Candlewood Suites

Hotels
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2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#264 Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$13.4M - $19.5M
Units as of 2024
384 Increase 6.7% over 3 years

Candlewood Suite opened its first branch hotel in 1995. The following year, franchising began. The company opened the first international Candlewood Suite in 2007 in Montreal, Canada. Currently, there are over 400 Candlewood Suite branches all across the country, with many more hotels currently in planning stages.

Why You May Want to Start a Candlewood Suites Franchise

Candlewood Suites is committed to providing guests with all of the convenience they are used to at home. Suites consist of completely stocked kitchens, a workspace, a television with a DVD player, access to free Wi-Fi, close laundry equipment, pleasant living room furniture, and a comfortable bed. 

Candlewood Suites is a popular choice amongst guests who are business travelers because of the comfort it offers. The company is intent on having its customers return because of the cleanliness, and the reasonable prices offered. Candlewood Suites also has a Candlewood Cupboard where guests can get food and snacks whenever the urge strikes. 

Candlewood Suites are relatively easy to run. Franchisees should be available to operate the business, but hiring executive managers may be beneficial to franchisees. However, absentee ownership is not an option; franchisees are expected to be involved.

What Might Make Candlewood Suites a Good Choice?

To be part of the Candlewood Suites team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment, including a franchise fee and other potential startup fees. These fees will include royalty fees, as well as potential franchise renewal fees. Franchisees may also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. Candlewood Suites has partnered with third-party services in order to offer franchisees financial help with costs, including the franchise fee and other startup costs.

Like any other franchising business, Candlewood Suites requires franchising payments. Franchisees may need to pay two separate fees in management standard contracts: base and incentive fees. These fees are dependent on the franchise location.

With your investment in Candlewood Suites, franchisees receive training, a marketing program, and consultation services as operations begin. It can also be worthwhile if, as a franchisee, you join the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IGH), an association of hotel owners worldwide. There, other hotel owners can give you practical tips on how to run your business.

How to Open a Candlewood Suites Franchise

As you decide whether you wish to open a Candlewood Suites franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a franchise would do well in your community. If there are multiple hotels around the location, then opening a Candlewood Suites in that area may not be beneficial. 

Once you have decided that you would like to open a Candlewood Suites franchise, you are required to download and read the franchise advice form. This form will include details about the approximate startup cost, timeframe, and more.

After an inquiry to Candlewood Suites, an executive may call you to evaluate your franchisee requirements and the location of choice. If your request is accepted, the franchise executive will talk you through the particulars of the Franchise Disclosure Document. If confirmed as a franchisee, you will sign a contract before operating a Candlewood Suites.

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Company Overview

About Candlewood Suites

Industry Lodging
Related Categories Hotels & Motels
Founded 1995
Parent Company IHG Hotels & Resorts
Leadership Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas
Corporate Address Three Ravinia Dr., #100
Atlanta, GA 30346
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1996 (28 years)
# of employees at HQ 1,711
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Canada, Mexico

# of Units 384 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Candlewood Suites franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$50,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$13,413,650 - $19,461,750
Royalty Fee Information Circle
5.5%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
20 years (average)
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Candlewood Suites has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training Varies
Classroom Training Varies
Ongoing Support
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Ad Templates
National Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
No
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Candlewood Suites landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Candlewood Suites ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022