IHG has opened the first Candlewood Suites hotel featuring the brand’s new interior design package, created with graduate students at Savannah College of Art and Design — the Savannah, Georgia-based school that led the redesign of Staybridge Suites’ standardized room décor in 2009.
The new Candlewood Suites, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, features the brand’s “Nest” scheme, with earthy green hues. The second new design scheme, dubbed “Harbor,” showcases warm blue colors. Candlewood Suites’ overall design concept is called “Haven,” which aims to conjure thoughts of rest, refuge and sanctuary while also focusing on sustainability, flexibility and storage — a key element for extended-stay guests.
Candlewood Suites guestrooms feature studio or one-bedroom suite floor plans with a full kitchen, recliner, large workspace with desk chair and overhead lighting. The Candlewood Suites North Little Rock also features the brand’s new Lending Locker concept, currently in pilot mode. On the honor system, guests can borrow commonly needed items that they can’t typically travel with, like extra lighting, small kitchen appliances and desk fans.
“We are very pleased with the results,” said Robert Radomski, vice president, global brand management, extended stay brands, IHG. “The modernized designs with fresh colors, residential touches and functional spaces will make life on the road easier and more comfortable for our guests.”