Candlewood Suites is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, making it a great option if you’re looking to earn or redeem points. Designed for extended stays, the brand emphasizes comfort, independence, and value with real kitchens, free guest laundry, and functional layouts across all its locations.
If you’re flying into Knoxville or just need a place to crash near McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), this hotel offers space, quiet, and amenities that help you feel like you’re staying in a small apartment—not just a hotel room.
You’ll find Candlewood just a few minutes from the terminal. The free shuttle runs every 30 minutes and parking is complimentary if you’re driving yourself.
This review tells you everything you need to know about this hotels and Candlewood Suites in general.
FAQ
How many IHG points are needed for a free night at Candlewood Suites Knoxville Airport?
Redemption rates vary dynamically. Reward nights range from 17,000 to 34,000 points per night depending on demand and day of week.How many IHG points do you earn on a paid stay at Candlewood Suites?
Candlewood Suites earns 5 IHG One Rewards points per dollar on qualifying room rates. Elite members earn bonus points on top of that.Is laundry free at Candlewood Suites?
Yes, laundry is completely free for guests. No coins, no cards—just bring detergent or buy it from the Candlewood Cupboard.Does the hotel have a full kitchen?
Yes, each suite has a full kitchen with a fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, and real cookware and utensils.What loyalty program is Candlewood Suites part of?
Candlewood Suites is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts and participates in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.Points or Cash?
If you’re considering a points redemption, rates for Candlewood Suites Knoxville Airport range from 17,000 to 34,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. Paid cash rates for the same month vary from $80 to $162 per night before taxes.
This puts the average point value around 0.5 to 0.6 cents per point, which is fairly typical for IHG. While not the best possible value, it’s solid for an airport hotel—especially if you’re using the 4th night free perk from the IHG Premier Credit Card or topping off an award itinerary.
As always, check both options before booking: some nights have a much better cash-to-points ratio than others.
Room and Kitchen
Check-in is fast and practical. There’s a tidy but minimalist lounge, but that’s part of the brand’s self-service philosophy.
The suite opens into a spacious room. You get a queen bed with simple but tidy linens, a floating nightstand on either side, and a recliner tucked in the corner.
Across from the bed is a large flat-screen TV mounted above a desk-height surface. There’s enough room here to spread out your laptop, eat a meal, or stack your luggage.
The highlight of the room is the full kitchen. You’re not getting a microwave-and-mini-fridge setup—this is a real kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, two-burner stove, dishwasher, and lots of cabinets.
The kitchen is stocked with major appliances, deep cabinets, and real countertops for actual cooking. Despite having full appliances, the layout still feels open.
The sink setup is clean and practical. A drying rack, sponge tray, and disposal make cleanup easy.
The coffee maker is a classic drip style, not a pod machine. It’s simple and clean, just like the rest of the kitchen setup.
The drawers are stocked with real utensils. No plastic—just full sets of forks, knives, spoons, and serving tools.
Bathroom
The bathroom is large, with plenty of room around the sink and a clean white tub/shower combo. Towels are stacked under the counter and everything looks freshly sanitized.
The bathroom features a wide counter, mirror lighting, and a clean neutral tile scheme. Instead of tiny plastic bottles, you’ll find mounted dispensers in the shower for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—a more sustainable and practical touch.
If you need a snack or forgot something, you don’t have to leave the building. The Candlewood Cupboard is a 24/7 mini-market with frozen meals, drinks, snacks, and toiletries.
It’s surprisingly well-stocked with microwave meals, chips, ramen, candy, and even detergent. Prices are posted and you just charge to your room.
One of the best features is free guest laundry. You can wash and dry clothes at no cost—just bring your own detergent or grab some from the Cupboard. The laundry area is tucked beside the gym, which makes it easy to multitask while working out.
The fitness center includes a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, and a bench. It’s not huge, but it covers the basics well.
The gym and laundry share one space, making it easy to keep moving on a cycle while waiting on a laundry cycle.
Lending Locker
Another thoughtful amenity is the Lending Locker. You can borrow small kitchen appliances, fans, games, and more—free of charge.
There’s also a selection of classic board games. If you’re traveling with kids or staying a while, it’s a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
Candlewood Suites at TYS isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the most efficient airport hotel experiences you can have—especially if you value space, control, and convenience over bells and whistles.
You get a full kitchen, free laundry, a quiet night’s sleep, and a 30-minute shuttle—all for around $110–$130 per night. And because it’s part of IHG One Rewards, it’s easy to integrate into your points strategy.
It’s a great choice for longer stays, budget business trips, or just anyone who wants to do things their own way.