The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

One of the top ten hotels I've stayed in, ever. We got the king upgrade for just a few $ more. The super-friendly staff helped us check in quickly and gave us all the details. The fitness center is brand new and open 24/7. The hot tub and pool were legit. All room fixtures looked new. Room decorations were quirky in a good way. I took two or three showers daily just because it felt so nice. 6th Street and the river are a short walk south. Capitol visible to your north. Location has plenty of nearby overnight street parking. Oh, and the bartender did a great job. This hotel was one of our four-day getaway's highlights.

Positive: The valet staff were top notch. They were very friendly and were so positive and pleasant that the rather dour mood of the front desk and other staff wasn't as noticeable. Also, the bar staff and restaurant staff attached to the property were outstanding Negative: Very pricey for what you get. Resort fee and valet fees were quite exorbitant and much more than the other hotel we stayed in the month prior in the same block.

ZERO stars. This property engages in dishonest billing and outright theft. We were promised a welcome amenity of tea, a cheese board, and two sandwiches. My daughter called ahead because I am sick and we simply wanted to order room service and go straight to bed. Instead, at check-in, the desk clerk reached under the desk and handed us loose plastic packages of food along with two plastic K-cups for tea. We were tired, he seemed to be trying, so we paid for it, tipped him generously, and went upstairs. It was not at all what had been described. Once in the room, we saw what we had actually been given: gas-station prepackaged food, including hard, rotting cheese mixed with bacon, and a “cheese board” that was nothing more than a Walmart-style packet of cheap cheese and off-color pastrami.

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel this past weekend, and we felt welcomed since the moment we arrived. The staff are great, the room was beyond what we expected, and the atmosphere was romantic. There are many little nooks to sit at to enjoy conversation and drinks. We definitely recommend 10/10

I had an incredible experience at this hotel. The people working there are so kind, thoughtful, and helpful. They made my stay amazing and even gave me cool historical facts about the hotel too. (Like Miss Congeniality was filmed right there). The rooms are fancy and cozy. It feels very safe. Overall it is a top tier hotel with great vibes. If you book, you will not regret it.