Editor in chief Lisa Matte‘s feature article in Global Traveler‘s September 2014 issue about upscale extended-stay hotels got me thinking about our recent experience at Candlewood Suites, an IHG property, in Naperville, Ill. Rated a two-star accommodation, one could not say it was “upscale,” but it certainly met our needs for a week and, judging from the nearly full parking lot each night, those of a lot of other travelers as well. Naperville is one of a string of suburban communities west of Chicago, and these are home to a significant number of corporate headquarters and regional offices. Several private and public universities set main or satellite campuses in the region as well (DePaul, Northern Illinois University, Benedictine), so extended-stay properties certainly fulfill the needs of business and leisure travelers drawn to the area. Rather than overwhelming our daughter and her family already hosting other out-of-town guests, we opted to stay at a nearby facility which would provide us a place to sleep as well as kitchen facilities in which we could prepare some party food for a large celebration. Candlewood provided everything we needed. Our one-bedroom suite was spacious, with a full kitchen (dishwasher and ice-making frig/freezer included), ample and well-lit workspace (because I take work with me wherever I go), a roomy bathroom and a comfortable king-sized bed in the separate bedroom. Free Internet access, two phone lines and plenty of electrical outlets make doing business from your room a cinch, and the in-house business center allows for copying, faxing and printing (with a PC available there). Although safes aren’t included in the guestrooms, safety deposit boxes are available at the front desk, where we always encountered very friendly and helpful staff. A variety of amenities make an extended stay away from home a little easier, including a small but adequately outfitted 24-hour fitness center, free self-serve laundry facilities and even an outdoor grilling area with barbeques for those who want to cook outdoors in nicer weather. One can borrow a DVD from the lending library to view on one of two televisions equipped with players in the suite. Two features Candlewood provides I thought were especially handy. One, the Candlewood Cupboard, housed in the small lounge/laundry area, allows one to purchase household items and food and drink via the honor system — a nice concept in this day and age! Just fill out a slip of paper with your room number and the item (s) you picked up, slide it in the slot in the “purchases” box, and you’ll be charged on your final bill. Choices included fresh eggs and fruit, milk, juices, soft drinks and snacks, bread and pastries, laundry detergent and toothpaste. I found the prices were reasonable and the options fairly broad. There was also a “Lending Locker,” an entire wall off the lobby from which one could borrow office supplies (staplers, tape, sticky notes, scissors, markers, etc.), kitchen and household items, even board games. Clearly the folks here understand their clientele and work to provide the comforts of home. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis, but one can request fresh towels or an extra visit as often as needed. The entire property was renovated in 2012, and I found it to be well-maintained and clean, top to bottom. Should we need a home-away-from-home in this area in the future, I wouldn’t hesitate to return. — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor