Candlewood Suites Miami Airport Doral

The Candlewood Suites Miami Airport West is a basic and bright chain suites-hotel aimed at longer-stay guests. The compact lobby is brightened by colorful orange pillows and a seafoam green accent wall. Check-in occurs at a large window that peers into a separate room -- a retro style of hospitality that feels a bit off in a hotel that was renovated in the 2000s. There is little gathering space on the ground floor, with only two reading chairs across from the reception window, but two water dispensers (one with lemon water) against the wall are a welcoming touch.

The only other indoor common space is the Candlewood Cupboard, a convenience store with one four-person table in its center. This is also where the hotel has its washer and dryers, which are free for use. The pool deck only mildly less perfunctory, with a brick deck and metal loungers.

Despite the name, the Candlewood Suites Miami Airport West is not right by the Miami International Airport; the airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. That said, the hotel is on the airport's flight path, and you can sometimes hear planes overhead from the rooms. Still, the Candlewood is conveniently located, just a few blocks away from Doral Boulevard and close to the many golf courses for which the city is known. Miami is about a 30-minute drive away, as is Coral Gables. The area around the hotel mostly consists of other similar hotels, and there are a number of chain restaurants -- such as Macaroni Grill and Red Lobster -- within a short drive.

The rooms at the Candlewood are all suites, each with a small kitchen that includes a full-sized fridge, dishwasher, two-burner stove, toaster, and coffeemaker. The kitchens are well-stocked with pots, pans, and dishware; it's feasible to have a real meal in your room. The suites --- which come as Studios or One-Bedrooms -- are not overly spacious, and are designed for functionality over aesthetics. For example, in the One-Bedroom Suites, a large desk next to the kitchen can serve as extra counter space, a workspace, or a dining table. The rooms are not entirely lacking in style -- blue accent walls, green throw pillows, and geometric headboards all add a warmth to the space -- but the black wood furniture appears a little cheap, and the mixed woven-fabric and leather reading chairs are reminiscent of nursing homes. All rooms have at least one flat-screen TV, a DVD player, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are clean, plain, and bright, with tiled floors, stylish black vanities with marble counters, and shower/tub combinations; toiletries are limited, however. 

The Candlewood Suites targets a self-sufficient, longer-stay guest with its in-room kitchenettes and free self-service laundry in the convenience store, the Candlewood Cupboard. While the hotel doesn't serve breakfast, there are a number of cheap options (for breakfast or another meal) available for purchase in the convenience store. The hotel also has a small 24-hour gym with a range of equipment; the equipment is not new, but is in good condition. There is also an outdoor pool and an adjacent deck with grills for guest use. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, as well, and business services through the front desk.