Candlewood Suites New Iberia by IHG

This hotel is primarily designed for long-term workers and travelers with pets, offering an extended-stay setup with in-room kitchenettes. While some guests appreciate its convenient location and the efforts of individual staff members, the most prominent and recurring feedback centers on widespread issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and the general condition of the property. Many guests, including families and business travelers, found their stays significantly impacted by these pervasive problems. To ensure a more comfortable experience, it is advisable for prospective guests to confirm the operational status of all facilities and inquire about any ongoing renovations before booking, and to thoroughly inspect their assigned room upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback indicates significant issues with the hotel's facilities. The elevator is frequently reported as non-functional, causing major inconvenience, especially for guests with mobility challenges or heavy luggage, forcing them to use stairs. The fitness center is often noted as being closed or having broken equipment, limiting guests' ability to exercise. While rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, many guests found appliances like microwaves and refrigerators to be dirty or broken. The ice maker is also frequently reported as out of order. There is no swimming pool available, and the overall impression is that many advertised amenities are either unavailable or in disrepair, impacting the overall guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most significant and consistent complaint across reviews pertains to the hotel's cleanliness and room comfort. Guests frequently report rooms as being disgusting, with dirty floors, sticky surfaces, and food stains on walls and counters. Pervasive issues include mold on walls, in bathrooms, and around AC units, along with pest infestations such as roaches and mice. Beds are often described as uncomfortable, worn, and having lumpy pillows, leading to poor sleep quality. Many rooms lack hot water for showers, or have only lukewarm water, making for an unpleasant experience. Additionally, guests found broken appliances, non-working televisions, and a general lack of essential amenities like clean towels or soap, further detracting from room comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer a complimentary breakfast, which is a common point of disappointment for many guests, particularly those traveling for business or with families. While rooms include kitchenettes for self-catering, the quality and cleanliness of these facilities are often criticized, with reports of dirty dishes, broken appliances, and lingering odors. The only positive mention regarding dining was for an external restaurant, "Bon Creole," suggesting guests typically seek food options outside the hotel. The absence of on-site dining options means guests must plan accordingly for their meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient by some guests, offering easy access to the highway and proximity to local shops and eating places. It is also noted as being close to attractions like Avery Island, making it suitable for those visiting the area. However, accessibility within the hotel itself is a major concern due to the frequently broken elevator, which forces guests to use stairs, impacting those with mobility issues. Parking is available, but some guests reported issues with handicap spots being occupied by non-handicapped vehicles, creating inconvenience for disabled travelers.

Staff & Service
The front desk staff consistently receives praise for being friendly, helpful, and courteous, often described as the "only bright spot" of a stay. Guests appreciate their welcoming demeanor and willingness to assist with requests, such as moving rooms due to issues. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth. However, while individual staff members are commended, there is widespread dissatisfaction with management's responsiveness to serious complaints, particularly regarding refunds or resolving persistent issues like lack of hot water or severe cleanliness problems. Housekeeping services are also a point of mixed feedback, with some guests noting a lack of regular cleaning or proper stocking of rooms, despite some individual housekeepers being praised for their helpfulness.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is frequently undergoing renovations, which can lead to significant disruption, including closed facilities and construction debris in common areas. This ongoing work is often not communicated prior to booking, leading to guest frustration. A pervasive musty odor or smell of mold and trash is commonly reported throughout the hotel, particularly in hallways and rooms, which can be very off-putting. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a positive for guests traveling with animals. However, some guests have noted issues with the water quality, describing it as having an oily feeling from both taps and showers, suggesting it may be unfiltered.