🔥 Kansas City's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? Candlewood Suites Review! 🔥
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the "BEST Kept Secret" of Kansas City – the Candlewood Suites! And lemme tell ya, after my stay, I'm not sure how secret it is anymore, because I'M SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS (figuratively, of course. I'm not trying to get arrested). Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of opinions, because I'm about to give you the REAL, unfiltered, and hopefully-slightly-helpful lowdown.
🔥 Kansas City's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? Candlewood Suites Review! 🔥 (Prepare for Honesty!)
(SEO Keywords: Kansas City Hotels, Candlewood Suites KC, Extended Stay Kansas City, Accessible Hotels KC, Pet-Friendly Hotels Kansas City, Free Wi-Fi Hotels, Clean Hotels Kansas City, Kansas City Family Hotels, KC Hotel Review)
Alright, first things first: the name "Candlewood Suites" – does it conjure up images of flickering candlelight and whispered secrets? Not exactly. But hey, who needs fancy when you're getting… well, a darn good deal? And that's kinda what this place is all about. Let's break it down, chaos and all.
Accessibility: The Good & The "Needs Improvement"
Okay, this is important. I'm gonna be honest, this is NOT a fully-fledged, bells-and-whistles, ultra-accessible hotel. HOWEVER! It's got some KEY basics down. They advertise it, so let's look at what is here:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, there are accessible rooms. I saw them, I peeked… They seem okay, but definitely call and confirm your specific needs BEFORE booking.
- Elevator: Thank goodness, yes! Essential. No stairs lugging your suitcase (and questionable life choices) up.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is where it gets… variable. They say they have them, but details are gonna be needed. Call. Ask. Re-ask. (I didn't personally experience it, so I can't vouch for its quality.)
- Check-in/out I'm not sure how accessible this would be.
- Exterior Corridor: Yep, which is great for getting to your room ASAP.
My Take: While they try, do your research. Call ahead, and be specific about your needs. Don't assume; confirm. This is VERY important.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and (Mostly) Sound
This is CRUCIAL these days, right? And I gotta say, Candlewood seems to get this. Especially with the constant threat of a pandemic, they're REALLY upping their cleanliness game.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Very good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: YES! Big check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yup, I saw staff working pretty hard.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, EVERYWHERE.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Not sure if this is really necessary.
My Take: They're trying. I felt safe, that's a HUGE win. Seeing the staff take the precautions they can is a major win for me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Practical, Not Gourmet
Okay, let's be real. Candlewood Suites isn't promising a Michelin-star experience. BUT, they're covering the basics, and more importantly…they get the needs of longer term guests!
- Breakfast (I didn't actually try it, but you KNOW it's included in the price): I'm guessing it's continental. That's the Candlewood way. Cereal, muffins, bagels, coffee. Fine for a quick grab, but don't expect a brunch buffet.
- Coffee shop: Nope, but the coffee in the room is pretty decent.
- Snack bar: Yes! Usually a mini-mart type set up with snacks and drinks.
- Restaurants: They don't have their own restaurants.
- Room service: No, but if you have a 24-hour, take-out service, they can at least help you organize things..
- Alternative meal arrangement: No
My Take: It's all about the practicalities. You've got the basics to get you through, and that's what matters.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks & the "Could be Better"
Candlewood Suites is all about making your stay as easy as possible. Here's the scoop:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! And it actually works! (A rarity, let me tell you.)
- Daily housekeeping: This is included.
- Laundry service: Yes. A godsend for extended stays.
- Convenience store: For snacks, drinks, essentials. Super helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: I think, but I didn't need it.
- Air conditioning in public area: I didn't notice the public areas.
- Business facilities: Yes.
- Concierge: Nah. It is a cheaper hotel to be fair.
- Doorman: Again, no. Not that kind of place.
- Elevator: Essential, already mentioned.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned already.
- Fitness center: Yep. Basic, but gets the job done.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Ironing service: Yup! Free, fast and available.
- Luggage storage: I believe so.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Nope, unlikely.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes. Very important.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yep, in the rooms.
- Smoking area: Yup, outside. Away from the hotel.
- Terrace: Nope, not that I recall.
My Take: They make up for any shortcomings in the amenities with what they do have. This is a hotel for sensible travel and guests with a longer stay in mind.
Available in all rooms: The Essentials (and a few nice-to-haves!)
This is where Candlewood Suites really shines. They want you to feel comfortable. Here's what you get:
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in the KC heat!
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Glorious sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker: Definitely.
- Free bottled water: Nice touch!
- Hair dryer: Included.
- Refrigerator: A MAJOR perk. Perfect for leftovers or stocking up on drinks.
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Already mentioned, but worth repeating.
- Ironing facilities: Yup.
- Laptop workspace: Excellent.
- Microwave: YES! Huge for leftovers and easy meals.
- Non-smoking: Always.
- Private bathroom: Always.
- Refrigerator: A HUGE bonus.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Usually a shower.
- Shower: Yup.
- Telephone: Probably.
- Toiletries: The basics (shampoo, soap, etc.).
- Wake-up service: Available.
- Window that opens: Yes! Air circulation is a BIG plus.
My Take: The in-room amenities are the best part of the stay. They really make you feel like you're in your own apartment!
For the Kids: Nope. And that's okay.
Getting Around: You're going to need a vehicle
- Airport transfer: Nope.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! Praise be!
- Car power charging station: Probably not.
My Take: No frills but functional.
My Overall Opinion: A Solid Choice (Especially for the Price!)
Okay, here's the bottom line. Candlewood Suites Kansas City isn't flashy. It's not luxurious. But it is clean, convenient, and shockingly affordable. It's perfect for:
- Extended stays: The in-room amenities are ideal.
- Budget-minded travelers: You get a lot of value for your money.
- Families (sort of): The rooms are spacious, but the lack of extra kids' things is a minus.
BUT, and it's a big BUT…
Don't go in expecting a spa day. Don't expect gourmet dining. Don't expect a concierge to cater to your every whim. But if you need a comfortable, clean, and convenient place to stay in Kansas City, Candlewood Suites is a solid, under-the-radar winner.
🔥 THE OFFER! 🔥 (Because You'll WANT to Book This!)
Tired of Overpriced Hotels? Craving Comfort Without Breaking the Bank?
Book your stay at Candlewood Suites Kansas City TODAY and get:
- Guaranteed Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected without any hidden fees!
- **Sparkling Clean Rooms
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my glorious (and potentially disastrous) adventure at the Candlewood Suites Kansas City. Prepare for travel chaos, questionable life choices, and a whole lot of me just… being.
Day 1: Arrival & Anticipatory Anxiety (the Fun Kind!)
- 2:00 PM: Arrived at the airport. Okay, first hurdle: baggage carousel. I swear, I have a personal vendetta against carousel 7. It's always the last one to cough up its cargo. But hey ho, that's fine right? Got the car!
- 2:45 PM: Oh, sweet bliss! Candlewood Suites is a hop, skip, and a jump from the airport. Check-in: smooth. The front desk guy (bless his heart) actually smiled when I said "Can I check in?". Now I see why so many people recommended this place. The room? Standard Candlewood fare: clean, functional, a tiny kitchenette begging for a late-night cheese and cracker situation. I'm in.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Grocery Run.* Ugh, grocery shopping is a necessary evil, especially when you're trying to be all "independent traveler." I navigated the aisles with the grace of a newborn giraffe. Chips? Check. Sparkling water? Double check. The questionable pre-made salad that I'll probably regret later? Triple check.
- 4:30 PM: Settled in, snacks deployed. The room has this weird, almost corporate vibe, ya know? But it felt comfortable to settle in! And it was perfect.
- 6:00 PM: Decision time! Dinner. I'm torn between trying that local BBQ joint everyone raves about (burnt ends, here I come!) and just, you know, ordering pizza and vegging on the couch. Hmm….
Day 2: BBQ, Bad Decisions, and the Blues (Literally)
- 10:00 AM: Okay, so the "burnt ends, here I come!" plan went sideways. Woke up at 2am after a night of tossing and turning. But hey, good morning! Time to be productive.
- 12:00 PM: Finally made it out. Did a little drive-around, scouting the BBQ scene. The place everyone raves about had a line snaking around the block. (Note to self: arrive at BBQ joints before the lunch rush!)
- 1:00 PM: Settled for a different BBQ joint. Atmosphere: good. BBQ: eh, not great. My expectations have been set high.
- 3:00 PM: Exploration time! Decided to check out the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I'm not a huge art person. I'm more of a "wander around aimlessly and pretend to understand things" kind of museum-goer. But hey, it was free, and the architecture was pretty cool! The giant shuttlecocks outside were way cooler than the art inside. Still, I walked around.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to go to a dive bar. The bartender's a grizzled old dude, but his whiskey recommendations are on point. Started listening to live blues! These musicians were incredible. I am not a huge blues fan, but I really felt the soul.
Day 3: Trying to be Touristy
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling mostly human. Decided to be a proper tourist and visit The National WWI Museum and Memorial. I'm not usually a history buff, but the exhibits were really impressive.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cute cafe. Found a local café and, admittedly, spent a little too much on an avocado toast. Worth it.
- 2:00 PM: Started a tour of the art of the city. Took pictures, did the tourist thing, but got tired of the selfie sticks on every corner of the street. Decided to go back to the hotel.
Day 4: Departure - The End of the Road (….For Now!)
- 9:00 AM: Packed up. I'm shockingly good at packing now. It feels like a real achievement.
- 10:00 AM: One last look around the room. Said goodbye to my little kitchenette buddy.
- 11:00 AM: Quick stop for souvenirs.
- 12:00 PM: Back to the airport. Departure.
Observations & Ramblings:
- The Candlewood Suites: Not fancy, but reliable. The kitchenette saved me from a life of takeout.
- BBQ: Still searching for the perfect brisket. It's a quest.
- Kansas City: Friendly people, a surprisingly vibrant arts scene.
- Me: I'm a hot mess, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Imperfections & Revelations:
- Didn't see everything. Didn't do everything. And that's okay.
- I forgot my phone charger. Rookie mistake.
- I drank too much whiskey one night and almost started a sing-along at the dive bar. 🙃
- I learned that sometimes, the best plans are the ones that go completely off the rails.
So, that's it. My Kansas City adventure in a nutshell. Would I recommend it? Hell yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Now, where to next…?
Gothenburg Getaway: Luxury at the Best Western Arena Hotel!
Is Candlewood Suites in Kansas City REALLY a "Best Kept Secret" or just… a hotel?
Oh, the "secret" thing? Look, it's probably not a REAL secret. More like a… well-kept... *budget-friendly* secret. Think of it like that hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint you love: everyone knows it, *some* people know about it, but it's not the Plaza. It's functional. And you know what? Sometimes, functional is GOLD, especially when you're, like, exhausted from driving all day and just want somewhere to crash that doesn’t require selling a kidney. I’m looking at YOU, overpriced boutique hotels with the tiny soaps!
Okay, but is it *nice*? Like, aesthetically pleasing? 'Cause Instagram is lying to me, I know it.
"Aesthetically pleasing"? Honey, let's just say it's more… *practical*. Think "beige" and "functional". The decor is… there. It's not going to win any awards. But honestly? After a long, long day of… let’s just say *adventures*… I care more about cleanliness and a comfy bed. And the Candlewood Suites usually (keyword: USUALLY) delivers on those fronts. One time, I was staying there for a work conference, completely dead on my feet, and the room felt like a warm hug after the day’s hellscape. It wasn't *stylish*, but it was *safe* and cozy. That, my friends, is a win.
What's the deal with the kitchenettes? Are they actually useful? Because I’m sick of takeout.
YES! The kitchenettes are a HUGE selling point. Microwave, fridge, stovetop… It's a game changer, especially if you're staying for more than a night. I once spent a week there, and I could make breakfast every morning, saving a FORTUNE on eating out. The hotel has a decent little "Candlewood Cupboard" (another secret of the suites) where you can pick up some snacks, frozen dinners, and even frozen pizzas. Though, be warned, your culinary skills will be tested, and your frozen pizza will probably make you question all your life choices. But hey, at least you're eating food and not spending a fortune on Uber Eats. Plus, the lack of a dishwasher is either a pro (less to clean) or a con (more to clean). I’m in the pro category, personally – gives me an excuse to avoid washing dishes.
The internet, is it good? Can I Netflix and Chill? (Or, you know, actually WORK?)
The internet situation. This is where things get... *dicey*. It's been good at times. Fast enough to stream, zoom calls, all that jazz. Other times, it's been slow enough to make me want to throw my laptop out the window in pure, unadulterated rage. (Please don't do that. It's expensive). It's a gamble, honestly. If you *need* super reliable internet (which I do, because my job is online, of course), might want to check the reviews before you book. Or, plan accordingly, and download your shows ahead of time. Or bring a stack of books. Remember those? They're nice sometimes.
What about the noise? Is it loud? Do I need earplugs? 'Cause I hate earplugs.
Noise levels? Okay, this is where personal experience truly comes into play. Generally, I'd say it's pretty quiet. But, the most recent stay...oh lord. The room was next to the elevator. You know the *thump* and *whir* you get? Non-stop. Did I mention the elevator sometimes made noises at 3 AM? I even had to ask if the elevator had a secret party going on every night. Just imagine the noise. Anyway, my advice would be to request a room away from the elevator, ice machine, and if you are a light sleeper and the hotel seems busy...maybe pack earplugs. Or maybe, just maybe, choose a different hotel. I'm still considering it. Sometimes (a lot of times) I just want to sleep!
Are there laundry facilities? Because I’m a messy human.
Yes! There typically is. That, my friend, is a lifesaver if you are *also* a messy human. Or even if you're not, and your kid decided to recreate the Battle of Gettysburg on your favorite white shirt. Which, for the record, is a true story. The laundry room is usually clean and has a decent number of machines. I've often found myself chatting with other guests, bonding over the shared misery of… well, doing laundry in a hotel. It's a real community builder. Just remember to bring your own detergent and, you know, actually *remember* to get your clothes out of the dryer before someone else swiped them (yes, it happened to me).
Okay, so, bottom line: Should I stay at the Candlewood Suites in Kansas City?
Look... it depends. If you're looking for luxury and pampering, probably not. If you’re heading to Kansas City and have some sense, and just want a clean, functional, reasonably priced place to stay, then YES. It's not perfect, but it's often a good value. It's that dependable friend who's always there for you, even if they aren't the flashiest. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. So, pack your bags! And maybe some earplugs. And maybe a sense of humor. You'll need them. And if you see me there? Don't be surprised if I'm standing in front of the ice machine, staring into space, contemplating the meaning of life. It's all part of the experience.
