Candlewood Suites, Richmond,VA (West)

Staying in extended stay hotels is always a bit odd to me, especially when I am only booked to stay for a day or two. There does not seem to be much of a point, but if the hotel is the only game in town, so be it.  I stayed at Candlewood Suites in Richmond, VA (West-near Short Pump) for that very reason.

Upon entering the facility I found it to be clean and the staff friendly.  Aside from an easy and quick check-in I noticed a tiny store, called the Candlewood Cupboard, filled with instant meals, toiletries and snacks that I could buy on an honor system during my stay. This hotel also has a small lobby, movie rental area and pool on site.  A Subway restaurant, gas station and McDonald's are within walking distance as is the Phillip Morris cigarette plant.  It is also just off Interstate 95.

My room contained a small kitchenette, a desk with chair, queen-sized bed and television.  My entire stay I had to deal with a TV remote that didn't work properly and a television that made a weird buzzing sound intermittently.  The staff could not fix the problem and didn't offer to discount my rate.  This was disappointing.  The photos on the website also show flat screen TV's.  Mine was a standard box television.  Trash removal only happened once - I assume after I checked out.  Both my bathroom and bedroom/office trashcan were completely full after my two night stay.  I was not pleased.  Nor could I fix or the staff the fact that my telephone message light blinked the entire stay.  The towels in the bathroom were rough, except for the facecloths.  That seemed odd.  The bathroom lighting was harsh and the soap was basic.  I'm talking old school White Rain products.  While the bed looked as if it had been updated with clean, soft sheets.  The kichenette was stocked full of dishes, dishcloths, paper towels, pots and pans and utensils.  It is a nice touch and everything worked properly.  This was probably the high point of the room even if I didn't use it.  I liked that it was there and I could nuke my oatmeal in the morning since there was no where nearby for me to eat breakfast.  Free internet access in rooms was another plus. 

Overall, I did not enjoy my stay at the Candlewood Suites.  I don't know if they are all like this but a brand new Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn with free breakfasts at both, gyms and restaurants are now open right next door to this hotel.   Candlewood is going to have to do more than a soft sheet, four pillow upgrade to compare to those two new, full amenity hotels to maintain a competitve business.  For the money this particular Candlewood Suites isn't worth it.



MPR Rating:  Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  My stay at this hotel was for work purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

Sneak Attack- Cambria Suites Hotel

This summer I have stayed in a slew of hotel chains. While I was in Boise, Idaho for business I had the pleasure of staying a few nights at a Cambria Suites.  I had never been to this Choice Hotel branch before but I really enjoyed my stay. 

New to Choice company Cambria offers full suites for a great price.  As soon as I checked in I was treated well.  The lobby was open and spacious with a large sitting area complete with televisions, a business center and a Wolfgang Puck Bistro and bar.  A full fitness center, pool, small store and outside sitting area are also available.  Cambria Suites is elegant and comfortable without being stuffy. 

My room on the second floor was well maintained with a small bar and coffee console area complete with a refrigerator and microwave.  The bathroom was stylish with a bowl style sink, Bath & Body Works toiletries and a generously-sized tub.  The towels were soft and plush and a decent size.  The bathroom shelves were a tad dusty but everything else was clean.  My room and sitting area was also clean.  It contained a small sofa, large desk and over sized chair in the sitting room area which also contained a flat-screen television.  A partial wall separated the bedroom portion from the rest of the room.  In the bedroom I found a comfortable king bed with a closet, bench and another flat screen television.  The pillows weren't too soft and there was more than enough room to hang my clothes and lay out my suitcase. 

My room really did look this clean and well-appointed.

What I loved best about this hotel was the service, which was exceptiona, and how thoughtful the basics were in each room.  For example, the blinds were not your typical blinds but a single band that easily retracted and blocked out most light.  It made the room very conducive to sleep and relaxation.  There were plenty of pillows on the bed (six total), the desk was very large and there were many outlet plugs all over the room.  This is something I find many hotels lack but not Cambria Suites.  They are equipped for business travelers especially as well as those looking for a bit of relaxation.

While there I did encounter a few glitches with the small bistro but it was all worked out in a friendly, efficient manner.  First, the kitchen's oven was not working so many menu items were not available. Second, they were out of chicken.  The wait staff quickly informed me of this and that there would be a wait for food due to the oven.  The hotel recently opened and they were still ironing out some kinks it seems. The staff comped my bill and gave me free dessert that night to make up for the complications.  The next morning after I had finished the hotel offered breakfast buffet made with organic foods I decided to go back and grab a muffin (from the bistro's coffee bar) for the road.  The server proclaimed, "You hardly ate enough to warrant the full price of the breakfast so consider that included and have a nice day." 

Maybe it was the location of the hotel being in Boise that had everyone so friendly but my entire stay was like that.  The staff was friendly, helpful with directions and never put off or too busy to help any guest.  Everyone around me seemed happy to be staying at this hotel.  I highly recommend it and hope that every Cambria Suites is run this way.  I look forward to staying at other locations. 

MPR Rating:  Five Stars. 

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All reviews conducted are for testing purposes only.  MPR stayed at the Cambria Suites hotel for work-related reasons.  Opinions are MPR's only.