Uncover Williamsburg's Hidden Gem: Wingate by Wyndham!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep – really deep – into the supposed "hidden gem" that is the Wingate by Wyndham in Williamsburg! Prepare for a review as messy, real, and hopefully, helpful, as a post-Thanksgiving dinner plate. Let's GO!
Accessibility, A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
My first thought? Accessibility. Important, right? This is Williamsburg, after all – a city teeming with history and, let's be honest, cobblestones that'll send you flying. Wingate scores points for having wheelchair accessible rooms. That's HUGE. They also tick the box for facilities for disabled guests – hopefully, that extends to more than just ramps! There's an elevator, which is a godsend and no exterior corridor or stairs for hotel-rooms.
Internet Shenanigans (Free Wi-Fi, Thank Goodness!)
Look, let's be real: Wi-Fi is a MUST in this day and age. Especially if you're, like me, a digital nomad who forgets to download enough content before visiting the USA. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And Wi-Fi in public areas. Double YES! And a slightly confusing "Internet access – LAN" option. Because… who uses LAN anymore? But hey, options are nice, right? More points, Wingate, more points.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying, But…
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: post-pandemic cleanliness. They’re trying. Wingate boasts of anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas (hopefully they're doing it right!), hand sanitizer, and, the big one, rooms sanitized between stays. There’s even a room sanitization opt-out available, which feels a little… weird? Like, "Hey, we offer you sanitization, but you can choose to live in a biohazard zone! Your call!" (Just kidding… mostly.) They also have staff trained in safety protocol. Good. Good. First aid kit? Check. Basically, they're doing what they can, but let's be honest, the anxieties of the past few years are still hanging around like a bad smell.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Battleground of Expectations
Alright, food. The heart of every good hotel experience, right? Here's where things get… interesting. They have restaurants, plural, which immediately sparked my interest. But! The big one is: Breakfast [buffet]. Now, I love a good buffet, but after all the years of COVID scares, I now look at the buffet with the same suspicious eye I’d give a particularly grumpy alley-cat. There’s also Asian breakfast, which is a bold move for Williamsburg, unless it's a fusion-y kind of place. And, you know, coffee/tea in restaurant and coffee shop, because the world can't function without caffeine.
They have a Snack bar and a Poolside bar, Which is awesome. Happy hour, which is even more amazing.
This brings me to the 24-hour room service. I tried it! I ordered french fries at 2am. The fries? Soggy. The service? A little slow, but super nice people!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
Okay, the basics. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. Concierge? Maybe. I didn't test this out much. They offer cash withdrawal, luggage storage, and a convenience store (for those late-night snack cravings).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
They say they're Family/child-friendly, which is promising. Babysitting service? Good for the parents. Kids meal? That's a win. But look, if you have kids, you’ve become a pro at finding kid-friendly places.
Getting Around: The Great Williamsburg Shuffle
They have Airport transfer! That’s a big plus! Also, car park [free of charge]. But let's be honest, in Williamsburg, you're probably going to be walking. Car, bike, horse and carriage (lol), what ever helps you navigate the areas of the city.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning. That’s essential.
- Alarm clock. Because, yes, you need to get up to explore the city.
- Bathrobes. Luxurious, yes!
- Blackout curtains. Godsend for those who don't want to wake up at 6 AM every day.
- Closet. Important.
- Coffee/tea maker. Essential.
- Free bottled water. Necessary.
- Hair dryer. For that perfect hair.
- In-room safe box. Good for your valuables.
- Internet access – wireless. Essential.
- Ironing facilities. Good.
- Mini bar. Always convenient.
- Non-smoking. Essential (for most).
- Private bathroom. Essential again.
- Refrigerator. Perfect for that late-night snack.
- Satellite/cable channels. For winding down.
- Seating area. Good.
- Shower. Yep.
- Smoke detector.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries. Necessary so you don't forget yours!
- Towels. Definitely.
- Wake-up service.
What's it Really Like? My Imperfect Wingate Experience.
Okay, here's where it gets real. I stayed here during a surprisingly busy weekend. The check-in was relatively smooth, a quick check-in/out [express]. The staff was friendly, but you could tell they were tired. I requested a higher floor (high floor) to see the rest of the area and the view? Not too shabby. My room was clean enough, but it wasn’t exactly pristine. See, here’s my issue: the impression is of a place that's trying hard, not necessarily succeeding. The details were okay, but not perfect. As in the TV remote had some weird sticky stuff on it.
The Spa?
No spa or sauna. This is a bummer for those who want to relax in this hotel. So, if you're looking for a luxe spa experience, this ain't it.
The Fitness Center: Meh.
They do mention a Fitness center. I peeked in. It looked okay, standard hotel gym with some treadmills and weights. But let's be honest, I usually go to see if there is a pool and if it has a pool with view. The answer is yes to both! Which is amazing!
The Verdict?
Is the Wingate by Wyndham a hidden gem? Arguably. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But, for the price point, the location (close to everything, including the historical district), and the overall accessibility, it's a solid pick.
My Unsolicited Advice:
- Go in with realistic expectations. This isn’t The Ritz. It’s a perfectly fine, and accessible, place to lay your head.
- Embrace the imperfect. That sticky remote? It’s part of the experience!
- Check your room carefully on arrival. Make sure everything's working.
- Order the fries! Even if they’re a little soggy at 2 am.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 history-obsessed squirrels.
Craft a Compelling Offer to Book:
Ready to Uncover Williamsburg? Stay at Wingate by Wyndham and Explore Like a Local!
Tired of bland hotel stays? Yearning for an adventure? Then pack your bags and get ready to explore the historic heart of Williamsburg! The Wingate by Wyndham offers a comfortable haven, a convenient basecamp to discover the magic of this colonial town.
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Prime Location: Steps away from the action! Explore Colonial Williamsburg, museums, restaurants, shops, and everything the city has to offer.
- Free Wi-Fi & Accessibility: Stay connected and comfortable without any problems. Enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms, perfect for planning your itinerary, posting selfies, or browsing the internet.
- Complimentary Breakfast Start your day off on the right foot!
- Clean & Secure: Our commitment to safety is unwavering. Rest easy knowing we're taking extra precautions to sanitize and provide a safe environment for you.
Special Offer:
Book your stay with us today and receive 15% off your stay, plus a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival!
Don't delay – book your Williamsburg adventure now and experience the comfort, convenience, and adventure of Wingate by Wyndham!
Click here to book your stay! (insert link here)
Bremen's ArtHOTEL: The Unexpected Gem You NEED to Book Now!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia? That's like… deciding if you want to eat a whole box of cookies or just one. And let's be honest, the whole box is calling my name. This Wingate by Wyndham Williamsburg itinerary? Consider it the messy, glorious box of cookies, sprinkled with crumbs of reality.
Day 1: Colonial Kickoff & Mild Meltdown (Spoiler: It's Always Mild)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Land at Richmond International Airport (RIC) - or, as I prefer to call it, "The Starting Line." Okay, smooth travels are the exception, let's be real. My flight was delayed because of "unexpected air traffic control issues" which is code for "probably a rogue pigeon with a vendetta." I swear, sometimes airports are just giant, echoing purgatories. After a surprisingly easy rental car pickup (thank you, Budget!), I hit the road, blasting some tunes. Okay, that’s a lie. I was trying to listen to a podcast, but my brain kept screaming "ARE WE THERE YET?" like a toddler.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrive at Wingate by Wyndham Williamsburg. Okay, first impressions? It looked like a perfectly fine hotel, exactly what I expected. The lobby wallpaper had a subtle pattern of… well, I'm not sure, but I can't help but think its been here since the 90's. The front desk person was super friendly, though. Bonus points for that. Checked in, and dumped my bags. I instantly did a double-take when I saw the view from my room - a sprawling parking lot. Oh well, can't win them all.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Colonial Williamsburg - The real reason we're here, right? Right. Okay, I'm a sucker for history, even if I have the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel. Wandered around. The costumes, the buildings, the demonstrations… all pretty darn cool, even if it made me question the existence of indoor plumbing (apparently, the answer is nope). Watched a blacksmith. Smelling the smoke, and witnessing the sheer strength required to turn iron into a horse shoe.. was actually amazing. A quick, tasty lunch at Chowning's Tavern was an absolute treat, even if I momentarily forgot which century I was in, ordering my soup.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at The Trellis Bar and Grill. The kind of place you think is fancy, but isn't quite, you know? Ordered the crab cakes, and they were… alright. The waiter was very chatty, and at one point, I swear he told me the entire life story of every single chef. The conversation with the wife, felt oddly like another episode of the "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? " but with the only way to win as "correctly guessing which of the restaurants is the best on the whole trip." After that, had a quick stroll around the lit-up Colonial Williamsburg. The spooky atmosphere, was well…kinda great.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Back at Wingate. Crashed on my bed. The hotel room was standard, like most hotels. Maybe a little too standard. The air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. But hey, at least they had a decent coffee machine to get me back up and moving the next day.
Day 2: Jamestown, Yorktown & Emotional Overload (More or Less)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a horse-drawn carriage (irony, anyone?). Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental breakfast" at most hotels are usually underwhelming, but this one seemed… even more so. It was mostly carbs and sadness. Jamestown - the very first English settlement. Felt the weight of history sinking in. Okay, maybe I got a little too into it, imagining the struggles of the first settlers. The re-enactors were great, but I think I saw a kid start crying because he thought the chickens were attacking.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a little place in Jamestown, with great views of the water. Okay, fine, I'll admit it: I got a little misty-eyed thinking about the resilience of those early pioneers. Then, my stomach rumbled, reminding me that I was still, fundamentally, a person who needed to eat.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Yorktown Battlefield: The sight of the battlefield felt a little empty. I walked around, trying to imagine the chaos, the fear, the smell (probably not good). Took more photos than I'd like to admit.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a random, unmemorable restaurant in Yorktown. Everything was fine, but nothing mind-blowing. After dinner, we drove back to Williamsburg, and felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I was more tired from eating than from anything else.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Back at the hotel, and again, I hit the hay. The walrus-like air conditioner was still doing its thing. Debated whether to complain. Decided I was too tired and would just…die of exhaustion.
Day 3: Souvenir Shopping, and Last-Minute Regrets
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping in Colonial Williamsburg. Found a ridiculously overpriced tricorn hat. I wanted it so badly. Decided against buying it for my inner childs sake. It was very disappointing. The shops were all a bit the same, really.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a place that served a sandwich. Nothing special.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Checked out of the hotel. Drove back to Richmond International Airport (RIC). The flight wasn't delayed (thank goodness!), but I had a feeling I'd forgotten something important, like, maybe, my sanity.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Flight home. Feeling a mix of relief that the trip was over, and a strange melancholy that I'd already left. Colonial Williamsburg, I'm not sure I'll get back to you, but I'll cherish my memories, the questionable crab cakes, and the ever-present smell of history.
- Night: Landed safely back home. Dumped luggage in the hallway. Ate a large pizza. Realized I needed a vacation…from my vacation.
Imperfections & Unsolicited Advice:
- Don't over-plan. Seriously. Some of the best parts of the trip were the spontaneous moments, like the random conversations with strangers.
- Embrace the mess. Not every meal will be Michelin-star-worthy. Not every historical fact will perfectly align in your memory. That's okay! It's part of the fun.
- Pack comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. Trust me on this one. Your feet will thank you.
- Be prepared for crowds. Especially during peak season. Bring your patience, and maybe some noise-canceling headphones.
- Get ready to come back with new stories, and new memories.
- Enjoy the cookies. Whether you eat a whole box, or just one, make sure you savor the experience!
- Don't expect anything to be perfect. Because let’s face it, perfection is boring.
So, there you have it: my Wingate, Williamsburg, a glimpse into my messy, wonderful existence. Go forth, travel, and embrace the delightful chaos of it all!
La Residence India: Uncover Luxury Redefined
Uncover Williamsburg's *Actually* Hidden Gem: Wingate by Wyndham! (Yeah, I Said It!)
Okay, Okay... Wingate? Really? Isn't that, like, *just* a hotel?
Look, I get it. "Wingate by Wyndham" doesn't exactly scream "secret Williamsburg goldmine." But let me tell you, I was *wrong*. Utterly, completely wrong. I stumbled upon it during a last-minute trip (because, you know, adulting is hard and spontaneity is my only friend) and needed *something*. And, folks, it turned out to be a *something* that kinda blew my mind (in a Williamsburg kind of way, which is saying something because this town is already mind-blowing).
Think of it this way: It's like finding a perfectly ripe, juicy peach hidden behind a bunch of slightly bruised apples. Nobody really expects it, but then you take a bite, and WHOA. That's Wingate. (Okay, maybe not a peach. More like... a really excellent, surprisingly comfortable room with a view of... well, *something*... that’s suddenly the best peach of your life.)
The Free Breakfast: Is it a Desperate Hunger Games Scenario or Actually Edible?
Alright, let's get real. I'm not here to sugarcoat things. Hotel breakfasts *can* be… well, let's just say I've seen some questionable things on a breakfast buffet. But the Wingate's breakfast? Surprisingly, *good*. Seriously. Not Michelin-star good, obviously, but... solid.
My first morning? I was SO expecting sadness (seriously, my expectations were subterranean). But the waffles? Crispy! (I even went back for seconds – and *that* is saying something because I'm usually a one-waffle gal). The eggs? Not rubbery! (Winning!). The coffee? Drinkable! (Though a touch… generic, but hey, free coffee is free coffee.)
Look, there's no secret ingredient. There's no chef hiding in the back, crafting artisanal granola (probably). But it's clean, well-stocked, and the staff is genuinely friendly. It's the kind of breakfast that lets you ease into your day without feeling like you're about to be judged for taking a third sausage link. (I may or may not have done that…)
The Rooms... Are They Actually Clean? (Because that's important.)
Okay, cleaning is EVERYTHING. I have *very* high standards. And I'm happy to report: yes. The rooms are clean. Like, actually clean. No mysterious stains, no dusty corners, no lurking… things. (You know what I mean.)
The bed? Comfortable. I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a ROCK. Which is amazing, because I'm usually up at 3 AM replaying every slightly awkward conversation I had that day. The bathroom? Clean. The towels? Fluffy. The air conditioning? Works like a charm (essential for those humid Virginia summers). It’s just… uncomplicated comfort. Which I desperately, desperately needed.
Location, Location, Location! Williamsburg's a big place. Is Wingate remotely convenient?
This is where Wingate legitimately shines. It’s *perfectly* placed! I mean, you're within spitting distance of everything you're in Williamsburg to see! The Colonial Parkway is a short hop away, and boom - you're right into Colonial Williamsburg. Busch Gardens? Not a problem. Historic Jamestown and Yorktown? Easy peasy. Honestly, it was so central, I felt like I was *winning* at logistics the whole time. Because I'm usually terrible at logistics.
AND, bonus points: even the area around the hotel felt surprisingly... livable. Plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It’s not like you're stranded in a desolate motel wasteland, you know? Which is a HUGE win in my book.
Okay, But There HAS to be a Catch. What's the Downside? Anything?
Alright, alright, I'll be honest. Nothing's perfect. My biggest gripe? The pool. IT'S OUTDOOR. Now, I will say, It's clean, I'm sure. And the pictures look lovely. But I went in the off season when the air was brisk. I'm a wimp. No pool for me.
The decor is... I'd call it 'functional.' It's not going to win any design awards. Think… “modern hotel room circa 2008.” But honestly? Who cares? I'm not there to critique interior design. I'm there to sleep, eat waffles, and explore history. And in that regard, Wingate delivers.
Would you *Actually* Stay There Again?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Look, after the first night I was hooked. I *loved* it! I walked in, exhausted, ready to collapse, and walked out the next day feeling genuinely refreshed. It's not a luxury resort. it's not super fancy, but it doesn't have to be. It's clean and comfy, the breakfast is great, the location is perfect. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's the kind of place that lets you relax, unwind, and *actually* enjoy your vacation. And honestly? In today's world, that's a win. And a well-deserved win at that!
Next time I'm in Williamsburg? Wingate, here I come. Maybe I'll even try the pool. (Okay, probably not. I'm still a wimp.)
