I checked into the Sonesta Select, Greenbelt, Maryland on a vacation trip to Washington, D.C. expecting to stay just one night there. I stayed for three. Usually, I hotel hop to do reviews. In Baltimore, I stayed in four different hotels, three of them in different neighborhoods. The D.C. area Sonesta Select’s convenient location, comfort and affordability enticed me to rebook each morning at Hotels.com.
Formerly, a Courtyard Marriott, the Sonesta Select offers tasteful comfort with easy access to D.C. attractions. I couldn’t think of one good reason to head to another hotel. Located near College Park, the Sonesta Select is also near the University of Maryland for anyone interested in a college visit. Baltimore is an easy day trip.
My reason for heading here was my son’s internship at the United States National Arboretum in D.C. The hotel was minutes from his College Park apartment, as well as, minutes from the Greenbelt and College Park stations of the D.C. Metro. In a busy metropolitan area like D.C., having quick access to various locations is a plus and parking at the hotel is free–another benefit.
When I stepped into the lobby of this Sonesta, I recognized the look. I’d seen this layout before. There was the gas fireplace in the expansive main lobby that doubled as a meeting area and lounge. Furniture groupings were plentiful, tasteful and inviting. There was a firepit outside with patio furniture. “Was this a Courtyard Marriot?” I asked the receptionist. It sure was. The Sonesta Select chain has retained the former Courtyard Marriot’s design. Smart move. Why alter what works well?
The palate is an inviting mix of greys, tan and warm toned wood with splashes of accent colors. The guest rooms are roomy and comfortable. My king room had a couch that could fold out into a double bed, similar to the Courtyard Marriots where I’ve stayed during Cleveland, Ohio and Albuquerque, New Mexico visits.
I’ve also stayed at the Sonesta Suites near Cleveland and found the Greenbelt Sonesta matching the friendly hospitality of those stays. Each time I rebooked my room, the staff was happy to oblige my same room request. The system automatically checked me out of my room and the staff booked me back in to the same room once I made the Hotels.com reservation. After my day going out in D.C., I was given a new room key. Yes, it would have been simpler to book three days from the get-go, but I had planned to hotel hop.
My king room’s coffee maker, minifridge, hairdryer, flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi were put to good use over my stay. After a while, I felt like I lived there. Because of post pandemic life in hotels, my room was left alone. I made my own bed and tidied up the place. Room service is on the 4th day. If I had needed anything extra, however, it would have been provided.
Unlike the Sonesta Suites, this hotel does not serve breakfast, but there is complimentary Starbucks coffee each morning. As the hotel continues to make its shift to its Sonesta brand, dining options are in the works.
During my stay, I chatted with a few other guests. Some were in town for a reunion, others on business and some were also tourists. There was plenty of space for people to gather to visit. The firepit outside added ambiance at night. The hotel also has a fitness center with free weights and cardio machines. The business center is part of the open area lobby.
With it’s close to I-495 location, I had easy access to wherever I wanted to go. One day, it was to the metro station for a day trip into D.C. where I took in the National African American Museum and Ford Theater. Another day, my son and I went to the National Arboretum and to The Office Experience. The Office Experience is for anyone who loves the TV show The Office and Dunder Mifflin nostalgia. It does run through January 16, 2023. After that it will be in another city. Another day, I drove up to see my aunt in Frederick, Maryland, about an hour away.
United States National Arboretum
I could not have picked a better hotel location. Room rates currently run $99 to $129 through the hotel website. Although, I booked through Hotels.com, the hotel website may give you a better deal. There are AAA, Frontline heroes, and Sonesta members discounts.
This is a pet friendly hotel for an additional $75.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
