Sonesta Hotels expands its biz-friendly portfolio

The Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia is one of the newest additions to the Sonesta Collection.

By Mark Chesnut

The Sonesta Collection of hotels, resorts and cruise ships may appeal to a wide array of travelers, but the company’s recent growth may be of special interest to business travelers.

An entirely new brand—Sonesta ES Suites—has debuted in multiple locations, targeting the extended-stay market. Each property has oversized suites with work areas, locally inspired food and beverage options available on site, and flexible common space designed to foster interaction with other travelers.

Among the hotels belonging to this new brand are the Sonesta ES Suites Andover, in Massachusetts, the Sonesta ES Suites Charlotte, in North Carolina, and the Sonesta ES Suites Orlando, which offers a free buffet breakfast daily and free daily transportation to nearby theme parks. The property also has a heated swimming pool and seasonal barbecue grille.

In addition, the Sonesta Collection recently introduced four new hotels to its more upscale portfolio: top-of-the-line properties include the Royal Sonesta Harbor Baltimore, which sits on the Inner Harbor in Maryland’s largest city, and the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston, a AAA Four Diamond award winner located in Houston’s Uptown district.

Also new to the Sonesta Collection is the 445-room Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia (formerly a Crowne Plaza). Situated a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square, it has 16,000 square feet of meeting space as well as a rooftop swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center.

A resort-style vibe is in the air at the 340-room Sonesta Resort Hilton Head, a AAA Four Diamond award-winner set on 11 acres at the Shipyard Plantation grounds. Well-manicured gardens, a swimming pool and beach access are worthy complements to the 20,000 square feet of meeting space and 24-hour self-service business center. After all, there’s nothing wrong with mixing business with pleasure.

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. He once enjoyed a stay in a fabulous suite at the Sonesta El Olivar in Lima, Peru.

Tagged: Florida, Hotels