Name: Sonesta ES Suites Carmel Mountain - San Diego
Address: 11002 Rancho Carmel Drive, Carmel Mountain Ranch, San Diego, California, United States of America, San Diego, California, US
Price range: $112–$323 per night
Rating: 8.35

What guests think

At Sonesta ES Suites Carmel Mountain - San Diego, many travelers appreciate the spacious suites with kitchens and the convenient setting near shops, restaurants, and highways, while opinions on cleanliness, maintenance, and staff range from strong praise to sharp criticism.

Breakfast is frequently described as tasty and varied, yet several reviews note limited hours, items running out, and occasional chaotic service. Facilities like the pool, hot tub, and sports courts are a plus, but guests also report closures, aging areas, tight paid parking, and some construction noise. Suites feel roomy and comfortable overall, but recurring issues include slow drains, dated furnishings, uncomfortable sofa beds, thin walls, and unreliable Wi-Fi. Expect ample space and a convenient base, with some trade-offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Sports courts, a pool and hot tub are mentioned positively, but multiple reviews report closures, broken features or construction. Parking carries a fee and spaces can be tight; some areas show wear, and an elevator was reported broken during one stay.

Related guest reviews

8

Steve

Dec 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great with a ton of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment around. The staff was friendly and nice. The room itself was clean and comfortable. The only issue I would say is the facility itself seems to aging. The sport court, pool, spa areas just seemed like they either don't get used much or have been left to degrade. They are not unusable by any means but they definitely need some love.

4

Stefanie

Apr 14, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The outside of the property was dirty. Pool area was worse than picture. Didn't clean or service rooms daily- only once every 7 days. Had to go get more coffee pods from office every day.

10

Ananta

Apr 17, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel. Good breakfast. There is a pool, hot tub and pickleball court

8

Sandra

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was surprised at how convenient the location was. Close to restaurants, shopping and gas stations. The only downsize is that there are no elevators.

8

Hemanth

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Liked the location with many shopping / dining options around. Parking spots are tight/ compact for larger vehicles. Wish the breakfast options were much better.

6

Lorenzo

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

really good place , reason for staying there was hot tub and pool , i’m in law enforcement for 30 years and had a softball tourny , we needed the hot tub , once we got there we were told that tub and pool was not working , u deconstruction. the hotel will be refunding partial payment , but since we went through expedia they need u to call them please . we stayed at sonesta san diego , carmel mountain rd..thank u lorenzo espino ..

8

Kari

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The gentleman that checked us in was so busy but kind and attentive. The property offered tennis, pickleball, basketball, ping pong & a pool!! I was impressed with the entire hotel's cleanliness & location to everything.

6

Heather

Mar 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Staff were all wonderful, kind and accommodating. The free breakfast was the best I have ever had in a hotel. The problems we had were all related to the age and maintenance of the building. The elevator was broken, as was the hot tub (we had really been looking forward to the hot tub!). The couch in the room was horrible with a hard ridge that digs into your back. There is a fireplace but no wood to burn (definitely not a gas unit), who brings wood with them?? The bed sagged in the middle so we both rolled to the center. Then, on our last day, the hot water heater had an issue and they required us to move to a new room, we had had enough and decided to leave a day early. Once again though, the staff was very kind and did not charge us for the last night, even though we were past the check out time.

6

Afira Arrastia

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a bare minimum property that could be better with a little bit of effort. The room options are good, the kitchenette is a great thing to have when you’re with kids and everything is clean and tidy. The beds are even comfy. All the basics are there. But There’s a lot of construction going on and it’s noisy with very little regard for the timing of the day. Also, we needed bedding for the pullout couch and we got it but we told sorry no pillows but the most annoying thing was on an 85° temperature day in July. We were looking forward to jumping in the pool only to learn that the pool and whirlpool were closed. That was information that would’ve been helpful to know before booking.

8

Bibi

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The outside of the building and parking lot need to be cleaned. The sideways and stairs have a lot of drinking spills and stains. The elevator floor's old carpet needs to be replaced. Most of the time, the inside of the room was in good condition and comfortable. Significant areas are closer to gas stations and shopping centers. I did enjoy staying.

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Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: many guests found rooms very clean, while others reported hair, stains, odors, mold, and trash or linens piling up between infrequent housekeeping visits. Exterior areas are sometimes described as dirty.

Related guest reviews

2

Maria

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I booked 2 nights because my dog was having surgery in the area. The room was dirty. Fingerprints on the walls and doors. Bathroom had hair and full of dirt and dust. Pillow had yellow stains. I asked to be switch to a different room. The front desk lady said she would call me back. She never did so I checked out that afternoon and was still charged for one of the night. The property itself was also dirt. Bags of dirty linen sheets and towels piled outside. Dog poop around the outdoor walk ways. DO NOT STAY HERE!

10

Edward

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean rooms, friendly staff

4

Judith

May 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Have stayed here multiple times over the past years. Cleanliness of rooms has continued to decrease each time we are here. I would not recommend this location to friends. On a positive note: Front desk staff are helpful and there is a wonderful woman in charge of AM breakfast.

2

Cassandra

Jul 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was dirty, bathroom dirty had hair in shower, mold in bathroom. I told front desk and they said sorry.

6

Hussein

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed at this hotel for two nights, and i had an unpleasant experience after checking out. Without any prior notice, an amount was deducted from my deposit. I only discovered this later on while reviewing my bank account. I called them to inquire about it. They said that it was "the parking fees". It was disappointing that the hotel didn't inform me about this fee in advance, leaving me to find out on my own. On top of that, when I checked in, there were crumbs on the kitchen table. It wasn’t a huge issue for me, but it didn't look good and could suggest a lack of proper cleanliness.

4

Elisa

May 27, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Outs area dirty, trash bins full at every building, elevators dirty and smells bad, kitchen was dirty and had hair on stove area. Bathroom not the best.

10

Nokuthula

May 31, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel was affordable breakfast was great but they didn’t clean the room in my three night stay or even ask if we need the room to be cleaned.

2

Holli

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Thought this would be a great hotel for my family to stay on their trip. Upon checking in on the first night, we noticed bed bugs on the pull out sofa bed. The manager was accommodating and told us he would move us to a different room. That room wasn’t available until the next morning and we had to pack up everything and put it in our car for the day. That night around 10pm we get back to our hotel to check into our new room. There were bed bugs also in that room. There was no manager on duty and Cole who was working the front desk was extremely rude and unprofessional with handling the situation. We left and found a new hotel that night. I let the manager know that he has bed bugs in these rooms. They supposedly sent EcoLab out to the rooms and they did not find anything in their reports. I have posted pictures showing there are in fact bed bugs. We will not be staying here again.

6

qi

Aug 9, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

There were dirty mugs with coffee stains, towels with yellow stains, a pair of socks in between the bed and the night stand plus a huge chunk of hair on one of the towels. I liked the area and good basic breakfast though

10

Ryan

Mar 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was clean and well taken care of

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Suites are spacious with full kitchens and separate living areas, and beds are often comfortable. However, guests cite dated decor, maintenance issues (drains, doors, AC), thin walls, unreliable Wi-Fi, and uncomfortable or under-supplied sofa beds.

Related guest reviews

6

Delano

Sep 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was okay. Our room had a portable air conditioner that didn’t cool off the bedroom.

6

Kenneth

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel was basic and very weathered. Mold in the bathroom around the shower and sink. Carpets worn and generally felt outdated. We actually checked out a day early due to no internet. Unfortunately, when working remotely, we really needed to stay connected. We were located in the #6 building, corner top floor, queen suite room. Breakfast was included and not bad, grounds and gardens were well kept. Pool area does not look like the photos. Breakfast staff friendly, front desk staff cordial, great location.

4

Michael

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Noisy thin walls - sounded like hookers next door with lots of in and out traffic and the door opening and closing all night. WiFi not working nor repaired thus far.

6

Miguel

Oct 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Tv & internet didn’t work

10

Daniel

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Big a spacious rooms!

10

Jessica

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Easy check in and check out- room was clean and in a great area with a ton of restaurants and things around. We had the 2 room suite which was great for privacy ! Will def stay again.

10

Maria

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I enjoyed the room and it was perfect for our family of 6. The beds were extra comfortable. The free breakfast was good. The pool was heated, which was awesome for my kids. Only bad things were, that there was no extra linens or pillows in the room and the phone wasnt working to call the front desk but they were able to provide linens after i went down to the front desk. The fridge was also not plugged in and we couldnt get the cord to plug it in. Other than that i thought it was a great hotel and would stay again.

10

Kathy

Jan 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I like that it was actually an apartment. A separate bedroom and a nice living space with a full small kitchen.

6

Heather

Mar 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Staff were all wonderful, kind and accommodating. The free breakfast was the best I have ever had in a hotel. The problems we had were all related to the age and maintenance of the building. The elevator was broken, as was the hot tub (we had really been looking forward to the hot tub!). The couch in the room was horrible with a hard ridge that digs into your back. There is a fireplace but no wood to burn (definitely not a gas unit), who brings wood with them?? The bed sagged in the middle so we both rolled to the center. Then, on our last day, the hot water heater had an issue and they required us to move to a new room, we had had enough and decided to leave a day early. Once again though, the staff was very kind and did not charge us for the last night, even though we were past the check out time.

10

Debbie

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was spacious, well stocked and having an ice maker in the refrigerator was a bonus. The separate seating area was great as well as having a tv there, as well as one in the bedroom.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, but several reviews cite check-in delays, miscommunication, and unhelpful or rude interactions, especially around housekeeping and after-hours assistance.

Related guest reviews

2

Leo

Mar 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We drove all the way from Northern California. 8 hours or so on the road. We got there at 5:30pm. I went to checked in and was told that unfortunately, the room is not ready yet. The guy at the front desk said it will be ready in 20 minutes. I was too tired and said OK, that's fine. I asked where the room is and we can just wait outside. The guy at the front desk named Benjie told me ok, just don't go in yet because the person cleaning might be surprised. I said ok and he told me that he will call when it's ready. We were in the car for about an hour. It's almost 7pm and the room is still not ready. Which I don't understand since the check in time is supposed to be 4pm. So I called the front desk and see what's going on. But instead of helping with the situation, we were told that we were told that it's not ready yet. But that was beyond the point. We were tired and my kids are in the back seat. We were all tired and ready to get some rest. When I was checking in, another family came in to check in and they got to their room right away. What's worse is that the bathtub is somewhat clogged. The water doesn't go down right away. Ceiling is too thin that we can hear footsteps on the room on top. We've stayed at other sonesta and never had this issues. So always try to book with Sonesta. But this by far the worse one I've been at. I will never book here ever again. The only reason why i booked this is because the one i booked before, the one on Mira messa was sold out.

10

Darryl

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Checkin was easy. Staff was friendly and helpful with my questions and concerns. Pet friendly

2

Renee

Mar 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was rude Nice size rooms But will not visit again

6

Wendie

Mar 28, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was clean, safe, convenient as far as restaurants, gas stations and shopping. The staff was nice and cordial. What i didnt like was that housekeeping is done only if requested and that was not communicated upon arrival. I did not find out until our last day and I called mentioning that room service did not come and we needed towels. I had to go get them and still was not told about housekeeping. We also was not informed about that it would be a fee for parking. Communication on behalf of the staff could be better. Also, when we entered the room it was not a pleasant smell but it was clean. I went to close the curtains and found dirty panties on the carpet. I'm assuming that was the cause of the smell. I had to go to the store to get air freshners for each room. Upon leaving i informed the staff of the issues and they apologized by removing the price for parking. However, my stay ended on the 18th and I have not received my incidental deposit and the room was left in good condition and i have vide to prove it

6

shawntel

Mar 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check in was horrible. I called and confirmed that me and my 2 other parties were going to be next to each other. I was told on 2 occasions that we would be next to each other. Upon arrival that was not the case. When trying to explain our frustration, the front desk clerk refused to listen to our complaint. Instead he insisted on talking over us. He said “since y’all are complaining I’ll comp your parking.” When we asked if there was something we needed to put in the window, he said, “I’m already giving it to you’re for free since you’re complaining.” We proceeded to ask if we’d be towed or ticketed since we wouldn’t have anything in our windows. He then looked at us and handed us a slip to put in our cars.

6

Graham

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

They were "out of" pancake batter for all three days, which seems unreasonable. Given that the staff kicked everyone out of the breakfast room very speedily, I'd assume they just don't want to clean up after it. Similarly, there were no towels by the pool. My (adult) child arrived after midnight, so I left the keys at the desk with her name and mine. That message didn't get to the night person, who argued with her about getting in. Leave a note, people! Overall, pretty disappointed.

10

Ana Maria

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

Great staff!

10

DK

Mar 19, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Our favorite local stay choice and staff. Benji is the Most amazing person and a gem of an employee. He’s become a friend and we are always so happy to see him when we check in! Thank You Benji!!

10

Dai

Nov 27, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wonderful staff!

10

Cecilia

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff very helpful and professional service. Enjoyed comfortable beds and amenities were great. Staffing we're excellent. Breakfast was delicious.

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Location

Consistently praised for convenience near shopping, dining and freeway access; many felt the area was safe and walkable.

Related guest reviews

10

Davina

Mar 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel! Lots of good accommodations. The hotel is surrounded by many restaurants and stores in a great area!!!

10

Katherine

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed here with my family. Room was spacious and clean. Breakfast was nice and there’s lots of shopping and dining nearby that are walkable.

8

Steve

Dec 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great with a ton of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment around. The staff was friendly and nice. The room itself was clean and comfortable. The only issue I would say is the facility itself seems to aging. The sport court, pool, spa areas just seemed like they either don't get used much or have been left to degrade. They are not unusable by any means but they definitely need some love.

10

Harishbabu

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Well maintained with friendly staff. Great location with easy access & lot of eateries & shopping places around.

8

sergio

Dec 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location close to freeway and shops

10

Jessica

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Easy check in and check out- room was clean and in a great area with a ton of restaurants and things around. We had the 2 room suite which was great for privacy ! Will def stay again.

10

Justin

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Affordable, large enough rooms, easy freeway access.

8

Alohalani

Jun 20, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

It was accessible and conveniently located ro things that we were doing on our trip. With the small kitchenette and close grocery shopping options near by it saved us on dining out.

8

Hemanth

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Liked the location with many shopping / dining options around. Parking spots are tight/ compact for larger vehicles. Wish the breakfast options were much better.

10

Julia

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It’s very conveniently located to both restaurants and shops. Property was clean and quiet. Parking easy.

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Dining

Breakfast often earns compliments for flavor, variety and hot options, yet multiple guests mention short service hours, items running out, and occasional disorganization.

Related guest reviews

10

Timothy

Mar 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Wonderful hot breakfast buffet- great breakfast staff. worth the 20 minute drive from San Diego for the lower cost and yet excellent suite.

8

Gerald

Mar 27, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and very clean hotel. Having said that, the bed was very uncomfortable and the reconstituted eggs at the free breakfast tasted terrible. We stay at hotels with free breakfasts and have eaten our share of reconstituted eggs, but these were inedible.

8

Lyssa

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was a nice stay! Employees were all so nice and accommodating! The property itself could use some love, a little cleaning, painting and get rid of the popcorn ceilings. I really loved that it was a mini suite! A full kitchen, living room and separate bedroom plus a balcony! The only negative was the breakfast. First it’s too short, 6:30-8:30 is not enough time. Also, they were out of items which shouldn’t happen if you are only open 2 hours? All in all a good stay and I would stay there again, thank you!

10

Stephanie

Sep 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We enjoyed the atmosphere , the room was very clean and comfortable. The breakfast was delicious and was changed up daily which was delicious and appetizing.

10

Olga M Noyes

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Clean, quiet, good location to family and friends. Staff very nice, breakfast excellent.

6

Graham

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

They were "out of" pancake batter for all three days, which seems unreasonable. Given that the staff kicked everyone out of the breakfast room very speedily, I'd assume they just don't want to clean up after it. Similarly, there were no towels by the pool. My (adult) child arrived after midnight, so I left the keys at the desk with her name and mine. That message didn't get to the night person, who argued with her about getting in. Leave a note, people! Overall, pretty disappointed.

8

Hemanth

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Liked the location with many shopping / dining options around. Parking spots are tight/ compact for larger vehicles. Wish the breakfast options were much better.

10

Jame

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Everything was really nice! Breakfast was great. I would recommend staying here.

4

Richard

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bad breakfast, parking stalls to small, car was scratched!

10

Caindra

May 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious. Great breakfast options. Clean.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$118
February	$136
March	$131
April	$134
May	$152
June	$203
July	$217
August	$167
September	$134
October	$137
November	$125
December	$119

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $171	15 $323	16 $173	17 $167	18 $262	19
20 $129	21 $125	22 $143	23 $138	24 $150	25 $283	26 $286
27 $147	28 $138	29 $119	30 $119

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $119	2 $177	3 $184
4 $119	5 $114	6 $156	7 $166	8 $125	9 $213	10 $185
11 $112	12 $115	13 $114	14 $120	15 $141	16 $183	17 $179
18 $119	19 $121	20 $123	21 $115	22 $119	23 $162	24 $160
25 $112	26 $121	27 $121	28 $122	29 $126	30 $153	31 $164

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa Bed (One Bedroom)

Suite, Multiple Beds (Two Bedroom)

Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa Bed, Accessible (Mobility Roll in Shower One Bedroom)

Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa Bed, Accessible (Hearing One Bedroom)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Accessible (Hearing Two Bedroom)

Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa Bed (One Bedroom Pool View)

Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa Bed (Executive Corner One Bedroom)

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Sonesta ES Suites Carmel Mountain - San Diego

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