Sonesta Hotels: What to Know Before You Book

Ever stayed at a Sonesta Hotel? With locations scattered around the world, these properties offer a variety of experiences, from high-end vacations to budget stays. Although not as popular as competitors like Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton, Sonesta Hotels have a lot to offer an interested traveler.

Here's a look at who owns Sonesta Hotels, their amenities and Sonesta’s Travel Pass loyalty program.

Sonesta has more than 1,000 hotels spread across eight countries and three continents. Sonesta Hotel locations include North America, South America and the Middle East.

• U.S.

• Canada.

• Chile.

• Colombia.

• Ecuador.

• Egypt.

• Peru.

• Sint Maarten.

While Sonesta’s global footprint isn’t on par with brands such as Marriott, the company is expanding. So, how many Sonesta hotels are there? In 2020, Sonesta included 80 hotels worldwide. Today, major growth has seen the company spread to 1,200 properties.

» Learn more: Sonesta hotels are popping up everywhere

Each Sonesta hotel brand has its own distinctive flavor; currently, there are seven different Sonesta brands, including:

1. Royal Sonesta.

2. Sonesta Hotels and Resorts.

3. Sonesta Select.

4. Sonesta ES Suites.

5. Sonesta Simply Suites.

6. Sonesta Cruise River Nile Collection.

7. Sonesta Posadas Del Inca.

These brands run the gamut in terms of affordability and luxury. If you’re looking for high-end luxury, you may want to consider Royal Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, or Sonesta Select properties.

If you’re looking for room to spread out, Sonesta ES Suites or Sonesta Simply Suites may be more your style.

» Learn more: Tips for booking big hotel rooms for a family trip

Like other hotel chains, the amenities you’ll receive will depend on where you’re staying. For example, at a Sonesta ES Suites property, you can expect amenities similar to staying in a home.

At the Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue, meanwhile, you can find the largest single-level pool in Hawaii, along with four pools and a spa.

PAWS: Paws Are Welcome at Sonesta

Are Sonesta hotels pet friendly? The short answer: Yes, Sonesta hotels are pet friendly, no matter the brand. The long answer: The cost will depend on which Sonesta hotel you’re booking; prices vary based on your location.

Even so, among all Sonesta hotels, there is one amenity you can always expect: room for your furry friend. Here’s how those costs will vary:

• Royal Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts and Sonesta Select. Minimum $75 fee per stay.

• Sonesta ES Suites and Sonesta Simply Suites. $75 for stays up to seven nights and $25 per week thereafter.

These pet fees apply no matter the breed or weight of your dog; you can also bring up to two pets for your stay.

Additional pet-related amenities will vary based on the brand. Those staying at higher-end Sonesta properties will receive dog beds, bowls and treats. Other guests can expect bowls, treats and waterproof feeding mats. Where possible, Sonesta hotels will have pet-friendly walking and potty areas.

» Learn more: The best hotels that allow pets

Hotel loyalty programs are a must-do for the savvy traveler. Why? Because these free programs provide customers with the ability to earn elite status, reward points and other benefits with their chosen hotel programs.

Sonesta International Hotels corporation’s Travel Pass is no exception. Enrolling is free and easy; you’ll simply need to enter your name and email address in order to join.

Elite status

Sonesta’s Travel Pass program has three levels of membership:

The benefits you’ll receive are somewhat comparable with other hotel loyalty programs, though the requirements to achieve top-tier elite status with Sonesta are far more lax. Sonesta will gladly match your elite status with other programs, unlike other chains, which may either deny your request or require you to complete a status match challenge.

Along with a 5% discount on room rates, elite members with Sonesta can expect a variety of perks, including complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, complimentary premium internet and the ability to earn reward points for free reward nights.

Redeeming points for free nights

There are 11 different tiers of Sonesta hotels; the amount of points you’ll need to redeem for a night will be based on each hotel’s tier.

Sonesta Travel Pass members will earn a minimum of 10 points per dollar spent on hotels (except at Sonesta Simply Suites, where members will earn 5 points per dollar).

Reward rooms start at 10,000 points per night. These Tier 1 hotels are all located within the U.S.; otherwise, you can expect to pay in increments until Tier 11. Tier 11 hotels cost 50,000 points per night.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program

Sonesta is a rapidly growing hotel brand with a geographic footprint spanning eight different countries. Although that may seem small when compared with other hotel chains, it’s worth noting that Sonesta has expanded its presence from under 100 properties to 1,200 since 2020.

Even though it’s still relatively small, it’s worth enrolling in Sonesta’s Travel Pass program to earn rewards for redemptions. Along with a generous elite status match option, customers can expect room upgrades, club lounge access and late check-out as elite-tier members.

Finally, those with pets will want to give Sonesta a second — and even third — glance. With an expansive pet policy valid at all Sonesta hotels worldwide, those who are traveling with furry family members would do well to check out these properties. Although it isn’t free to have a pet stay with you at a Sonesta hotel, the ability to bring up to two animals without breed restrictions is highly valuable.