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                                                                    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 333-39219) of Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc, of our report
dated February 10, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                               Ernst & Young LLP



Chicago, Illinois
March 28, 2001