Bad Experience

I would like to share my thoughts about my experience at Sonesta Hotel Rancho Bernardo. While there are very few positive aspects, I have encountered several concerns that I felt important to share.

Positive points: The grass area surrounding the property was nice. Of course, the building was built long time ago not thinking in a pet friendly place with some areas that have plants that are not good and dangerous for pets. Initially, the hotel did not offer treats for dogs, and the cat treats seemed to be quite old. However, they did respond positively to my request to provide treats, which was appreciated.

Areas of Concern: Unfortunately, I must mention that they use scented aromatherapy in the lobby, which is toxic for dogs and cats. Despite raising this concern and requesting that they discontinue its use due to its harmful effects on pets, my requests were ignored. The cleaning chemicals used in the rooms are not pet friendly, which is a significant drawback considering the focus on accommodating pets.

I found it disappointing that the manager expressed annoyance if my dog barked while crossing the lobby to go outside. This kind of behavior is natural for dogs, and it was not disruptive to others. The lack of understanding in this aspect was disheartening. There is only one pet station available, with a limited supply of waste bags. Unfortunately, there is no designated area for pets, which could enhance the experience for both guests and their companions.

While they do charge a significant amount for accommodating pets, the value in return is lacking. They have a "paws program," but it's not offered unless requested, even though they charge for it. This approach feels opportunistic. The location of the pet station is inconveniently far from certain areas of the hotel. Crossing the parking lot to get there can be challenging, especially on hot days when the ground can be scorching for dogs' paws.

My dog is friendly and loves to interact with humans. While this contributed positively to their reputation, I found that the managers did not appreciate this aspect. Their behavior towards us was disappointing, and it made me question the sincerity of their "pet-friendly" claim.

It was so sad finding a dead rabbit on the property and they left it for a day or two until I told them. l was not sure why it was there. I was concerned it was an animal attack it or even poison. The thing is that they didn’t even check their property regularly for pets safety and even in this case for kids. And this can make a kid or pet sick if they approach it or touch it.

In conclusion, the concerns I've highlighted are significant and impact the overall experience. The hotel's approach to accommodating pets seems to be driven by financial motives rather than genuine care. As pet owners, we expect a certain level of understanding and preparation, especially when there are costs involved. So I don’t recommend a place that value money over pet’s health and well-being. And management is not pet friendly at all. They don’t care about pets, only to charge a high fee. In conclusion and from my own experience for pet lovers, I don’t recommend it at all.

Sep. 30, 2023