Sonoran Suites

Turns out that Sonoran Suites in Carlsbad is actually Windsor Apartments where people live. It was like an extended stay apartment.
I booked through
when my normal hotel (for work travel– The Marriott Courtyard) was booked up. As I was going into my second month of traveling down to Carlsbad, I assumed (bad girl) they were searching for the same amenities in a reasonable price range and I expected something similar. The whole experience was both frustrating and strange.
After booking through a phone call to
to Sonoran Suites, I had the following experience:
* Sonoran Suites called to see if I wanted to cancel with
and book direct for a better deal
* Sonoran Suites called me 2 days later on the first day of my check in to tell me I need to fill out a 3 page liability form and fax it back with a copy of my driver’s license and credit card (good thing I was at work and could make this happen).
Of course it required I stop working to take care of it. When I expressed that I had no idea and was not pleased being my check in was that day, the rep made sure to tell me it was on their website and the check in details are clear. Well since I booked on the phone, I didn’t know and
didn’t tell me… AND…the
confirmation didn’t include this particular required check-​in information
*If I didn’t get it back to them in time they would not be able to confirm a room for me and I would be room-​less until submitted (canceling would mean a 50% charge of the total fee for the original booked time)
*Emailed back and confirmed with: my unit #, gate #, lockbox #, parking lot# (a lot of work already for me for a 3 night stay)
* Are NO hotel reps on site
* Sonoran Suites never told me I was staying at a place called «Windsor» so I was confused trying to find the place (I was looking for a hotel or resort named Sonoran Suites)
* Room did NOT have the following: cable tv (only channels 1 – 16), no internet, no phone (at all), no cell phone reception
*TV in bedroom did have more channels but were all blocked (parent controls). I could only watch news channels and the weather channel
*Asked for a one bed, was put in a 2 bed and 2 bath (creepy for a young woman staying on her own in an unknown place and with NO phone for any emergency calling)
*Instructions meant to scare if you do not submit to a long list of cleaning items prior to leaving (you will be charged a cleaning fee of $ 50.00)… and ironically enough, sitting below that is a card from the maid «gratuities welcome»
(maids and daily service only available when you stay 7 days or more)
*Lockbox was confusing to put back together and no instructions are offered anywhere. I had to call Sonoran Suites to understand what I was doing wrong. I got a voicemail first, had to call back later to get someone to tell me how to put the lockbox back together. Finally got out there and was late for a morning meeting.
All this can be yours for the «promotional price» of $ 249.00 a night.
Hassle! Disappointment!
I think if someone is staying at the minimum for a few weeks and you can get amenities in there (cable, internet, a phone). Then I can see it being okay. But this was an awful experience. I fault
for not being more aware or communicative of where they were putting me and I think Sonoran Suites has a big price tag for providing jack. The place was lacking and the experience a total pain in the ass.