Nothing is quite like staying in a 5-star hotel, but sometimes those accommodations really aren’t an option or are not practical. Last week when I went to Syracuse overnight, I knew I would be arriving late and basically just sleeping in the room and getting ready the next day with barely any time spent in the hotel, and I was not looking to spend a ton of money. Since there were four of us traveling, we found that a suite was actually cheaper than multiple rooms. We ended up with a two-bedroom suite that also had a pull-out sleeper sofa. Plus, I must admit the choice of high-end hotels in Syracuse is pretty slim!

However, I would highly recommend the place we stayed, Candlewood Suites, especially for business travelers on a long trip or families on a budget. Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, Candlewood Suites offer spacious rooms and plenty of amenities. Our room had a tiny kitchen, and a living area with a sofa, recliner, two tables and a TV. Each bedroom had a queen-size (and very comfortable!) bed, two nightstands, a dresser and a TV. Each room had a private bathroom with a large walk-in closet. I even noticed some trickle-down amenities from IHG’s finer brands, like pillow menus! Rooms also include FREE high speed internet. Business travelers on long stays in one place will appreciate the space offered here. They will have plenty of work space and leisure space and can start to feel more at home. Traveling families will appreciate the cost savings with an in-room kitchen, and parents and kids will enjoy privacy, but the family will still be close.

Outside the room, the hotel also offers other amenities including a full-service gym, newspaper delivery and a washer and dryer. The Candlewood cupboard is also chock-full of food, toiletries and beverages. You can choose everything from breakfast sandwiches to frozen dinners to desserts! Interestingly enough, the cupboard works on an honor system. There are no cameras in the room and no clerk. You can either fill out a paper to have charges billed to your room or drop money in a box. This “honor system” is not a feature I have ever seen in a hotel before.

Even though we were not there for very long, I would say Candlewood Suites would be a nice choice for families, business travelers or groups traveling with a budget, especially on long stays (we chose the rooms for the two-bedroom option, but the rooms are tailored for longer visits).You will save money without sacrificing comfort, space, cleanliness or amenities!

-Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive