Candlewood Suites Burlington by IHG — Hotel in Burlington

From the moment of trying to check in, I have had a string of billing errors and miscommunications from numerous front desk staff.

I reserved the room as "pay at checkout", but when I arrived, I was billed for the entire stay plus $140 in additional fees for incidentals, which would be returned when I checked out. The card I had used only had enough for the original reservation amount on it, so I shortened my reservation initially just to get into the room and I would sort out moving money between accounts then re-extend.

A couple days later I did that, asking them to put the two additional days onto a different card as it was taking too long to move money to that other account. They had some challenges getting it to work that way, but they said they had it.

Instead, the next day, the original charge was refunded to the first card, and when I asked the front desk what was going on, they said that since my reservation was "bill at checkout" that was what was now going to happen. I told them that now the amount had been split between two cards, so that would take some coordination at checkout, which they said would not be a problem. Just hand them both cards during checkout, and it would be all sorted out.

Instead, the next day, about 2/3 of the total charge was billed to the second card. I was frustrated with the billing, but figured I would just bother with it when I checked out.

When it came time to check out, I was handed two bills. One for 4 days, and another for 3. The amount of the 4 days matched what had come off the second card, and I made to pay the bill for the 3 days with a combination of cash and card. I was told that I owed no money to them, as the 3 day bill had been run the night before. I showed them how less than 1/2 of that 3 day bill had been run against the first card, and that I needed to pay the remainder with cash, because I wasn't trusting their billing system at this point.

They assured me that everything had gone through, and I owed them nothing more. I told them that it made no sense how I would be charged for less than what was on the bill, and if they tried to run it later, that account would overdraw since that's all it was being used for.

Now, four days later, I find that the amount charged the night before checkout was dropped, and the entirety of the final bill was put to that card, creating an overdraft situation now.

This is such a shame, as the hotel is a really great find. The price was very reasonable, the room itself was gorgeous and well appointed. I had a very enjoyable stay, except for the front desk staff. The billing fiasco, and the complete lack of any follow up to a request for my room to be cleaned after my kids had gotten crumbs and chocolate on the floor and bed, were both things I hadn't experienced during a...

So I just checked in to the Candlewood Suites in Burlington, WA, close to Fidalgo Island and the cities of Anacortes, Oak Harbor and Coupeville, and about halfway from Seattle to BC (that's Canada). i will be staying for a few months as I have business in the area. I also stayed here last summer, but this one is different because of the COViD crisis.||||Let's talk about what the Candlewood has: clean and useful rooms - mine is a suite with queen bed, kitchenette, desk and wifi and cable via big screen tv. The bathroom is functional and comfortable, there is a single closet, and a lazyboy-type lounger. ||||There is anything you need at the front desk - just ask the friendly and pleasant staff - and there is a business office (closed for COVID but staff will copy and print for you). I suspect the exercise room is COVID-ified too but it was fun to use the last time II was here. They even have lockers with cooking utensils and DVDs to check out for free to clients. And don't forget there's a free laundry. Forgot something? They can give you what you need at the desk, and they will accept mail and packages if you are staying long enough to need them to.||||In short, if this year is anything like last year, I give an unqualified endorsement. 4-stars almost 5-stars. So close.||||||And the best thing, I can keep my best friend, Holden the cat, with me for a single fee paid upfront. Last year we stayed for two months and Holden was quite comfortable - they even arranged cleaning and other services around his timing to ease any stress for him. Let me tell you that relieved a lot of stress for me, too.||||They are close to everything in Burlington, which is the last town - actually half of the twin cities of Burlington-Mt. Vernon - with any real diversity before "the Island"with its charm but limited resources. There is a Safeway, Fred Meyer's, Costco and so much more all in blocks or within a mile or so of the Suites .||||During this time of COVID you'll appreciate the added efforts they are making - everything is physically cleaned and disinfected immediately after use, and great effort is made to keep the premises clean with minimal effect on the occupants. Areas are plexiglassed appropriately, staff wears masks when needed and life goes on without a lot of fuss.||||It's very comfortable for the traveler or long-stay client, and is reasonable - a little less so than last year, but still - and a great choice for your stay on your way,...

This was my first time to stay at a Candlewood Suites. I walked away with mixed feelings.||Checkin was ho-hum. I arrived about 430PM and was told that my room was not ready, but should be shortly. OK, I can hang out a bit. The girl went on to explain that when "people stay only 1 night, it messes things up". What? I was only staying one night so I was wondering if that was directed at me or everyone who only stays 1 night. At this point, I did not feel welcome, but thought I'd give her the benefit of the doubt.||I grabbed my luggage from my car and headed to my room. The room itself is small, but serves the purpose. My room was quiet for the most part, although trains could be heard later in the evening and again in the morning about 6AM. The bed was comfortable. It seemed as though everyone was up and ready to go at 6AM.||Check out was ho-hum as well. No good morning, no how was your stay, no acknowledgement whatsoever.||The good: a full size refrigerator, comfortable bed, "fee-free" guest laundry.||The bad: the attitude of the staff. I didn't like hearing that those who stay just 1 night mess things up. In all honesty, I had to book just 1 night because I had lost my hotel reservation near North Cascades NP due to fires and had to re-work my vacation based on the locations of all of the fires. I didn't appreciate coming downstairs to leave for dinner to overhear the front desk girl complaining about guests with an unseen co-worker.||In all honesty, if I could have stayed at the Hampton Inn (shared parking lot) I would have. My friends that I was traveling with actually booked the last room for that night (we had about 24 hours notice to find something in a fire free zone). But, I thought I'd give the Candlewood Suites a try since it was lower in cost and next door to where my friends were staying.||While I'd like to try another Candlewood Suites because I did like the concept, it won't be this property. Attitude is everything and the employees here clearly didn't like guests who only...