Candlewood Suites Colonial Heights Fort Lee by IHG

The toilet handle was broken, and the elevators were out. I stayed two nights, and on the second morning I walked down to ask the front desk for washcloths. The man there said I had to bring the used ones down first. With the elevators broken, I wasn’t going upstairs to fetch dirty rags. After two nights, I think I deserved clean cloths.

The room itself looked clean, and the staff were kind and willing to help. Still, I felt uneasy enough to sleep fully dressed on top of the covers, with the recliner pushed against the door. I had to switch rooms because the first one smelled of weed, which the staff noticed and responded to by offering another room. Most guests seemed to be men staying long term for work, I’m guessing. I wouldn’t recommend this place to women traveling alone, and I wouldn’t return without my husband.

The housekeeping was wonderful, and the room came stocked with what we needed for a full week. They replaced things whenever we asked. Dannyella was the first person I spoke with, and it was lovely to meet her. Sunshine was sweet too, and the name really suits her. The women at the desk were caring after our long trip from Tennessee. We also didn’t mind the train, since it passed only now and then, not all night. 7-11 is right at the entrance, and there are other nice places to visit nearby. We were in Virginia for family and vacation, and I’d recommend this location and come back. Our stay was amazing, as was the first night at another IHG property. The only trouble was Chase, who seemed less friendly and attentive than the rest. I manage customer service for a finance company, and I think he could use some training. When my husband asked for a trash bag, Chase told him to take it to the dumpster himself. Luckily, housekeeping let him put it in their bin. Later, my husband asked the desk for towels. He got one extra bath towel, but no hand towels. When I brought the bath towel back and asked again, Chase said he’d already given them to my husband. I told him I wouldn’t be there asking if that were true. It felt like we were an inconvenience.

The pantry selection was the best I’ve seen, and my puppy had plenty of room to run around. There’s a 7/11 right out front too. Everyone was friendly and accommodating, from the desk and cleaning crew to maintenance and the owner. We stayed a week and would happily come back. If luxury is what you want, look elsewhere. For a clean, comfortable, safe place, this worked for us. The train tracks run right behind the building. I’ve lived near tracks my whole life and love the sound, so it helped me sleep deeply. Your mileage may vary!