Candlewood Suites Erie, an IHG Hotel

For individuals seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" in Erie, PA, especially those looking for extended-stay options, Candlewood Suites Erie, an IHG Hotel, located at 2020 Interchange Rd, Erie, PA 16509, USA, is a property that offers apartment-style accommodations. As part of the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) family, it is designed to provide comforts of home for travelers on longer visits, with amenities that cater to self-sufficiency.

The environment of Candlewood Suites Erie aims to provide a comfortable and functional space, particularly for guests requiring more than a standard hotel room. While some past reviews mention general cleanliness issues in rooms and common areas, it's also noted that the housekeeping staff "does great work in maintaining cleanly rooms," suggesting a potential inconsistency in service delivery rather than a fundamental lack of effort from the cleaning team. The hotel features an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and a BBQ area, which contribute to the overall guest experience. The property is pet-friendly, which adds to its appeal for many travelers. However, some guests have highlighted challenges with the parking lot, describing getting "in and out of the hotel parking is a nightmare," suggesting potential design flaws or congestion. The hotel is a three-story building with 88 suites, built in 2008 and renovated in 2017, aiming for a modern and welcoming atmosphere.

Services at Candlewood Suites Erie are geared towards extended stays. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk to assist with check-ins (from 3:00 PM), check-outs (by 12:00 PM), and any guest inquiries. However, several recent reviews raise significant concerns about management responsiveness and integrity, with multiple instances of guests reporting issues with double billing, unfulfilled refunds, and a refusal from management to directly address complaints. This suggests a notable challenge in the consistency of service and problem resolution, which prospective guests should be aware of. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, a crucial amenity for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel also provides self-serve laundry facilities, which is a key feature for extended-stay properties, allowing guests to manage their laundry needs. Dry cleaning services are also available. For quick snacks and essentials, there's a 24-hour "Candlewood Cupboard" convenience store on-site. The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming two pets up to 80 lbs for an additional fee ($75 for 1-6 nights, $150 for 7+ nights), with designated grassy areas for pet relief.

The standout features of Candlewood Suites are its all-suite accommodations, which are designed to offer a "home-like" experience. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and all necessary cookware, dishware, and utensils. This allows guests to prepare their own meals, providing significant cost savings and flexibility, especially during longer stays. Other in-room amenities typically include a 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels and a DVD player, a work desk, and comfortable bedding. The bathrooms include a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. While generally spacious and functional, some reviews mention finding tobacco pouches or other unclean items, which points to occasional lapses in pre-arrival room preparation. Room types include Studio Suites with King or Queen beds, and One-Bedroom Suites with King beds and sofa beds, catering to different group sizes and needs. Connecting rooms are available upon request.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel offers several other features. There is a heated indoor pool, which is a popular amenity for relaxation and recreation, although one past guest reported being told it was closed via email when it was actually open, indicating potential communication issues. A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests to maintain their workout routines. For outdoor cooking, barbecue grills are provided in a picnic area. While there is no on-site restaurant for full meals, the fully equipped kitchens in each suite and the Candlewood Cupboard help guests with their dining needs. Free self-parking is available on-site, which is a convenient amenity for travelers with vehicles.

As an IHG Hotel, Candlewood Suites Erie participates in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Members can earn points for their stays and redeem them for free nights, exclusive offers, and other benefits across IHG's global portfolio. Guests interested in booking or confirming specific amenities should contact the hotel directly at (814) 866-4755 or +1 814-866-4755. While the hotel generally aims to offer competitive rates, potential guests should consider the recurring issues mentioned in reviews when evaluating overall value.

The hotel's location is generally considered a strong point. Situated near the Millcreek Mall (about a 3-minute walk / 0.3 km), it offers excellent access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It is also conveniently located near major Erie attractions such as Splash Lagoon (about 4.7 km drive), Erie Zoo (about 5.3 km drive), Presque Isle Downs and Casino (about 6.9 km drive), and Waldameer Park & Water World (about 8.6 km drive). Its proximity to major businesses like General Electric, LORD, and Erie Insurance, as well as educational institutions like Mercyhurst, Gannon, Penn State Behrend, and LECOM, makes it suitable for both business and leisure travelers. However, the reported "nightmare" of parking lot access suggests a potential challenge, especially during peak times. The hotel is also relatively close to Erie International Airport (ERI), approximately 7.3 km away.

In summary, Candlewood Suites Erie, an IHG Hotel, attempts to be a solid choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category for travelers in Erie, PA, particularly those needing extended-stay accommodations with kitchen facilities. Its key strengths lie in its all-suite layout, pet-friendly policy, and convenient location near major attractions and business hubs. However, prospective guests should be fully aware of the consistent and serious concerns raised in recent reviews regarding management, including alleged issues with double billing and lack of communication, as well as occasional lapses in room cleanliness and maintenance consistency. It is advisable for potential guests to consider these factors and perhaps confirm critical details directly with the hotel prior to booking.