Detroit's BEST Kept Secret? Ann Arbor's Sonesta Simply Suites Awaits!

Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States

Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States

Detroit's BEST Kept Secret? Ann Arbor's Sonesta Simply Suites Awaits!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… Detroit's BEST Kept Secret? Ann Arbor's Sonesta Simply Suites Awaits! (and yes, that's a mouthful, but we'll get through it). Forget those stuffy reviews; this is the real deal, straight from yours truly, someone who appreciates a good hotel and, let's be honest, a really comfy bed.

First off, let's address the elephant (or rather, the giant inflatable swan) in the room: Accessibility. Listen, I’m not personally wheelchair-bound, but I am forever schlepping around with a suitcase that weighs a ton and a toddler who thinks escalators are basically rollercoaster rides. So, ease of access is HUGE for me. The Sonesta Simply Suites Ann Arbor seems to get this. They tout Facilities for disabled guests and that's promising. I need to know if the bathrooms are reasonable and if the hallways can handle a rogue scooter, and how about the dining situation?

Moving on: Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, Life

Alright, I have seen some questionable hotel rooms, and I'm talking about questionable in the "I'd rather sleep in my car" kind of way. So, cleanliness is paramount. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services and room sanitization opt-out gave me a huge sigh of relief. I mean, who doesn't want to feel like they're walking into a freshly-baked bread commercial when they enter a hotel room? The Hand sanitizer, and Staff trained in safety protocol are all HUGE pluses. I'd even consider getting a Room sanitization opt-out available because these aren’t things that everyone agrees on, and you should have the choice of how many chemicals enter your room!

I also noticed the inclusion of Cashless payment service and Safe dining setup,. I am a fan of both.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure

Okay, let's be real. The allure of a hotel isn’t just about the fancy showers and the endless supply of tiny shampoos. It’s the food. The Sonesta Simply Suites, I'm seeing that they have Breakfast [buffet], and Breakfast takeaway service. (Though truth be told, sometimes I NEED to stay in my room). I am a sucker for a simple breakfast: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop. If the hotel has really great coffee, I’m already sold.

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter

This is where a hotel either shines or… well, doesn’t. I value amenities like Daily housekeeping (because, let's be honest, I can’t adult at home, let alone a hotel room), Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and especially Luggage storage. And for the love of all that is holy, a Concierge. A good concierge is a travel angel, guiding you through the unknown with insider tips and rescuing you from potential tourist traps. I didn’t notice a list of fun activities outside the property. On-site event hosting could be fun, but I wonder what events they’ve had.

And of course, the ever-important Internet access. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That’s music to my ears. Internet [LAN] - is this 1998? I'm sure there are some people who need this, but let's move on. Wi-Fi in public areas is basically mandatory.

For the Kids – Because, Parenthood

Alright, parents, I'm talking to you. Family/child friendly is a must, but what does that really mean? I'm hoping for things like a crib in every room and maybe, just maybe, some toys in the lobby. Babysitting service? A girl can dream, right? I don't have much info here, and would like to see more!

Available in All Rooms – The Real Deal

This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty: the actual room. Air conditioning? Essential. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Coffee/tea maker? My morning sanity depends on it. I will say, I love the sound of those Bathrobes, that's luxurious! I did notice the inclusion of a laptop workspace. I hope the work is optional!

Getting Around

Airport transfer is clutch, especially after a long flight. I am also a fan of Car park [free of charge], because who wants to pay extra for a parking spot? Courtesy car.

And Now, For My Honest, Slightly Rambling, Totally Human Verdict:

Sonesta Simply Suites Ann Arbor. Look, I can't give you a perfect score based on a list. But, from what I'm seeing, it seems like a solid choice. I’m getting a warm and fuzzier feeling about it based on the detailed list, and I like a hotel that thinks about the little things — the amenities, the cleanliness, and the ease of getting around.

Here's the deal: a very limited, and not very in-depth

Ready to Book? Here's Your Exclusive Offer!

Book your stay at Sonesta Simply Suites Ann Arbor today and receive:

  • 15% off your stay
  • Free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability)
  • A complimentary welcome drink at the pool bar
  • A personalized concierge consultation for all you need

Why are we doing this, you ask? Because we believe in spreading the word about this hidden gem. You deserve a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free stay.

Click here to book now and experience the best-kept secret in Ann Arbor! (And then, come back here and tell me all about it!)

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Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor adventure. Warning: This itinerary is less "precise Swiss watch" and more "drunk squirrel trying to navigate a hedge maze." Prepare for chaos. And maybe a good laugh (at my expense, probably).

Day 1: Arrival & The Great Parking Lot Debacle (aka: My Relationship with GPS)

  • 1:00 PM: Arrive at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Or, at least, attempt to. My GPS, bless its silicon heart, decided to take me on a scenic route involving several charming, albeit slightly abandoned, backroads. "Recalculating…" she chirped, as I cursed under my breath and prayed I hadn't lost my sanity before getting to Ann Arbor. Found the hotel. Found it.

  • 1:30 PM: Check into Sonesta Simply Suites. Honestly? First impressions: not terrible. Cleanish, the furniture looked like it had been there since the 90s but still in one piece, and the complimentary coffee machine in the lobby looked like a relic from a time before everything was espresso-based. (My kind of machine, tbh)

  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Parking Lot Debacle. This is where my relationship with GPS devolved into full-blown war. The hotel had a parking lot. I thought I was good with directions. Let's just say, I circled the lot approximately seven times, narrowly missing a rogue shopping cart, before finally finding a spot. It was probably the worst parking spot, right next to a dumpster. But hey, I'm here!

  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking and a Quick Panic. Unpack. Inventory the snacks I brought. Realize I forgot my phone charger. (Cue internal wailing). Text my friend asking if they have an extra one. She doesn't. Sigh. Time for a quest to find a charger.

    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a low-key diner near the hotel. Ordered a grilled cheese. Delicious. Refueled after the parking lot ordeal.

    • 6:00 PM - onward: Evening Relaxation (aka: Netflix and Snacks) - I mean, what else is there to do when you forgot a charger? I settled in, watched some guilty-pleasure TV, and slowly but surely, devoured the snacks. Found a random book in my bag. Maybe I'll read it.

Day 2: Ann Arbor Adventures (And Maybe Some Regret)

  • 8:00 AM: Wake up. Surprised I slept. Coffee from that ancient machine. It tasted like lukewarm dreams, but hey, it's coffee.

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Ann Arbor Exploration! Okay, I'd heard Ann Arbor was… well, Ann Arbor. Quirky. Intellectual. (Maybe a bit pretentious? We'll see…). I figured I’d check out the University of Michigan campus. It was grand. The buildings felt like they had stories, and I felt so small. Then I got lost and gave up on my planned architectural tour. No biggie!

  • 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch - Found a cute little spot downtown. The food was so so. But the people-watching was stellar. I saw a guy in a plaid fedora playing the accordian and decided that was the real Ann Arbor experience.

  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The bookstore. That bookstore. The one you dream about. Oh, it was a MESS! Books everywhere. And the scent! Old paper, ink, possibility. I got completely lost in the shelves. I spent way too much money, and now the bag is heavier than my emotional baggage. It was worth it.

    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping - I wanted to buy a new phone charger. It turns out that it's more difficult than it appears.
  • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner - Found a pretty nice sushi place. I spent more money than I intended. I also forgot how to use chopsticks and ended up looking like a cat trying to catch a mouse with a fork.

  • 6:00 PM - onward: Back to the hotel. The book I bought. The TV show that's got me hooked. The fact that, with the new charger I purchased, I can now contact the outside world. So, you know, the good life.

Day 3: Departure & Contemplations on the Meaning of Life (and Car Rental Returns)

  • 8:00 AM: Coffee, remnants of yesterday's shopping spree, and a lingering sense of existential dread.

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check Out. No major incidents. (Yay!)

  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Return Rental Car. Another test of my GPS-fueled sanity. Would I get lost again? Spoiler alert: No. I returned it!

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final Look Around. One last gaze at the Sonesta Simply Suites, a mix of relief (Yay! I'm leaving!) and a strange, unexpected fondness. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine, for a few days.

  • 12:00 PM: Head to the Airport. Hopefully, I'll find my gate. And, hopefully, the flight isn't delayed!

  • Whatever Time: Arrival at destination. Sigh. Back to reality.

Final Thoughts: This trip was a rollercoaster. And, if I’m honest, a slight disaster. But it was my disaster. And it made me feel alive. And I'll always remember the parking lot, the bookstore, the grilled cheese, and the plaid fedora from Ann Arbor. Maybe I'll even come back. But next time, I'm packing two chargers and an advanced degree in GPS navigation. Or at least a friend who does.

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Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States

Okay, Detroit's "Best Kept Secret"? Seriously? Ann Arbor's Sonesta Simply Suites? What's the *deal*? I'm picturing a Motel 6. Am I wrong? (Please tell me I'm wrong!)

Okay, first off, breathe. I get it. "Secret." "Ann Arbor." My brain immediately conjures up images of…well, *not* exciting things. But look, I was skeptical too. Absolutely. I'm a Detroit native, raised on skepticism. We don't just *believe* things are good; we require serious, hard evidence. So when my friend Sarah – the one whose taste is usually better than her filter – started raving about the Sonesta, I was side-eyeing her harder than a used car salesman. Then I *went*. And yeah… it’s not the Ritz. It’s not the Four Seasons. But it’s… unexpectedly *pleasant*. Think clean, spacious suites (important!), kitchenettes (SCORE!), and surprisingly comfortable beds. My first visit was during a brutal Michigan winter. We were there for a U of M game (ugh, the maize and blue… but I digress). The second I walked in from the frozen tundra, I let out a big sigh. Warmth. Good lighting. No weird smells. It might not be the Grand Hotel, but it's definitely an upgrade from the dreaded Motel 6 I was picturing.

So, what *exactly* makes it a "secret"? Is it hidden behind a dumpster? Are they smuggling in contraband? Spill the tea!

Okay, the "secret" part is probably just marketing fluff. But here's the *vibe*: It's not the flashy, trendy option. It's not plastered all over Instagram. It's the reliable, comfortable, *affordable* option that you might stumble upon while desperately searching for a place near the highway. I've noticed it's mainly business travelers and families who are in the know. They want a clean, functional suite with a kitchen, a decent breakfast (more on that later…), and easy access to Ann Arbor and Detroit – without the insane hotel prices. Look, the biggest "secret" is probably that it's a damn good value. Seriously. Especially compared to the overpriced hotels closer to campus, and the ridiculously exorbitant lodging options in downtown Detroit.

Breakfast... now we're getting to the important stuff. Is it the sad, pre-packaged muffin situation? Or are we talking epic, waffle-making extravaganza?

Alright, let's talk about breakfast. And honestly? It’s… serviceable. It's not a *celebration* of breakfast, but it's not a total disaster. There are usually… *wait for it*… waffles! You get to make your own! (This always thrills me more than it should). Plus, the usual suspects: cereal, yogurt, fruit, and the dreaded… pre-packaged pastries. Here's the thing: after a long drive, or a rough night out in Ann Arbor (let's not talk about the bar scene), having *something* to fill the hole in your stomach before hitting the road is a HUGE win. Am I going to write home about the omelets? No. Am I going to gnaw my arm off to get there? Also no. But it's a decent free breakfast, and that's a beautiful thing in this day and age!

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: The *location*. Ann Arbor. What's so great about being in Ann Arbor and not, say, *Detroit*? (I'm starting a war here, aren't I?)

Alright, alright, simmer down, fellow Detroiters. I get it. Loyalty to the D is STRONG. (Did you see the Lions last night? Ugh... but I digress). The *truth* is, the location is actually fantastic, if you're going to need Ann Arbor or Detroit. Sonesta Simply Suites is close to the highway, which can whisk you into the heart of Detroit quicker than you'd expect. While you're in Ann Arbor, you can get to the University of Michigan’s campus in under 10 minutes. Shops, restaurants, and the whole Ann Arbor vibe is super easy to access. Plus, there's way less traffic craziness (usually). And if you're, you know, *visiting* Ann Arbor for something other than a Lions game... the location is even better. Good restaurants, shops, etc. It's a convenient base camp for all sorts of adventures. Look, even a die-hard Detroiter like me can admit that Ann Arbor has its charms. (Just don't tell anyone I said that).

What *really* surprised you about this place? The one thing that made you go, "Huh. Not bad, Sonesta, not bad at all."

(Thinking hard...) Okay, the thing that *really* surprised me? The *space*. Holy moly, the suites are spacious! I'm talking about a dedicated living area, a separate bedroom, and a kitchenette! It's not just a glorified hotel room. It's an actual *suite*. You can spread out. You can have guests over (within reason, of course). You don't feel like you're living in a shoebox. I remember the first time I walked in, I actually laughed. I was expecting those cramped hotel rooms where you can barely swing a cat (though, I wouldn't actually *swing* a cat). This felt like an apartment. It made a huge difference, especially when I was traveling with my kids. It's a lifesaver!

Any downsides? Be honest! No one's perfect, and I don't expect some sparkling utopia.

Okay, the downsides. Gotta be honest here. The decor is… functional. Let’s just say it's not winning any design awards. Think beige. Lots and lots of beige. But hey, you're not there for the art and design. Also, the pool is a sad, sad rectangle. It exists, and it’s usually clean, but… it's not a resort pool. I wouldn't build a vacation around it. The little things are missing, but its hard to notice. Things like the gym wasn't very good. They need to update that. The biggest downside, though, is probably… it's not in Detroit. But hey. Can't win 'em all, right?

Okay, you’ve sung its praises. What’s the bottom line: Would you recommend it? To whom? And more importantly, are you going back?

Would I recommend Ann Arbor's Sonesta Simply Suites? Absolutely. * **I recommend it for:** Families, business travelers, anyone who wants a comfortable, affordable base camp in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area. Anyone who values space over super-fancy frills. My family, for sure. * **I would NOT recommend it for:** People who need a high-end, luxury experience. Design snobs. People who demand over-the-top amenities (like a swim-up bar, though that would be sweet). People who are scared of beige. And am I going back? Heck yeah. I already have a trip booked. Because sometimes, you justThe Stay Journey

Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States

Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor United States