MCM Elegante Suites

This former Candlewood Suites attracts a mix of government, military, and leisure travelers, including a good deal of extended-stay guests. The entrance has a striking bronze sculpture of an eagle next to a large stone tablet that has the 10 Commandments inscribed on it, which has drawn mixed reactions from past guests. The lobby is very small but homey, with a natural stone front desk and fireplace. A comfy red sofa and armchair face the fireplace and the TV above it, and a few tables are tucked into an alcove. The lobby is where the breakfast buffet is served, and with such limited seating guests often have to take meals back to their suites or outside, where a couple of covered tables are positioned at the entrance. 

The hotel is located on a busy six-lane road well north of downtown Colorado Springs (a 16-minute drive). A few restaurants can be reached on foot within 10 minutes but it requires crossing the road, so it’s best to drive. Several businesses surround the hotel, which is six minutes from Interstate 25. The U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, and U.S. Olympic Training Center are approximately 15 minutes away by car. The Pike’s Peak Cog Railway Station and the Colorado Springs Airport are roughly a 30-minute drive. It typically takes 75 minutes to reach Denver International Airport by car. 

The hotel's spacious suites are comfortable and pleasant enough, but overall they feel dated and decor looks thrown together. All have kitchens with older appliances that include dishwashers, full fridges, microwaves, ranges, coffeemakers, and wet bars. There are small tables that double as desks that have both office chairs and simple upholstered wood chairs, and black leather armchairs are set to the side. Some pops of color are brought in from fuchsia drapes and framed photos of area mountain scenery.  

The suites come in Studio (Queens and Doubles) and One-Bedroom configurations. The One-Bedroom Suite we saw had a separate bedroom with a king bed and a twin bed in the living room area, and came with two flat-screen TVs (Studios have one TV). Free Wi-Fi is standard, but guests who want to receive fresh towels must exchange their soiled ones at the front desk. Bathrooms aren't as well-maintained as living spaces, with marked-up walls, dingy floor tiles, and old fixtures. All have shower/tub combos, standard white acrylic vanities, and toiletries. Some rooms offer distant mountain views, but others overlook the busy road. Ambient noise can be heard from the busy road, especially in rooms facing it. 

Ample freebies are a huge perk at this extended-stay property, starting with a hot breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, sausage, and a variety of cold items. Vending machines also are on-site, and a gazebo on the property has tables and gas grills. The on-site fitness center is small, with only four pieces of cardio equipment and a strength-training machine, but free passes to a nearby YMCA are available. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free, and there's no charge to use the public computer and printer or washer/dryers in the laundry room. Valet laundry and dry cleaning service is available for a fee, and meeting space for up to 120 people is on-site. Pets are welcome with some restrictions.