Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-87645 and Form S-8 No. 333-39219) of Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc., of our report dated February 8, 2002, except for Note 16 as to which the date is March 8, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Chicago, Illinois March 29, 2002