Escape to Fargo: Candlewood Suites Near NDSU - Your Perfect Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously, delightfully… Candlewood Suites near NDSU in Fargo. You know, sometimes I think finding a good hotel is like finding a decent used car – a little bit of luck, a little bit of internet research, and a whole lotta hoping you don't end up with a lemon. So, did Candlewood Suites deliver? Let's break it down like a bad poker hand. (Don't judge, I’m Midwestern – poker is practically a birthright.)
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting Oriented – The Initial Scramble
Okay, I’m a sucker for good vibes and a smooth start. Accessibility? They hit a solid yes on that. I saw ramps, elevators, and all the usual suspects that signal a hotel that isn't trying to play hide-and-seek with folks with mobility needs. Always a good start, folks. Car park is free and on-site. Sweet. I hate those parking fees. I mean, come on, I'm already paying for a room.
The Digital Life: Internet, Wi-Fi, and The Eternal Struggle
Listen, if there's one thing that can make or break a modern travel experience – it's the internet. You know the deal. Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check! Free? Double check! (Bless you, Candlewood Suites.) Internet access – LAN? Yep, they’ve got your wired option too, for those of you still clinging to that ancient tech of speed and dependability. Internet services? They said they have it, but honestly, I was too busy binge-watching cat videos on YouTube on my phone to notice. I'm ashamed to say. Hey, at least they actually have a good wifi!
Rambling on Things to do and Ways to Relax – Or, My Failed Spa Adventure
Okay, so this is where the real adventure begins. Let’s be honest. I was HOPING for some serious spa time. Time for some R&R! I read about all these possibilities: Spa/sauna, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. In my head I imagined bubbles, cucumber water… you know the drill. So, I get myself all psyched up, ready for a Body wrap, a Foot bath, maybe even a Body scrub.
Here is where I found a problem, and frankly, one that could be a dealbreaker for some people, so Listen Up!
There was no actual spa.
I mean, there was a pool, a sauna, and a gym (the Fitness center, Gym/fitness, I’m sure it was great, just not my thing) but NO full-blown relaxation station. Complete and utter disappointment. I wanted to curl up and have a good time, I felt sad and a bit cheated. I am a woman who likes to soak in things.
On the bright side…The Pool!
OKAY, so the Swimming pool [outdoor] was actually pretty nice. I definitely had a good time in there and I relaxed. I would go back.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitization Symphony
Look, these days, you have to talk about cleanliness. Pandemic life, amiright? Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. (And they even let you Room sanitization opt-out available if you are super particular.). They had the standard Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff were all masked and seemed up-to-date on the latest safety protocols. They have a First aid kit, too! Hot water linen and laundry washing—important these days! Individually-wrapped food options were, well, wrapped. They even have Staff trained in safety protocol and Sterilizing equipment. The whole place seemed safe, secure, and reasonably germ-free!
Food, Glorious Food (Or at Least Decent Food) – The Breakfast Battle
Okay, the Dining, drinking, and snacking situation? Breakfast [buffet] was offered. Breakfast takeaway service was available which made sense for my schedule. I'm a sucker for a decent waffle. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant are things they said they have, though I didn’t experience any of it. Coffee/tea in restaurant was there, and always welcome. They have Snack bar and Bottle of water which is useful if you get thirsty.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
These guys really seemed to have anticipated every need. There was a Convenience store, a Laundry service, and even a Dry cleaning. They even had a Gift/souvenir shop. The elevator was also a win in my book. (I hate stairs after a long day of… well, whatever I do on vacation.) There was the usual offering of Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and Wake-up service. They thought of everything! They even have Additional toilet!
For the Kids
I can barely take care of myself, but if you are a parent, you might want to know that they claim to have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
What's Available in All Rooms? – The Essential Essentials
This is where Candlewood Suites really shines. They have thought of just about everything. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens.
The Quirks and the Imperfections – Because Life Ain't Perfect
Okay, so… the lack of a true spa was a bummer. (I’m still bitter.) But overall? No major disasters. The decor was… functional. Think “pleasant beige.” Nothing groundbreaking, but hey, I wasn’t expecting a design magazine spread.
Final Verdict – Is Candlewood Suites the Perfect Stay?
Look, it wasn't a perfect getaway, definitely not the spa experience I was hoping for. But overall? Candlewood Suites near NDSU delivers. It’s clean, it’s comfortable, the staff are friendly, and it has all the basic necessities (and then some!) for a stress-free stay.
*Here’s My Honest Pitch to You, My Fellow Traveler:
Tired of hotel roulette? Do you want a stay that is clean, comfortable, and near everything Fargo has to offer? Look no further than Candlewood Suites Near NDSU! Because here’s the honest truth: Sometimes you just need a place that’s reliable, and that's exactly what you get here.
Here's what you're getting:
- Seriously Comfortable Rooms: Plenty of space to spread out, with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnect, your choice!)
- Super-Convenient Location: Close to NDSU, and everything Fargo has to offer.
- No Hidden Fees: Free parking and a no-nonsense approach to pricing.
- Super Safe: They take your safety seriously!
Look I hate hype. What do I say? This isn’t glitz or glamor. But hey, for the price, the convenience, and the overall level of chill? Candlewood Suites in Fargo is a solid choice. Book now, and get ready to relax! (Just maybe don't get your hopes up for the spa experience -- you're warned!)
Wuhan's BEST Hotel Near Dongwu Avenue Light Rail? (City Comfort Inn Review!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going on a trip to the fabled land of… Fargo, North Dakota. Specifically, the Candlewood Suites Fargo-North Dakota State University By IHG. Bless their hearts, they think they’re charming it up with that mouthful of a name. Anyway, here's my attempt at a travel itinerary. Let’s see how long this thing stays on track. I'm already sweating.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Fargo, ND – Population: Probably More Than I Expect)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Fly into Hector International Airport (Farmington, I assume). Okay, first hurdle: surviving air travel. Pray to the travel gods (whoever they are) that my luggage doesn’t end up in Saskatchewan. Honestly, the anxiety of baggage claim is a whole separate travel ordeal. Shakes fist at sky, muttering about lost socks.
- Quirky Observation: Does anyone else feel like airports are designed to make you question every life choice you've ever made? Just me? Okay, I'll take a stale airport cookie and wallow in existential dread alone.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Shuttle/Uber to Candlewood Suites. Okay, navigation. My superpower is getting lost, even with a GPS. I'm picturing myself wandering around, muttering, "Where the heck is the university part of North Dakota State?" (Spoiler alert: I will get lost.)
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in. Pray for a room that doesn't face the dumpster, the parking lot, or, god forbid, both. Shudders. I swear, a good room can make or break a trip. Hoping for a decent view! (And a working coffee maker. Essentials, people, essentials!)
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack, settle in, and assess the situation. This is my "zone-out" time. Unpacking is a sacred ritual for me. It's about carefully placing everything so I don't feel completely overwhelmed. I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of stuff I bring. Questioning everything…why did I pack that fifth pair of shoes?
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Reconnaissance Mission: Explore the hotel. This is where I try out the "complimentary" coffee (fingers crossed it's not instant sludge) and scope out the vending machine situation. Need to know my access to snacks…for research purposes, of course. Wink.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant (TBD – recommendations welcome, but keep in mind I'm prone to indecision). I'm aiming for "not-a-chain-restaurant." Craving some authentic North Dakota grub: bison burger? Hotdish? (Tell me everything).
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to be adventurous and ordered something exotic on vacation…let's just say the bathroom was my best friend for the rest of the evening. Lesson learned: stick to what you know (mostly).
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Early night! Post-travel exhaustion is real. Binge-watch Netflix with a side of the snacks I inevitably bought. Prepare for the morning.
Day 2: Campus Capers & Possibly Regrettable Choices
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Rise and shine (or at least, attempt to). Coffee, coffee, coffee. Evaluate the hotel's breakfast situation. If it's sketchy, I'm hitting up a nearby diner.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the North Dakota State University Campus. Okay, here's where the main event takes place. Depending on time and stamina, consider a campus tour. (I'm not a student so I don't know if they'd even let me). I'm super excited to feel like I'm back in school! Take a stroll through the grounds, soak in the atmosphere… hopefully I'll see something that reminds me of my college days.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Finding another nearby restaurant. I'll probably spend an hour debating between the salad I should get and the burger I want. Sigh. The burger will probably win.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: DOUBLING DOWN ON THE NDSU EXPERIENCE. Alright, since I'll technically be visiting the university I'm going to go ALL IN on a single, absurd experience: Attend a lecture/or open day somewhere. It may be about agriculture, it may be about underwater basket weaving (I'm not judging), but I will completely commit. Emotional Reaction: Utterly terrified. However, I want to know the real deal, so there's a slight chance that I'll actually learn something… Or, you know, accidentally wind up in the wrong classroom and be completely flummoxed.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wind-down. Back to the hotel for some "me" time. Maybe read. Maybe nap. Avoid intense thinking.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Look for local eateries. Perhaps some North Dakota food (Hotdish, please!).
- Imperfection: This is where it is likely I'll fall apart.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Evening activities. Maybe a walk. Maybe a movie. No one knows and frankly, neither do I.
Day 3: Farewells & Fugitives from Fargo
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Coffee. Panic about packing.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I need to bring something back for my mom! (And myself. Let's be real).
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check out. Final assessment of the room (Did I leave anything behind? Are my socks still in the drawer?)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive/Uber to the airport. Pray for no flight delays.
- 12:00 PM onwards: Safe travels! Emotional Reaction: RELIEF.
Final Thoughts:
This is just a loose plan, people. Travel is all about embracing the chaos. I'm fully expecting things to go wrong. I'll get lost. I'll probably eat too much. But, hey, that's part of the fun, right? Or at least, that's what I tell myself to avoid a complete mental breakdown. Fingers crossed I make it back in one piece (and with a decent souvenir)! Send help (and maybe a good map).
London's BEST Kept Secret? This Holiday Inn Will SHOCK You!
Escape to Fargo: Candlewood Suites - You're Gonna Need a Bigger Carry-On (and Maybe Some Antacids) Frequently Asked Questions!
Okay, spill it. Is this place *really* near NDSU? I'm a stressed-out parent, gotta know.
Dude, YES. Like, practically *gazing distance*. We're talking you could probably throw a rogue football and hit a Bison...though I wouldn't recommend it, those kids are intense. Seriously though, if you're dropping someone off, moving them in, or just trying to survive a weekend of college madness, this place is GOLD. No endless loops through Fargo traffic, no wrestling with GPS, just… close. I actually *walked* a few blocks to get some groceries once. (Note: Fargo in February is a different beast. Pack accordingly. And maybe a therapist.)
What's the 'Candlewood Suites' vibe? Like, sterile and boring? Or… well, *not*?
Okay, let's be real. It's not the Ritz. It's not supposed to be. Think… comfortable, practical, and geared towards long stays. I'm talking *kitchenette* people! Microwave, fridge, stovetop… I actually cooked a decent (if slightly burnt) breakfast burrito there once. The rooms are spacious enough to avoid the "cabin fever" feeling, especially if you're camped out for a while. The decor? Eh, it's… functional. Think beige, maybe a splash of corporate art. But hey, you're in Fargo. You're not there for the avant-garde interior design. You're there to... well, I don't know, but I'm guessing it involves bison.
Oh, and the *real deal breaker* for me: the vending machine situation. They have *amazing* snacks, and the prices are not designed to financially ruin you. That says *volumes*. Seriously, I once saw a weary traveler *weep* with joy at the availability of a giant bag of Sour Patch Kids after a particularly brutal (and freezing) football game. I may or may not have joined him.
Are the beds comfy? Because, sleep is important, people.
Look, I'm a notorious bed snob. I've spent a small fortune on mattresses. But honestly? The beds at Candlewood are…good. Not *magical*, not cloud-like, but perfectly acceptable after a long day of…whatever you're doing in Fargo. They're clean, they're supportive, and they let you *sleep*. Which, trust me, is invaluable when you're wrestling with the stress of moving your kid into college, or surviving a business trip, or whatever Fargo throws at you. I’d give them a solid B+. You won't wake up feeling like you've been run over by a snowplow. And that, my friends, is a victory.
Tell me about the kitchenettes. I'm a picky eater (or broke), will I survive?
SURVIVE? My friend, you will *thrive*! Kitchenettes are a game-changer. Think: leftovers, home-cooked meals, and saving a small fortune. You can actually *make* coffee in your own room, instead of facing the hotel lobby coffee "situation." (I'm not judging… much). They have all the basics: fridge, microwave, stovetop, sink… and a few utensils. It's not a gourmet kitchen, but you can definitely whip up something. I once attempted to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner in one… don't ask. Let's just say I learned *a lot* about the limits of a two-burner stovetop. (And about the importance of cranberry sauce.)
Honestly, the kitchenettes are probably my favorite thing about the place. Because sometimes, after a long day, you just want to huddle in your room, eat something vaguely nutritious, and watch terrible television. And Candlewood lets you do that. And that, my friends, is a gift.
Is there any free stuff? (Because, let's face it, we're all cheap.)
Yep! You get the basic freebies: Wi-Fi (thank god), parking (also thank god, especially in a snowy hellscape), and… wait for it… maybe, *maybe* a little bit of coffee in the lobby. Don't get too excited. It's not Starbucks. It's… coffee. But hey, it's free. Beyond that? Not much. They don't have a free breakfast buffet, or a pool, or free massages. You're paying for the essentials: a clean room, a comfortable bed, and a place to park your car. Which, considering Fargo’s pricing and the general availability of decent accommodations, is still a decent deal.
What about the "pet-friendliness?" My little Fluffy comes everywhere with me.
Yes! Candlewood Suites are usually very pet-friendly. (But ALWAYS CALL AHEAD AND DOUBLE CHECK! Hotels change policies faster than I change my mind about wanting coffee). They often have designated pet areas. This is great for your furry companion! (And for keeping *their* furry companions from marking their territory on *your* luggage.) Just be prepared to pay a pet fee. And, for heaven's sake, bring poop bags. Fargo winters + dog poo = a recipe for disaster.
The gym, is it a joke? I need to work off all the bad decisions I'm about to make in Fargo.
Okay, let's be real. Hotel gyms are rarely a paradise of fitness. The Candlewood's is... functional. Treadmill, elliptical, some weights. Enough to avoid complete self-loathing, which is the goal, right? I wouldn't expect a full-blown Crossfit experience. But it's there. And sometimes, just the act of *walking* on a treadmill in the morning can make you feel like you've accomplished *something* before the day's stress hits. I've used it. I'm not sure *how* often, but it's there.
But here's the thing... Fargo is *outdoorsy*. If you have the time (and the weather), go for an actual walk/run. If the weather is bad, take a good book and a deep breath... or grab another snack from the vending machines. It's all about balance, people. Balance.
