Sonesta is an oceanfront Hotel that used to be the B Ocean Hotel, which was a renovated Holiday Inn. Unfortunately, while they updated the Hotel, the surrounding area remains a virtual armpit, with no "sophisticated" choices within short walking distance.
Sonesta is not the W. The big differences are that Sonesta is about $100 less per night, and that the W is sold out for just about the entire month of March. Sonesta offers Free Wi-Fi. But the biggest difference is that Sonesta is located on the wrong end of the strip. Las Olas is the "good" side. You'll have to shuttle or cab it up to the Galleria Mall for decent dining here, unless you're a Phillies fan and want to have a burger at the Parrot. Or a slice at Primanti Bros.
They only have "Deluxe" Rooms, with various features. Prices vary widely in season from $269 to $489. The prices between the lowest and room and highest end don't vary much, so it's likely that the rooms are similar.
Pool
The pool area is small and it's not on the ocean; there used to be a nice view of buildings with graffiti but they've put up walls and painted them white. There's a small "bar" for drinks or casual dining.
The back wall and rear gate are right on the road that wraps around the back of the hotel.
Gym
They have a small fitness center with True ellipticals, which are barely gym quality.
In Hotel Dining
SAIA has closed; it's no longer listed on their web site as a dining option. We believe they're putting in something else, but no details yet. They've renamed the B'stro to just Bistro (the B' was a B-ism designed to mesh with the B Hotel concept). We never reviewed it because it just seemed like a cafeteria with expensive food.
The Neighborhood
The big issue with Sonesta is that it's located in a part of town that's stuck in the 80's. The brochures will show you the nicely kept corner location, but nearby things change. The beach is right across the street, which is a good thing. To the south, there are some low end restaurants and a pseudo Irish bar that doesn't serve food.
To the north, or more accurately behind the hotel, there's a 1 road neighborhood with 2 bars, a tattoo parlor and a closed restaurant. There's a popcorn/ice cream place also.
The good restaurants are 7/10 of a mile up Sunrise Blvd in the Galleria Mall.
Parking
The parking lot is located behind the hotel, among the tattoo parlors and crusty bars.
Dining
Sonesta has repurposed the previously casual B'stro into a typical, expensive hotel restaurant.
Bottom Line
This place is fairly inexpensive off-season, when you can get a room for $199. In-Season, the $449 price is outlandish, considering the neighborhood. If you plan on just staying in the hotel and going to the beach, this is fine. But you'll have to Cab it to get to the action. For $189 you could stay at the Marriott Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach and walk to everything while still being across from the beach.
