Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – International Drive

The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando feels more like a condo complex than a resort hotel, with ample common space for gathering and spending outdoor time, but no organized activities. The architecture and decor is basic Florida, with a beachy touch in the color scheme. The breakfast room is done in muted, but mod, yellows and grays, but there are few windows. Guests can hang out in the bright, lobby TV lounge on comfortable spring-green couches to watch a game, but the Sonesta is more of a place to rest up and recharge in a comfortable apartment than an Orlando resort where the fun doesn’t stop. There's no hotel restaurant, but The Pour, the lobby's bar, is fresh and inviting; the bright white decor with turquoise and light-wood accents makes for a relaxing place to grab a cocktail at happy hour. The pool is moderately sized, but there's no shade; the deck is dotted with a few old school sun loungers, but -- as with the property overall -- this is a spot to recover after a day of sightseeing, not a place to spend the day. Guests are mainly families and some couples in town for business or to visit the theme parks. 

The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando is well-located for exploring area theme parks and other attractions. On the International Drive corridor, the hotel is just across the street from I-Drive 360 and the Orlando Eye, where guests can find plenty of shops, restaurants, activities, and nightlife. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is within a two-minute walk, as are other smaller Orlando attractions such as Madam Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. The shops and restaurants at Pointe Orlando are a little farther, but still only a 15-minute walk from the Sonesta. The area is great for pedestrians with good sidewalks for strolling. The I-Ride Trolley stops out front and takes guests to SeaWorld Aquatica, Wet n’ Wild, and other spots. City and sightseeing buses also stop just outside the hotel’s entrance. And the hotel runs a free shuttle several times a day to Disney World, a 15-minute ride away, and Universal Orlando, about 10 minutes away. Business travelers will find the Orange County Convention Center a convenient five-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms at the Sonesta ES Suites Orlando are either one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, sitting areas with sofa beds, and spacious tiled bathrooms with plenty of counter space. Trios are also available, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and space for eight people. Kitchens are furnished with two-burner cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, coffeemakers, toasters, and microwaves, as well as cookware, utensils, and dishes. The decor is simple and updated, with stylish lighting fixtures, a fresh yellow and blue color palette, and clean wood floors throughout. Some of the bedrooms are on the smaller side, but not enough to be claustrophobic; families will feel comfortable spreading out here. Daily housekeeping is provided, though it's meant to be a light cleaning. Amenities include air-conditioning, pillow-top mattresses, free toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with cable. Light sleepers should be aware that rooms facing the pool get more noise than others. Bathrooms are bright and cheerful, with wood floors, turquoise wall panels, and shower/tub combos with wall-mounted toiletries. 

The Sonesta ES Suites Orlando has an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and sundeck with a few lounge chairs for hanging out after a day at the theme park or outlet mall. There's a window from the pool area into the lobby bar, The Pour, so that guests can order poolside cocktails. The Pour also hosts a nightly happy hour for further socializing. There are barbecue and picnic facilities around the grounds for guest use. There is a 24-hour gift and sundry shop in the lobby that stocks groceries, snacks, and ice cream (for late-night cravings), as well as other conveniences and forgotten items. A free daily buffet breakfast is served and includes a nice selection of hot and cold choices, such as French toast, fresh fruit and yogurt, eggs, and waffles.