesta Select Columbia contribute significantly to a positive guest experience, making it a recommended value-for-money stay.
Wi-Fi
Sonesta Select Columbia offers a decent Wi-Fi experience with positive notes highlighting that it worked without needing to call the front desk and was generally good in the rooms. Some guests mentioned good working Wi-Fi and decent Wi-Fi speed, making it suitable for casual browsing and essential online tasks. However, it's worth noting that a few guests experienced weak Wi-Fi in the lobby and occasionally erratic service, implying some inconsistency in the connection. The absence of USB ports for charging devices throughout the rooms was noted, which could be a slight inconvenience for guests with multiple gadgets. Overall, while Wi-Fi service at Sonesta Select Columbia has its high points, occasional weaknesses might be experienced in different areas of the hotel.
Gym
Travelers visiting Sonesta Select Columbia will find a well-equipped gym on the premises for their fitness needs. Although the gym is relatively small and doesn't feature a weight bench or racks, it offers plenty of exercise equipment. Guests should be mindful that the lighting within the gym is on the dimmer side, but the dressing area is well-lit for convenience. On rare occasions, the gym has been noted to be out of order, so checking availability might be prudent before planning your workout. Overall, for those seeking to maintain their exercise routine, the hotel provides a satisfactory gym experience, though a bit more attention to lighting would enhance the setting.
Pool
Sonesta Select Columbia offers a mixed experience with its pool facilities. Guests generally appreciated the pool and outdoor areas, noting that the indoor heated pool with late operating hours was a delightful feature. Its warm water and convenient indoor location added to the guest experience. Despite a few mentions of the pool being small and sometimes crowded, many guests found it pleasant and clean with dimmed evening lights creating a relaxing ambiance.
However, several guests voiced concerns about the cleanliness and availability of the pool. Reports indicated cloudy, filthy or contaminated water at times, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, there were frequent mentions of the pool being closed unexpectedly, often without prior warning. This recurrent closure left many guests disappointed, especially those who were looking forward to swimming.
Though the pool area was described as nice and the heated pool much appreciated, the maintenance and communication regarding its availability seem to require significant improvement. Despite these issues, many visitors enjoyed the balcony views overlooking the pool and the overall warmth and comfort provided by the indoor pool setting.
Parking
Visitors of Sonesta Select Columbia praised the hotel for its free parking facilities, highlighting the well-lit and safe environment, which adds an element of security for guests. Access to the parking lot is convenient, especially for those arriving from the highway. The spacious nature of the parking area ensures plenty of room for vehicles. Despite these positives, certain reviews pointed out areas for improvement, such as the cleanliness of the side parking lot near the woods and occasional dissatisfaction with paid parking fees, including an additional $5 per day. Some guests also noted logistical issues, mentioning that parking could be limited and sometimes far from their rooms. These mixed feedback points reflect the overall functionality and convenience of the parking system at the hotel.
Family
Sonesta Select Columbia has garnered a reputation as a family-friendly hotel that creates a comfortable stay for guests traveling with children. The property is often highlighted for its welcoming and helpful staff, who contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. Cleanliness and quietness are also commendable aspects of the hotel, ensuring a restful environment for families.
Its proximity to family members makes it a convenient choice for those visiting relatives, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. Guests appreciate the emphasis on being family-friendly with many noting that the hotel environment is particularly accommodating for kids.
However, it is worth mentioning that the hotel can sometimes be bustling with families and children, which leads to occasional noise such as kids running and yelling in the hallways. While the pool is a popular amenity for children, it can become overcrowded and there have been instances where the pool was temporarily closed. The rooms might lack space and certain amenities such as microwaves, posing a challenge for larger families sharing one room.
Overall, Sonesta Select Columbia is seen as an outstanding choice for families looking for a comfortable and welcoming stay despite some minor inconveniences typical of a busy, family-oriented hotel.
3 Star
Sonesta Select Columbia offers a comfortable stay at lower rates compared to other three-star hotels, making it a valuable option for budget-conscious travelers. With excellent facilities, the hotel meets the expectations for a three-star establishment, providing adequate amenities for a pleasant experience.
The hotel's proximity to Merriweather Post Pavilion is a notable advantage, making it convenient for guests attending events. Despite an out-of-date look, the overall value and comfort make it a good contender in the $100 price range for places to stay.
However, the absence of a microwave in the rooms and the small, inefficient fridge are minor drawbacks. Nonetheless, for a three-star hotel, Sonesta Select Columbia delivers on its promise of quality and affordability.
Business
Sonesta Select Columbia emerges as a business-friendly hotel, particularly well-suited for frequent travelers with work commitments in the area. Its prime location and proximity to key business venues make it a convenient choice for professionals. Guest reviews highlight its suitability for business stays, noting the availability of business meeting rooms and a convenient business center. The service is described as oriented towards business needs, although one guest mentioned difficulty in printing documents. Overall, the hotel is recommended for solo or business travelers, offering an array of amenities that support business travel, such as USB ports for devices.
Accessible
Sonesta Select Columbia appears to offer a mix of accessibility features for guests with disabilities with numerous reviews highlighting positive aspects. The hotel provides handicap rooms and accessible rooms with walk-in showers, offering convenience for those with mobility issues. Handicap parking spaces are available, including two spots under the entrance cover to facilitate easy access to the hotel. Guests appreciated the various points of access that reduce walking distances to rooms, which is particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty walking. The room layouts are described as large and king-size rooms are available, enhancing comfort.
However, there are some noted drawbacks. Walk-in shower rooms were occasionally unavailable upon request and some guests did not receive the accessible rooms they needed. Additionally, certain accessible rooms only have tubs and the absence of an elevator to some accessible rooms posed challenges for some guests. The level of service regarding accessibility appeared inconsistent with a few guests feeling that their accessibility needs were not adequately met or were treated rudely. Despite these issues, many aspects of the hotel's design are aimed at being accessibility-friendly, although improvements could be made to ensure consistent and comprehensive accessibility throughout the property.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at 'Sonesta Select Columbia' receives praise for its cleanliness and warmth, offering a pleasant swimming experience. Its heated feature ensures comfortable use regardless of the season. However, some guests have noted the absence of shower and changing facilities and the lack of towel supply as areas for improvement. Despite its appealing aspects, there were mentions of the pool sometimes not being open, suggesting potential inconsistencies in availability. A unique aspect is that the indoor pool can be rented for private use such as swim schools, which could be an attractive option for specific needs. Overall, while the pool is appreciated for its key qualities, additional amenities would enhance the experience.
Dog Friendly
Sonesta Select Columbia presents itself as a pet-friendly hotel with dedicated amenities and services for guests traveling with dogs. Some features include pet-friendly reception and rooms specifically available for pets. The hotel's proximity to dog parks adds convenience for pet owners looking for nearby spots to walk their dogs. However, the experience appears mixed among guests. While dogs are allowed, significant concerns have been raised regarding the cost, described by some as high or even ridiculous. Additionally, there have been instances of dogs roaming freely and barking, potentially indicating a need for better regulation. The absence of welcome packages for dogs and occasional confusion among staff about the pet policy suggest areas for improvement in creating a truly accommodating experience for pet owners.
Yes, Sonesta Select Columbia has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sonesta Select Columbia.
Yes, Sonesta Select Columbia welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Sonesta Select Columbia.