A lifelong Independence resident says he was recently denied a stay at Candlewood Suites Kansas City–Independence after arriving with his children for what he described as a local “staycation.”
Jake Dresslaer had a reservation at the hotel but says staff told him he could not stay because of a new policy restricting local residents from booking rooms.
The hotel’s current booking policies state that only non-local guests are accepted and that guests who live within 75 miles of the property will not be allowed to check in.
That means residents of Independence and surrounding areas could potentially be turned away—even if they make a reservation.
The policy has sparked questions and frustration among local residents, especially those who may want to use a hotel for a family staycation, pool day, special occasion or temporary getaway.
A lifelong Independence resident is calling out a last-minute problem with his hotel reservation at the Candlewood Suites in his hometown Tuesday night.
Jake Dresslaer booked a room at the hotel at 4545 Trace Park Court, not far from Cable Dahmer Arena, for a swimming “staycation” with his kids before school starts.
But when almost finished checking in at the front desk, Dresslaer claims the clerk said he wasn’t welcome.
“I said, well, we just stayed here a week ago. We’ve stayed here multiple times in the past,” Dresslaer said. “And she [said], ‘Well, we’re not serving Independence residents anymore.'”
Dresslaer questioned why.
“She goes, ‘They don’t bring in the type of clientele we’re looking for.'”
He asked for a manager, but was eventually told the policy stood.
Dresslaer posted his story in the Independence Community Awareness Facebook page on Tuesday. He saw no policies online or in the lobby about the residency ban. He also claimed the front desk worker gave him trouble about seeking a refund.
Other hotels across the country have banned locals from staying at their hotels to protect against partying and property damage. But they often have clear written policies online and in the lobby to help guests understand.
KMBC 9 Investigates called the hotel on Wednesday. A front desk worker told KMBC 9 Investigates it was inappropriate to call the hotel directly to ask about the policy.
“The owner would be the person you would want to speak to directly,” the worker said. “That’s his directive.”
Jackson County property tax records show the hotel is owned by an independent franchisee, Tahoe Investments Inc. KMBC emailed the hotel’s direct email address but has not heard back.
After a visit to the hotel, another worker said they had passed KMBC’s information on to a regional manager.
A national IHG spokesperson referred KMBC back to the hotel management, since it is an independent franchise.
Dresslaer eventually checked into another IHG hotel down the street, with a different owner. They gave him no trouble, he said, and he was able to stay and swim with his kids.
Asked what he would tell the owners of the Candlewood Suites, he said, “They need to adjust their policy. You can’t judge people based on their ZIP code.”
