Candlewood Suites La Crosse N by IHG

I stayed one night, and the spacious, clean room and kitchenette worked well for a short visit. The glass induction stove was a little confusing, though maybe staff could've helped if I'd asked. I didn't need it since I wasn't cooking. The fridge made a slight but noticeable buzzing noise. The bathroom was okay, with a toilet seat cover. Water pressure could've been stronger, but was tolerable. Some fine blond hairs on the shower wall had been missed, and there was shaved beard hair in the drawer. Not the worst I've encountered, but it would've been nice to have it cleaned before my stay. My room faced the road, so I could hear traffic, especially motorcyclists riding past. It isn't the quietest spot, though a room facing away from the road might be quieter.

The kitchen was stocked far better than my son’s college apartment, which we’d just left. There was a full-size fridge, a colander, and the basics you’d want for cooking. The beds were comfortable, the renovated bathroom and everything else were sparkling clean, and the front desk was really helpful. I also liked the big selection of things guests could borrow. We were dropping our son off at Purdue and heading on to Minnesota with our daughter, so this was a great one-night stop at a good price. I can see it working well for a longer stay too. I’d read some unkind reviews, but we found the hotel delightful. And for anyone complaining about breakfast, they never said they offered it. If breakfast matters, book somewhere that serves it.

We were told by the IHG team that breakfast was included from 6 a.m., then the front desk said at check-in that there was no breakfast. That was extremely disappointing and made me wonder why we’d been given false information. If I’d known, I would never have booked two weeks here. There was no water available, not even for purchase, and no complimentary toothpaste or toothbrush. The kitchen is cramped and has only a few utensils. The iron was rusty enough that it could damage clothes. It was a painful, troublesome stay. In this category, Residence Inn is better, but it wasn’t available in the Winona or La Crosse area. Otherwise, that would have been my first choice. I’d avoid this hotel if possible.

The washer and dryer were really useful, and I liked having snacks and food to choose from. Fresh-ground coffee was available any time, which was great.