When Phoenix temperatures are in the triple digits, Mark Price, general manager of Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff, can’t seem to work fast enough to settle the influx of guests. Maybe it is because travelers going to tripadvisor.com will see that Sonesta is rated No. 1 of 63 hotels in Flagstaff. Director of Sales Tom D’Agostino says the high rating is the result of how welcome and special guests feel.
“Every hotel has a bed a bath and a TV. The difference is we have a kitchen. Our amenities are great. Guests enjoy the evening social with hot appetizers and the full breakfast, but most importantly, we’ve been No. 1 on TripAdvisor for a full year-and-a-half because they like the service they get here. It’s because of the leadership team at this hotel.”
Sonesta’s focus is the extended stay market. D’Agostino says 35 percent of the property’s customers check in for months at a time. “Often they are visiting medical staff, corporate travelers or construction workers on temporary projects.”
Families traveling for leisure are also an important segment of the clientele. “We call them Firebirds – people getting out of the heat. Our two-bedroom suites sleep six. They have two full bedrooms with bathrooms, a living room with a sofa bed. It’s the best deal in town. We have 24 of these two-bedroom suites and I wish we had 12 more!”
Another selling point is the hotel’s policy on pets under 50 pounds. Bandit and Buddy are welcome as part of the family at Sonesta for a one-time $50 fee per stay.
D’Agostino says the hospitality company bought the property, a Residence Inn, in 2012 from Marriot International as the economy was improving. Since then, the owners have put $6.5 million into the hotel. He calls it a smart decision. “We’re far exceeding all expectations when it comes to return on investment.”
The completed reimagining at the hotel included all guest suites, the lobby and dining spaces, resulting in a contemporary and bright look and feel throughout. The exterior renovation includes brick walls, patios, resurfaced sidewalks and pool decking, plus new rooftops and a clean modern feel. The property offers common outdoor areas as well, with green space, a sport court, seasonal outdoor pool, year round hot tub and BBQ grills.
Featuring mostly spacious studio suites, now with even bigger beds and large flat screen TVs, the kitchens in each suite were upgraded to offer a full-size refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave and coffee maker, along with all the basic tools including pots and pans, plates, utensils and glassware.
D’Agostino says the Sonesta brand is a growing in the hospitality industry with more than 60 properties in eight countries, and a quest to provide “more than just a place to stay,” a statement echoed by staff member Maria Ramirez.
“I love how this hotel treats the guests,” she said as she tiptoed across a wet floor to prepare for a new arrival.
D’Agostino says there are two hotels coming to Flagstaff that are focused on extended stay. “We are anticipating the additional competition, but the demand is still strong. And there’s a reason why we’re No. 1.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Photo caption:
Sonesta Flagstaff’s General Manager Mark Price wants guests to feel at home and like family.
Photo by Veronica Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
