On the tour of the Central California Six Continents properties, the next hotel to talk about is the Bakersfield Candlewood Suites. Candlewood is Six Continents answer to Residence Inns and other extended stay hotels. On this visit I only stayed one night as both the Bakersfield HI and HIX were full. For those of you who have never been lucky enough, Bakersfield is about two hours north of Los Angeles on Highway 99 that beelines to the State Capitol of Sacramento.

The check in area was nothing special as it was small counter next to a waiting area that included a few couches. For late night check-ins there are a group of mailboxes/safety deposit boxes outside of the main entrance which is kept locked at night. Next to the lobby is the Cupboard which is a small pantry containing snacks, frozen meals and toiletries. Prices were reasonable; a can of Coke was only $0.50 about what you would spend at a 7-11. There was nothing over $5.00.

I checked in with my Gold status and was given a standard room on the third of the hotel’s four floors. The room was quite nice, except for a group of overactive heavy footed teenagers in the room above me. There was not much wear and tear, but as the hotel is only a couple of months old, I didn’t expect there would be. Entering the room there was a kitchen with a full sized refrigerator and stove. Opposite the kitchen was a large bathroom with granite(faux) countertops and a very deep bath tub. The sleeping area was good sized and included a large recliner chair and work desk. The desk was positioned perpendicular from the wall which allowed me to watch TV while working. (I hate the way most hotel work desks face the wall next to the TV.)

I spoke to the desk clerk who told me that each floor included one larger two-room suite. Other Candlewood benefits were free use of the washing machines and a well equipped gym. As if I needed a reminder that this was really an extended stay hotel, maid service was only once a week for anyone staying for a length of time. All in all this really beat out the HIX in town.

By the way, I made Platinum this week; I’ll see what it gets me.


points earned: 850
bonus points: 3085
miles awarded: 0

Candlewood's also offer an extra 1000 points per stay.