Hotel Sonesta Simply Suites Birmingham Hoover (Birmingham, USA)

The location of this hotel is set off from the busy city limits of Birmingham and is in a quieter, residential location without being in the boondocks. It is close to local farmer's markets and many shopping and restaurant choices that are easy to drive to.

The hotel's lending "library" offers more than just books. Instead, guests can borrow appliances like crock pots and blenders, and even check out games. The kitchen area in the units is spacious and usable and the self-serve store in the lobby can help to avoid a trip to a grocery store. Plus, guests can even borrow movies to watch in the room.

The staff here gives that famous southern hometown hospitality the area is known for. They are friendly and helpful about the area with recommendations and advice for first time visitors, giving that special touch of personal interest.

The business professional might have a hard time conducting business here as there is no dedicated business center or event spaces to conduct meetings. Also, the rooms are not cleaned daily and guests even have to request towel changes and such things as new toilet paper rolls.

While some guests might enjoy the pet-friendly and smoking privileges this hotel allows, other guests will find it unpleasant. The evidence of pets can be seen in grounds and landscaping and many rooms have distinctive pet odors. Other rooms smell of smoke or mustiness. Rooms are not kept separated for guests who don't like this type of arrangement.

When booking on a third-party website, many guests discover that this Candlewood Suites does not meet their needs as all rooms have only one bed. These arrangements cannot be refunded. Also, the clerical issues extends to other booking errors and makes checking-in and -out full of hassles for guests.