Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor by IHG

The hotel is highly regarded for its newly renovated rooms featuring full kitchens, providing a comfortable and convenient "home away from home" experience. This makes it an excellent choice for long-term stays, business travelers needing self-catering options, and families seeking spacious accommodations. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness and the generally friendly and attentive nature of its staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The spaciousness of the rooms and the comprehensive kitchen facilities are particularly appreciated, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and enjoy a more relaxed and cost-effective stay. To maximize comfort, guests are advised to request one of the recently updated rooms on the upper floors, which offer modern decor and enhanced amenities, and to take full advantage of the in-room kitchen setup for added convenience and flexibility during their visit.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of practical amenities designed for extended stays and guest convenience. Most notably, rooms are equipped with full kitchenettes that include a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, range, microwave, and a comprehensive set of utensils and cookware, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. A significant highlight is the free laundry facility, which is clean and easy to use, though guests need to bring their own detergent. The fitness center is well-equipped and clean, providing a convenient option for exercise. Guests also appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi, although some have noted that the connection can occasionally be slow or unreliable. A pantry area offers snacks and other items for purchase, though some guests found the selection limited and the prices high.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and immaculate, reflecting a strong attention to upkeep by the housekeeping team. The beds are widely reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often complemented by curtains that create a good sleep environment. Many rooms are spacious, some featuring a separate bedroom for added privacy. While the majority of feedback is positive, some guests in unrenovated rooms or on lower floors have noted issues such as outdated decor, noise from guests above, or minor maintenance concerns like a loose toilet or a tack strip in the carpet. Some also mentioned the air conditioning system can be confusing or may shut off at night, and a few found the shower pressure or showerhead to be inadequate.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer a traditional continental breakfast, which is a point of mixed feedback; most guests understand this is offset by the full kitchenettes in each room, allowing for self-catering. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to prepare their own meals, with nearby grocery stores making it easy to stock up on supplies. In the lobby, complimentary coffee and hot chocolate are available, which is a welcome touch for many. While there is a pantry offering items for purchase, some guests found the selection to be limited and the prices somewhat high, suggesting it might not be the best option for extensive meal planning. Overall, the focus is on in-room dining flexibility rather than on-site restaurant services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location, making it easily accessible from the main road and providing easy highway access. It is situated close to the town center, various restaurants, and grocery stores, offering guests numerous dining and shopping options within a short distance. Its proximity to the naval air base is noted, which means occasional noise from jets can be expected, though this is generally not disruptive during late night or early morning hours. The hotel provides free parking for guests, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, it is well-positioned for exploring the area, including the beach and other local attractions, making it suitable for both leisure and business stays.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests report a welcoming atmosphere, with staff often greeting them by name and going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is frequently described as quick and efficient, and staff are noted for being accommodating with last-minute reservation changes and other requests. Housekeeping is also commended for keeping rooms spotless and well-supplied. However, some guests have reported isolated instances of unpleasant or rude interactions with specific front desk personnel, and a few experienced issues with staff being unhelpful regarding early check-ins or certain amenities. Despite these few negative experiences, the overwhelming majority of feedback highlights exceptional customer service.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, offering a designated outdoor area for pets and even providing toys for canine guests, though a pet fee applies. Some guests, particularly those with service animals, have reported issues with the hotel's service dog policy and associated paperwork. A unique amenity is the lending library, which allows guests to borrow DVDs for in-room entertainment. While the hotel does not have its own pool, guests have access to a nearby hotel's pool and jacuzzi, which is a popular feature. Some guests have noted that the air conditioning system in rooms may automatically adjust or shut off at night, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer a consistently cool temperature. The hotel also offers an electric vehicle charging station for one car.