Candlewood Suites Durham by IHG

The staff were extremely friendly, and when I reported the problem, the front desk apologized and gave me a full refund. But that’s where the positives end. My room smelled of cigarettes, there were pubic hairs in the shower, and the desk had clearly been chewed by a dog. Worst of all, I woke up covered in bed bug bites. The hotel is about 10 minutes from RDU.

The shower pressure was fantastic, and the room was quiet, clean, and had a comfortable bed. I picked this place because it was affordable while I was in town for work, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It’s not fancy, but I’m in Raleigh every few months and would definitely stay here again.

We had everything we needed for a week, and the one-bedroom setup with a living room was great. The room was clean and comfortable. Work took me a bit of a drive away, but there were plenty of places to eat nearby.

The room had a kitchen, though it was only partly stocked, with dishes for three even though the suite was meant for four. I also came across a dead roach in the hallway. For an extended stay property, I expected the place to be better maintained. The main issue was the air conditioning. There was just one old, loud unit in the living room, and it sounded like an airplane taking off. With the bedroom door shut, no air reached that room, which was especially uncomfortable in the North Carolina summer. The cleanliness was disappointing too. The couch was stained and torn, the floor was dirty, and there were marks on the lampshades and side tables, including mug rings. The shower curtain had black spots on the inside. The suite could be a good space, but its condition and cleanliness need serious attention.