Candlewood Suites, Columbia/Ft. Jackson by IHG

Everything felt secure, with card access at every door except the front entrance, and even the elevators required a card. The room had a comfortable bed and a shower with good water pressure. There’s also a decent-sized gym, plus free washers and dryers where you only need to bring soap. My upgraded room came with a full kitchen: a two-burner stovetop, microwave, full-size fridge, coffee maker, pots and pans, cutlery, a pitcher, and a measuring cup. It even had a dishwasher and soap.

The room had an odd smell, though not necessarily a bad one. If you’re staying long enough to need laundry, I wouldn’t choose this place. The washers work, but after four hours across three different dryers, my clothes were still wet. Other people were also waiting to dry their laundry because the dryers weren’t working.

The rooms are pretty average, but the price is fair and the hotel has all the amenities. What really stood out was the staff. They’re amazing, friendly, helpful, and clearly committed to good hospitality. I’d definitely stay here again.

I wish I could give zero stars, because even one feels too generous. Save yourself the time and headache. We used to be loyal customers, but lately they’ve been careless with our bookings. When they finally got ours right, they put us in a room with bed bugs and roaches and no running water. Very Ghetto.