The hotel chain you've never heard of

Reading Time: 3 min 30 sec

You’ve heard of Marriott. You’ve stayed at Hilton.
But have you ever booked a Sonesta?

Most travelers haven’t — and that’s exactly why this underrated chain deserves your attention. With over 1,100 properties worldwide, Sonesta is no longer a small player. They’ve grown fast in the last five years, focusing on the one thing families actually care about: reliable hotels at fair prices.

Sonesta won’t replace Hilton or Marriott for every trip. But in the right situations, they’re a smart alternative — especially if you’re looking for newer rooms, family space, and better value.

The 3 Sonesta Brands That Actually Matter

🏨 Sonesta Select – Smart and Reliable

• Avg price: $120–160/night

• Best for: Airport hotels, suburban stays, business districts

• Family reality: Modern design, strong shuttle service, consistent experience

• Example: Sonesta Select Nashville Airport Suites felt brand new (check out my review on LinkedIn here) — at a price point lower than many comparable Courtyards or Hiltons nearby.

🏢 Sonesta ES Suites – Space to Breathe

• Avg price: $140–200/night

• Best for: Extended stays, relocations, family vacations where kitchens matter

• Family reality: Full kitchens, separate living rooms, weekly rates that stretch your budget

• Why it works: Imagine making breakfast in your suite before heading out — saving money and keeping mornings calm.

• Example: Sonesta ES Suites Orlando is minutes from theme parks, but with the added perk of cooking your own meals.

✨ Sonesta Hotels & Resorts – Full-Service When You Want More

• Avg price: $180–250/night

• Best for: City centers, beach resorts, trips where you want extra amenities

• Family reality: Pools, restaurants, fitness centers — the full-service feel without the premium price tag

• Example: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island delivers a true resort experience at a rate that’s competitive with bigger chains.

Why Sonesta Stands Out

• Growing footprint → Over 1,100 hotels in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Not everywhere yet, but expanding fast.

• Thoughtful design → Many properties are recently built or renovated. Clean, modern, and practical for real families.

• Space and kitchens → Especially at ES Suites, families get room to spread out and cook — something that changes the travel experience.

• Competitive pricing → For travelers spending $150–$300 per night, Sonesta often delivers more space and amenities at the same rate you’d pay elsewhere.

Sonesta Travel Pass: The Rewards Program

Sonesta’s loyalty program — Sonesta Travel Pass — is a hidden gem:

• Free to join → sign up takes less than two minutes

• Points add up quickly → 10 points per $1 spent

• Free nights start at 15,000 points → often achievable faster than with larger chains

• Member perks → free Wi-Fi, room upgrades (when available), and exclusive rates

For frequent Marriott or Hilton guests, Travel Pass won’t replace your primary program. But it’s an excellent secondary option, especially for trips where Sonesta has the best property in town.

Sweet Spots for Families

Sonesta isn’t everywhere, but here’s where they really shine:

• Airport hotels → Sonesta Select Boston Woburn and other locations near major airports offer value without sacrificing comfort.

• Extended vacations → ES Suites in places like Orlando or Scottsdale are designed for longer stays, with space and kitchens that save serious money.

• Resort getaways → Properties like Hilton Head or St. Maarten balance resort amenities with more approachable pricing.

• Secondary cities → In markets where Marriott and Hilton command high rates, Sonesta often undercuts them while matching quality.

The International Picture

Sonesta’s global footprint isn’t as wide as Hilton or Marriott. But they’re expanding in Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe, giving you more options abroad. For most families, Sonesta will be a U.S.-first strategy, with international stays as a nice bonus when available.

Bottom Line

Sonesta is the hotel chain you probably haven’t tried — but should.

For families spending $150–$300 a night, they hit a sweet spot:

• Select for stress-free airport and suburban hotels

• ES Suites for space and kitchens on longer trips

• Hotels & Resorts when you want full amenities without overspending

And with Sonesta Travel Pass, you can start building rewards right away — something most travelers don’t realize is even an option.

Next time you’re comparing Hilton or Marriott, check if there’s a Sonesta nearby. You might find newer rooms, more space, and a better fit for your family.

Want to be interviewed for The World Unfolding? Reply to this email and tell me why!

Until next Thursday,
Jeff