Candlewood Suites Grand Island by IHG

We’ve been bringing our kitties to Candelwood for over ten years, and it’s sweet that some employees remember them. Usually the room and the stay are great. This time, though, we had trouble borrowing a chair for my elderly Grandpa to use at supper on Christmas. My husband eventually got one, but it shouldn’t have been such a hassle. We also had to leave a day early because a winter storm was coming. The hotel wouldn’t adjust the reservation, so we wouldn’t have to pay for the unused night. Customer service said only the hotel could fix it; Candelwood said the dates couldn’t be changed because we’d paid in advance. I’m shocked they’d keep the money for a night we couldn’t stay, especially with a blizzard on the way. Candelwood did take responsibility for what happened, but be warned: don’t book online for reservations anymore. I’m really sad about this and will have to decide whether to return or stay at Suburban Studios instead.

Kayla is what made me want to leave a review. I had a travel headache and sat in the lobby with coffee so I wouldn’t wake my wife. Around midnight, I heard Kayla welcoming a steady stream of guests, each time with a genuine smile. I’ve run my own business and taught employees that making people glad they’re there is how you keep customers. She did exactly that. It all starts at the front desk. Well done, Kayla and Candlewood Suites! Everything else was great inside and outside the room, too. I’d be happy to stay again as a member.

The lobby has plenty of seating, the rooms are clean, comfortable, and roomy, and the front desk staff were friendly. It was a much better stay than the Hampton across the street, where I stayed on my last visit, and I’d absolutely recommend this place and come back when I’m in the area. About the breakfast comments: at check-in, staff made it very clear this is an Extended Stay hotel and does NOT serve breakfast. I agree that the nightly price can get high, especially here in the middle of Nebraska.

I travel a lot, and for the price this is one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in. It was clean, in great shape, and everything worked.