Candlewood Suites Bismarck

Has a kitchen. Free movie selection. Clean. Affordable prices.
Little bit different style of a hotel. Has a full fridge and freezer which is really nice.

This has been my go-​to place lately when I travel to Bismarck. That may change for weekend stays. Our check-​in last night was almost comical. Upon opening the door to our first room assignment, we discovered the room had already been «assigned» — to a smoker. No offense to smokers but this is a completely smoke-​free hotel. We made a quick exit and returned to the desk for a new room. Then, reminiscent to the scene from «Meet the Parents,» when Ben Stiller is attempting to book an airline ticket, it took probably 20 minutes of keyboard time to make that happen. During the silence, the lobby tv kept us entertained with a gripping personal account of a survivor of an Atlanta Olympic bombing victim, complete with a play-​by-​play of the blood draining out of the subject’s leg. The clerk assigned us an upgraded room — which was comfortable and in good condition (aside from a long dried-​out leftover coffee bag in the coffee maker). Friday nights must have a significant clientele change at this hotel; much different atmosphere than when I’ve traveled during the week for business.

We were traveling and needed a place to stop. They gave us a nice rate and were very friendly. It was not far off the highway and next to a MacKenzie Pizza restaurant (great pizza & friendly) and a Dunn Bros. coffee shop — two of our favorites.

The hotel itself was fine. Nicely appointed and spacious suite with full size refrigerator, microwave, sink and utensils. The front desk staff was unremarkable; the young man looked as if he’d been awake for too long and wasn’t particularly friendly or welcoming.
We booked a room for a one-​night stay through Orbitz, and my biggest complaint is that they charge $ 75 for a pet. That’s an outrageous amount for a one-​night stay. If they allow short-​term stays (just a night or two), then they should have an appropriate pet fee. The fee is not disclosed on Orbitz (at least not the mobile app), which in my mind is the responsibility of the hotel, not Orbitz. (I have a message into the Hotel Manager about this, haven’t gotten a reply yet.)
Overall, the accommodations were comfortable, but if you’re just staying a night or two and have a dog with you, plan on paying a premium for it.

All rooms are suites with some one bedrooms. Apartment-​like setting. Dogs allowed for a $ 150 fee. Super staff.