Candlewood Suites Champaign-Urbana University Area by IHG

After a long drive, we found the accessible room we'd booked weeks earlier had been given away, without anyone contacting us. The first replacement might have worked if we hadn't needed accessibility features. The only accessible room left was opposite the front desk, where it was noisy. It had no desk chair, a broken dishwasher and ice maker, and two double beds instead of the king we'd reserved. The front desk clerk was kind and did her best to help, which was the one bright spot. We made it work for one night, but my requests to talk with the manager went unanswered. I've traveled often for work and stayed at many IHG properties, and I know some problems can't be avoided. This one could have been, and we should at least have been told about the room change. The manager's lack of communication was the worst part. There are plenty of places to stay in Champaign, so we'll choose somewhere else next time.

It's on a quiet street, and the room was very clean, with a full fridge, apartment sink, microwave, and stove. The bed was comfy and firm without being hard, and the bathroom had a shower and tub. It was peaceful overall, though at night I heard some odd in-room sounds: clicking, the heater fan, and the fridge's ice maker. The maids and desk clerks were friendly and helpful. Free coffee and hot tea were available around the clock, and the coffee was very good.

I needed an inexpensive last-minute room in early November while visiting for an event at the U of I. I've had good experiences with IHG before, so I booked here. The staff were friendly and helpful, check-in and checkout went smoothly, and when I came back after leaving some things behind, they let me return to the room for them. I worried that allowing pets might make the night noisy, but it didn't. I did get a mean look from a fat orange cat on my way in, though. My room was tiny, which suited me since I was alone. The tub had a large plaster patch over what looked like a hole in its side. It was ugly, but it held water and worked. More bothersome was the heater by the bed, which made an unexplained bang or pop now and then while running. One loud noise woke me up. I've slept better in other hotels, but I'd give this one another chance when I'm back in Champaign in March. The price is hard to beat, and I don't need to pay for extras I'll arrive too late or leave too early to use, or wouldn't use anyway.

Since the general manager left and started working part-time, this place has gone downhill badly. Rooms are falling apart and decent service is hard to get. The overnight guy is great, at least. I stay here 3-4 nights a week for work, but once my remaining booked days are used, I'm finding somewhere else.