Candlewood Suites Alabaster by IHG
1004 Balmoral Dr, Alabaster, AL 35007, Alabaster, United States
4-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.2 / 5
Overview
Candlewood Suites Alabaster by IHG is a 4-star, all-suite extended-stay hotel set back from the highway and overlooking surrounding woodland in Alabaster, Alabama. It carries a strong public rating of 4.2 from 480 reviews, reflecting a functional, no-frills property geared toward practical, longer-term stays rather than resort-style luxury. The hotel is about 2 miles from Buck Creek Park and roughly 24 miles from downtown Birmingham.
Rooms
Suites are understated but full-featured, each including free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Every unit comes with a full kitchen along with separate living and dining areas, making the layout well suited to guests staying multiple nights or weeks. Guests have described rooms as clean and appropriately sized for the price, though some have noted the decor feels dated and rooms can run smaller than expected.
Amenities & Services
On-site facilities include a fitness gym, a snack bar, coin or self-service laundry, and an outdoor terrace. Parking is available on site, and the property also offers meeting space, making it a practical base for both leisure travelers managing errands and business visitors needing a quick place to gather. Long-stay rate options are available for guests planning extended visits.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel sits within a short drive of several Alabaster and greater Birmingham-area attractions, including Veterans Park (about 3.6 miles), Beneful Dream Dog Park (about 3.7 miles), Limestone Park (about 3.8 miles), and Pelham City Park (about 5 miles). Nature-focused sites such as Peavine Falls and Oak Mountain State Park (roughly 5.6 and 8.1 miles respectively), Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve (about 4.6 miles), and the Alabama Wildlife Center (about 6.7 miles) are all within a reasonable drive, along with cultural stops like the American Village, Aldridge Gardens, and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.
Best for
This hotel best suits extended-stay travelers and relocating workers who need full kitchens, laundry access, and living/dining space rather than a standard hotel room. It also works for budget-conscious families and visiting parents/grandparents, some of whom have found discounted nightly rates with parking included. Outdoor-oriented visitors will appreciate proximity to Oak Mountain State Park, Peavine Falls, and several city parks for day trips.
Travel tips
Because the hotel is set back from the highway, having a car is recommended for reaching nearby attractions like Oak Mountain State Park, Peavine Falls, and downtown Birmingham, which is about 24 miles away. Guests planning multi-night or multi-week stays should ask about long-stay rate options and the parent/grandparent discount some travelers have mentioned. Pack light footwear for the shower area, as a few guests noted cleanliness issues worth checking on arrival.
What guests say
Guests frequently praise the friendly, helpful staff and describe rooms as clean and reasonably sized for the price, with the location seen as convenient. Some travelers highlight value features like a parent/grandparent discount that includes parking. On the negative side, a recurring complaint is that rooms and overall decor feel dated, with a few guests noting smaller-than-expected room size and cleanliness concerns in the bathroom or shower area. Despite these critiques, several reviewers said they would stay again.
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