Military spouse & mother - deeply disappointed and concerned…read more
I'm writing this review not just as a guest, but as a military spouse and a mother. What happened to my family at this IHG property was truly shocking and unacceptable. This is not just about poor service -- it involves child safety and possible discrimination.
Date & Time: September 20, 2025 (Saturday), between 9:20-9:30 AM
Location: IHG Candlewood Suites - McChord Field (JBLM, WA), breakfast area
That morning, I went to breakfast with my mother and my young children. Although breakfast was advertised until 10:00 AM, there was almost no food left and no plates available. When I politely asked a staff member for a plate, she completely ignored me -- even though I was standing right in front of her. Moments later, she responded immediately and courteously to another male guest who asked for the same thing. The difference in treatment was blatant and made me feel disrespected and possibly discriminated against.
When I asked again, she replied in a dismissive tone. Then, as she pointed to the cabinet where the plates were stored, she pushed my 3-year-old son, who happened to be standing in front of it. She physically touched my child without my consent. I immediately told her not to touch him and asked to speak to the manager. This happened in front of other families and children.
My husband reported the incident to the Military Police, and that same day, investigators came to the hotel to look into it. We were told that the hotel does not store CCTV footage at all, meaning there was no video evidence available. To hear that a hotel located on a military installation has no system for recording or retaining CCTV footage was extremely concerning. From a safety and security perspective, this seems like a serious risk -- not only for incidents involving children, but for any situation requiring evidence.
What's worse is that there has been no formal apology, no proper follow-up, and no visible corrective action. The same staff member was working again the very next morning as if nothing had happened. Because of this, we avoided the breakfast area for the rest of our stay, even though we had paid for it.
What's even more heartbreaking is the impact this incident had on my son. The next day, he showed clear signs of stress and trauma -- yelling, pushing his younger sibling in the chest, and mimicking the aggressive behavior he experienced. This is something we had never seen from him before. As a parent, it was devastating to witness how a brief but frightening interaction with a hotel staff member could affect his sense of safety and behavior.
Now, three weeks have passed, and despite sending two follow-up emails to the hotel manager, I have received no response at all. This complete lack of accountability and communication is extremely disappointing.
As a military family that has relied on IHG during multiple PCS moves, we expected a safe and respectful environment. Unfortunately, this experience has left us feeling unsafe and dismissed.
I have already reported the incident through the appropriate channels, but I believe it's important for other families to be aware. Incidents like this should not be minimized or ignored. I sincerely hope that IHG leadership and base authorities take this seriously and hold the staff accountable so that no other family has to experience something like this.