Candlewood Suites Dumfries - Quantico by IHG

Malek at the front desk was professional, patient, and listened well. The rooms looked good, the kitchen was equipped, and the complimentary bagels and fruit were a nice touch. I came for the indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, and free laundry, and the location was close enough for me. My boys enjoyed the stay, and that was what mattered most to me. There were some frustrations. I initially called about the deposit, but the phone connection was poor and communication wasn’t clear. The GM later explained the phone issue and the $150 incidental charge. Then I found that my four-night reservation had been cancelled without my consent. I called reservations about it and about getting my points back, and they said the points would be returned. I still went ahead with my birthday weekend plans with my older teenage boys, who live with their mom, and used my last points to book three nights instead. I’m still waiting on the points for those four cancelled nights. The room had a bit of a smell, and after asking for an air freshener, I had to go get one myself. I’m not sure I’d return, to be honest. Bring your own food.

We asked about bottle refill fountains at check-in and were told there weren’t any, and that we had to buy water from the tiny store. We later found three fountains in the building. Breakfast wasn’t appealing either, with old bagels wrapped in plastic and blackened bananas. The bigger issue was the recliner. Our nine-month-pregnant daughter stayed in room 321, which had no recliner, even though the ads show one in every picture. Our room, 221, did have one. Staff said the hotel was fully booked and couldn’t provide another, but I saw many rooms available online. When I complained again, I was told the maintenance man wouldn’t look for one since we were checking out the next day. We’d already stayed two nights, and nothing was done after they said they’d note the request. I spoke to four people and got four different answers. Those tiny chairs don’t make this a suite, it’s just a room with a small kitchenette. Never going back. If you want a suite, book the Marriot. Don’t be fooled by the ads.

We asked for a room with a recliner and the staff member refused to help. First she claimed no other rooms were available, though we showed her online that there were. Then she said it shouldn’t matter because we were leaving the next day. We won’t return. After the owner tried to refute my review, I added photo evidence of the recliners advertised and lowered my rating. Avoid at all costs!

The front desk staff are welcoming, and Candlewood is clean, nice, and quiet. I love the bed at Candlewood Suite. My bed at home is comfortable too, but I stayed an extra day here because the place is warm and cozy. When I visit my daughter again, I’m definitely staying at Candlewood Suite.