Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG

For those searching on the "Hotels Near Of Me" platform in Athens, Georgia, Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG presents itself as an option, particularly for travelers seeking extended stays or more home-like accommodations. Located at 156 Classic Rd, Athens, GA 30606, USA, this IHG property aims to provide comfortable and functional apartment-style suites.

The hotel can be reached via phone at (706) 548-9663 or mobile phone at +1 706-548-9663 for reservations or inquiries.

Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG is situated on Classic Road, offering a location that, according to some guests, is "safe, quiet, and extremely convenient." It is positioned "just far enough from town and still have fast access to any location," suggesting a balance between peaceful surroundings and accessibility to Athens' key areas. The hotel is conveniently located off US-78 and is within minutes of significant local attractions, including the University of Georgia (UGA), Sanford Stadium, The Classic Center, and the Georgia Square Mall. This proximity makes it a suitable choice for visitors attending university events, sporting games, concerts, or those looking for retail therapy.

The hotel's location also places it near major companies such as Caterpillar, Pilgrim's Pride, and Eaton Corporation, as well as Athens Regional Medical Center and St. Mary's Hospital, making it potentially convenient for business travelers or those visiting for medical purposes. Various local restaurants, recreational facilities, golf courses, and entertainment venues are within a short distance. The hotel is a four-story building with 97 suites, reflecting its design for longer-term stays. The outdoor areas include a terrace, a garden, and a picnic area with barbecue grills, providing spaces for relaxation and outdoor cooking. While the general location is considered quiet, it's worth noting that one guest reported significant noise issues from barking dogs in an adjacent room, indicating that the overall tranquility can sometimes be impacted by other guests, particularly due to the hotel's pet-friendly policy.

Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG focuses on providing services and amenities that support extended stays and a home-away-from-home experience. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, ensuring that guests can check in from 3:00 PM and receive assistance at any time. Check-out is by 12:00 PM. Complimentary self-parking is available on-site, including wheelchair-accessible parking and an electric car charging station, although some sources indicate a surcharge for parking. The hotel also provides free wired high-speed internet and Wi-Fi access throughout the property, in both public areas and guest suites, ensuring connectivity.

Unlike many hotels, Candlewood Suites properties do not typically offer complimentary breakfast. Instead, they feature a "Candlewood Cupboard," an on-site sundry market available 24 hours a day, providing options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sodas, and ice cream for purchase. This caters to guests who prefer to prepare their own meals in their in-suite kitchens. The hotel also offers complimentary 24-hour self-service laundry facilities, which is a major convenience for longer stays. Dry cleaning/laundry services are also available. For recreation and fitness, there is a 24-hour gym equipped with cardio equipment and free weights. An outdoor gazebo grill and picnic area are also available for guest use. Additionally, the hotel provides a "Movie & Music Lending Library" and a "Lending Locker" for various items guests might need during their stay. Business travelers can utilize the 24-hour business center, which includes print, copy, and fax services. Free local calls are also provided.

The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming two pets up to 80 lbs for an additional fee of $75 per week (with a maximum of $150 per stay). Both dogs and cats are accepted, and quiet, well-behaved pets may be left in the room unattended if crated for housekeeping service. There is a pet walk area with a waste station on the property. This pet policy, while accommodating, was a source of significant distress for one guest who reported excessive barking from a neighboring room, indicating a potential trade-off for the pet-friendly environment.

Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG is designed primarily with extended-stay guests in mind, offering apartment-style suites with full kitchens. Each suite is spacious and equipped with a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, microwave, stovetop, and dishwasher, along with cookware, dishware, and utensils. This allows guests to prepare their own meals and maintain a more home-like routine. Suites typically feature a 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels and a DVD player for entertainment. They also include separate dining and sitting areas, a work desk, a laptop workspace, and premium bedding. Private bathrooms come with a shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Some rooms may offer bathrobes. Air conditioning, heating, and blackout drapes/curtains are standard features, contributing to guest comfort. Free cribs/infant beds are available upon request, and rollaway/extra beds are available for a surcharge.

The hotel is a 100% smoke-free property. Safety features include carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a security system. The property also has a snack bar/deli, a gift/souvenir shop, a library, and vending machines. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible parking, a ramped entrance, an elevator (lift) with a 35-inch wide door, and accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers, adapted baths, and visual alarms in hallways. The hotel maintains a "safe-deposit box at the front desk" for guest valuables. The overall design emphasizes functionality and comfort for longer-term stays.

Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG promotes itself as a "comfortable home away from home" for guests looking for extended visits. It highlights its fully equipped kitchens, free internet, 24-hour gym, and complimentary laundry facilities as key selling points. The convenient location near UGA and other Athens attractions is also a strong draw. The hotel's focus on accommodating long-term guests and those traveling with pets is a distinct advantage in the "Hotels Near Of Me" category.

However, an objective introduction must present both positive and negative guest experiences. While one review praises the "absolutely the friendliest staff," "clean rooms," and "safe, quiet, and extremely convenient" location, making it a "preferred place to stay for work," another customer reports a "HORRIBLE" smell, "dogs BARKING" in the next room, and crucially, "NO TOWELS." This reviewer explicitly questions the cleanliness practices, stating, "Did they even change sheets?!?" and labels the place a "DUMP," advising others to "Please don’t stay here" after paying over $400. This stark contrast in experiences suggests potential inconsistencies in housekeeping, room maintenance, and noise management, particularly given the pet-friendly policy. The manager offering only a 20% discount for such a significant issue also raises concerns about customer service recovery.

Therefore, while Candlewood Suites Athens by IHG offers appealing amenities for extended stays, potential guests should be aware of these mixed reviews. It would be advisable to consider these points, especially if sensitive to noise or specific cleanliness standards, and perhaps contact the hotel directly regarding any concerns before booking, particularly concerning room readiness and pet-related noise management. For those seeking kitchen facilities and a pet-friendly environment, this hotel provides a specific type of accommodation, but the varied guest feedback is a critical consideration for a well-informed decision.