Sonesta Simply Suites Knoxville

“Good Stay for the Cost”

The room was exactly what we needed for a longer stay while we moved to the area and closed on a home. The room was clean. Jonathan M at the front desk was super helpful with hiking recommendations and in getting a different room when needed. He was also very friendly and never made you feel you ... more

The room was exactly what we needed for a longer stay while we moved to the area and closed on a home. The room was clean. Jonathan M at the front desk was super helpful with hiking recommendations and in getting a different room when needed. He was also very friendly and never made you feel you were a burden.

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“Desk Clerk Saved the Day”

I would have given this place two stars if it weren't for the fact that one of the desk clerks by the name of Steven went out of his way to make things right. I arrived to find this room had clearly received no more than a superficial cleaning in a very long time. Just about everything I touched... more

I would have given this place two stars if it weren't for the fact that one of the desk clerks by the name of Steven went out of his way to make things right. I arrived to find this room had clearly received no more than a superficial cleaning in a very long time. Just about everything I touched had a layer of grime and/or dust on it: The old (no longer used) thermostat, the HVAC controls, the lamp on the nightstand... The desk/dining table had a thin layer of dirt/dust. There was shaving cream or whipped cream spattered on the wall opposite the kitchen and on the door. The coffeemaker – which was obviously old and damaged, had not even been cleaned out; there was coffee in the bottom of the carafe and used grounds in the basket. There was mildew all over the refrigerator gasket. There was black hair on the kitchen floor and in the bathroom sink. There were cobwebs and dirt in the corners of the bathroom floor and a thick layer of dust in the bath vent fan (presenting a fire danger). I kept my flip-flops on at all times because the kitchen area floor and carpeting were both filthy. Worst of all, the smoke detector was clearly outdated, and did not work. (I also discovered on the second night of my 3-night stay that the bathroom outlet didn't work, so I had to dry my hair by the desk, with no mirror). Thankfully I am not a germaphobe, and I was too tired to report the issues when I arrived late afternoon (after spending 15 minutes in and out of the intense TN heat – schlepping a heavy cooler and ton of luggage to my room because there was no luggage cart available). I also didn't notice some of the issues with the room until the next morning, at which time I called the front desk. Steven arrived within about 15 minutes to look at the room. I pointed out all the cleaning and maintenance issues and he was clearly not pleased about the condition of the room; he immediately apologized, saying he would make it right. And he did this to the extent he could. (The room needed more than cleaning; it's overdue for a major update.) Steven spent a long time – perhaps 1-1/2 hours – cleaning the room himself from top to bottom. He also replaced the coffeemaker (without me even pointing out the fact that it was beat up) and had maintenance come by to replace the smoke alarm. He was attentive and sincerely sorry about the whole situation. Based on the response I received due to this star employee, I would give this place another chance, since the $77/night room rate I got was a deal. The kitchenette is fully equipped with dishes, utensils, dish soaps, a dishwasher and even a hotplate, so I saved money on food. And the layout of the room, with the long, L-shaped desk also serving as a kitchen table and ironing board, was convenient. I would be willing to pay more if that meant the rooms were given some badly needed updates and properly cleaned. I recommend anyone staying here ask to see their room before checking in. I also recommend management pay much closer attention to the condition of their rooms, and give Steven a well-deserved promotion!

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