Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro: Coliseum's BEST Hotel? (You'll be SHOCKED!)
Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro: Coliseum's BEST Hotel? (You'll be SHOCKED!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just wrestled my way through a stay at the Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro, right by the Coliseum. And by "wrestled," I mean I wrestled with my own expectations, a questionable ice machine, and the existential dread of another hotel breakfast buffet. Was it the BEST? That's a bold claim. Let's dive in, shall we? This isn't your PR-fluffed travel blog; this is the real deal.
First, the Essentials (and the Not-So-Essentials):
- Accessibility: They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. Elevators are a must, and I'm hoping the accessible rooms actually are accessible, which is a whole other can of worms I didn't pry into this time. Need to double check the details.
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Bless up. It's 2024, people, and paying for Wi-Fi is practically highway robbery. I tested it. It worked. Rejoice! They also say "Internet access – LAN," which feels like a relic of the dial-up era, but hey, maybe someone in the IT department is super old school. I didn't try it.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where things get interesting. They boast about "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection in common areas," and "sanitized kitchen and tableware items." During my stay it felt…mostly clean. The hallways were spotless, but there was something slightly suspicious about the coffee maker in my room. More on that later. Room sanitization opt-out? Probably not. I mean it's standard now. They have hand sanitizer readily available, which is a good sign.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ah, the sacred meal. There's a "breakfast buffet," which, let's be honest, could be a make-or-break situation. The free breakfast. Okay, it was pretty standard. The usual suspects: cereal, toast, those pre-made omelets that taste vaguely of sadness, and a waffle maker that threatened to devour my soul (it did work though!). They claim to have "Asian breakfast," which I didn't see. They clearly had a coffee shop. The coffee wasn't terrible, but it wasn't artisanal, either. What do you expect? There is a "Poolside bar," I didn't find.
- Services and Conveniences: Cash withdrawal, a convenience store, luggage storage, and dry cleaning are all nice-to-haves that are good. I used the concierge which was fine (nothing amazing, but they answered the phone and pointed me to a good diner).
- For the Kids: They claim to have "Family/child friendly," which is good to hear if you've got the rugrats in tow. I didn't see any kids facilities, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.
- Getting Around: Free parking! Yes! I hate paying for parking. They also have "Car park [on-site]". Taxi available. Airport Transfer as well.
- Available in all rooms: Okay, so this is the laundry list of what you get inside your room. Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a comfy bed, a desk for your laptop (if you're into working), a mini-fridge AND the coffee/tea maker I mentioned.
The Good Stuff (and the Meh Stuff):
- The Gym/Fitness: The fitness center looked decent. I didn't hit the gym (I'm a writer, not a gladiator), but it had the basic equipment. They also didn't have a sauna, spa, or steam room - what a shame.
- The Pool: I did visit the pool, which had a "pool with view," which I can't say was the most amazing! It was okay. Definitely a plus on a hot day.
- The Rooms (Generally): The rooms were clean, relatively spacious, and functional. The bed was comfortable enough, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The bathroom was… well, a bathroom. Nothing to write home about, but it was clean and had hot water. They had free bottled water, which is always a nice touch. The "additional toilet" detail isn't present, so I think that may be a mistake.
The "Interesting" Bits (Prepare yourselves):
- The Coffee Maker Saga: Okay, here's the weird thing. The coffee maker in my room… smelled. Not just of stale coffee, but… something else. Like, a lingering, vague ghost of bleach and regret. I gave it a thorough cleaning with the provided (and sadly wimpy) cleaning supplies, but the smell persisted. I'm not saying someone committed a clandestine crime in there, but… I didn't use that coffee maker. I preferred a nice cup of bottled water.
- Breakfast Buffet: The Human Experience: The breakfast buffet. It was okay. As mentioned before, the waffles were the highlight, but the rest was… well, it was breakfast. I did see a woman attempt to steal an entire carton of yogurt, which was both hilarious and slightly heartbreaking. It's like a microcosm of humanity in a room with lukewarm scrambled eggs.
- My "Spa" Experience: Sadly, they don't have a spa! I would have loved a facial to get my writing juices flowing.
Location, Location, Location (Because, You Know, SEO):
The Wingate is right by the Greensboro Coliseum. This is a HUGE deal if you're going to an event there. Seriously, you can practically roll out of bed and into the arena. This makes it a HUGE win for convenience.
SEO Stuff (Because We Gotta):
- Keywords: Greensboro hotels, Coliseum event hotels, Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro, hotels near Greensboro Coliseum, family-friendly hotels Greensboro, best hotels Greensboro.
- Accessibility: I've discussed the accessibility features. They should proudly advertise them as a selling point.
- Cleanliness: I've emphasized the hygiene standards, but it's important to be transparent.
- Value: The free breakfast and parking are big perks.
- Target Audience: People attending Coliseum events, families, and anyone looking for convenient and affordable accommodation in Greensboro.
The Verdict (Drumroll, Please!):
Is the Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro: Coliseum's BEST Hotel? Maybe… for the price and the location. It's a solid choice for a convenient stay near the Coliseum. It's not luxury, but it's not a dive, either. Would I stay there again? Yeah, probably. Would I bring my own coffee maker next time? Definitely.
My Honest Recommendation:
- If you're going to an event at the Coliseum and want convenience without breaking the bank, book it.
- If you're expecting a spa experience, look elsewhere.
- If you're a coffee snob, BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee).
A Compelling Offer (Because I'm Selling You Something):
Tired of Hotel Hacks and Hidden Fees? Escape the Ordinary!
Book your stay at the Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro: Coliseum today and receive:
- FREE breakfast. Fuel up for your event!
- FREE parking. Save your $$$ for the good stuff!
- Prime location. Walk to the Coliseum and beat the traffic!
- Clean, comfortable rooms. Relax and recharge after a long day.
- And a possible encounter with a slightly suspect coffee maker… (Just kidding! …Mostly.)
Click here to book your stay NOW and experience the Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro! Don't miss out on the fun!
(P.S. We can't guarantee the coffee maker will be better, but we can guarantee you'll get a decent night's sleep!)
Sunninghill Escape: Your Luxurious South African Getaway Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my possible, messy, maybe-mostly-failed-but-hopefully-occasionally-triumphant Greensboro adventure, centered around the Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro/Coliseum. And let's be honest, it's probably going to go sideways at least twice.
Day 1: Arrival & the Perpetual Quest for Caffeine (and Maybe Culture?)
1:00 PM: Arrival at PTI (Piedmont Triad International Airport) - OMG, I'm here! (Hopefully, my luggage is too.)
- Okay, deep breaths. I'm supposed to be cool, collected explorer arriving in a new city. But honestly, I'm a nervous wreck about the whole airport thing. I envision myself getting lost and having a panicked breakdown in front of a Cinnabon. If my luggage goes missing, I'm going to lose it. (Note to self: pack calming tea bags in carry-on).
- The Logistics: Uber/Lyft to Wingate by Wyndham Greensboro/Coliseum. Hopefully the driver doesn't think my attempt at small talk is utterly cringeworthy.
- Anxiety Level: 8/10 (Pre-caffeine, fueled by travel anticipation)
2:00 PM: Check-in & Lamenting the Tiny Elevator (or maybe it's just me)
- Alright, time to wrangle the front desk. Pray for a smooth check-in, good vibes, and a room that doesn't smell suspiciously of mildew. Fingers crossed they're not out of rooms, which has happened to me before. I've also been in the elevator at this place that feels like it's going to fall into the ground, so, pray to god I get a room near the stairs.
- Emotional Response: Relief if everything goes smoothly! Also some slight frustration if the elevator is as slow.
- Room Goal: A quiet room (no noisy neighbors, please, I sleep like the dead) that offers an okay view of the parking lot (it will have to do)
2:30 PM: The Caffeine Emergency & the Hunt for the Perfect Greasy Spoon
- Okay, let's be real. I need caffeine, stat. Like, maybe I need an IV drip of coffee. Google Maps is my friend. Searching for the "best coffee near me" must be done.
- The Quest: Find a truly great, non-chain coffee shop. Bonus points for quirky decor and a place where I can shamelessly people-watch. I also need something greasy. My soul is telling me to eat like a trucker.
- Potential Targets: I'm thinking a diner. A place with good pancakes, bacon, and maybe, just maybe, a jukebox. (I'm also considering any good looking bakeries as back-up.)
- Humor: I wonder if I could find a local diner that gives out free hugs. Hey, it doesn't hurt to dream.
- Caffeine Priority: 9/10. The survival of my first day in Greensboro depends on this.
4:00 PM: Stumbling Through the Greensboro Science Center (or Maybe Not)
- So, I could go to the Greensboro Science Center. It's supposed to be a great place for some learning. I could see some cute animals, learn about the ecosystems, and be all cultured and whatnot.
- The Decision: I suppose I will go. I hope the zoo thing doesn't bore me though.
- Emotional Note: I will probably find some of the animals cute though.
6:00 PM: Dinner & Venturing Into the Unknown - Maybe, Just Maybe, Trying to Be Social
- The Dilemma: Do I embrace my natural hermit tendencies, order pizza, and watch cable in my room? Or do I attempt to be a functioning, somewhat sociable human being and go to a local restaurant?
- Possible Plan: Check out local recommended restaurants nearby. Maybe something with a lively atmosphere, good food, and – dare I say it – a friendly bartender?
- Anticipation: Mild anxiety about socializing. But also, the potential for a delicious meal.
- Emotional Assessment: If I successfully make and keep a conversation, I'll count it as a win.
8:00 PM: Embracing the Night (or Avoiding It Completely)
- The Question: Do I find a bar, or do I retire to my room for the night?
- Maybe: Stroll through the quiet night of Greensboro.
Day 2: Coliseum, History, and the Unexpected
9:00 AM: Breakfast Drama (Hopefully Not)
- The Plan: Free breakfast at the Wingate, hopefully. I'm very used to the standard hotel breakfasts but hope it is better than the last place I stayed at.
- Objective: Eat as much as I can without feeling sick.
- Emotional State: Cautious optimism.
10:00 AM: The Greensboro Coliseum Complex
- If there's an event happening at the Coliseum, I'm there, and I'm going on the tour. The people-watching opportunities alone are enough to drag me there.
- The Experience: I want to experience something unique and memorable.
- Emotional Response: The anticipation of a unique experience is building.
1:00 PM: Lunch
- Explore my food options again.
- Potential: Try a local place that is recommended.
2:30 PM: A Deep Dive Into Greensboro History (Or a Brief Stroll Around a Museum)
- The Goal: To at least appear somewhat cultured.
- The Choice: The Blandwood Mansion, or maybe a historical site.
- Expectations: Hopefully, I'll learn about the history of Greensboro.
- Emotional Note: I might get bored, but I will try.
4:00 PM: The Unexpected Detour & the Art of the Serendipitous Find
- The Reality: I've learned to embrace the wandering. Something catches my eye, or I hear about a hidden gem.
- The Possibilities: A quirky antique shop, a street art mural, a local brewery, or a park. (Or, let's be honest, I might just nap.)
- The Mantra: Go with the flow, accept the mess, be grateful for the adventure.
6:00 PM: Dinner and (Maybe) Live Music
- Food Quest: I'm open to recommendations. I want something authentic, delicious, and affordable. Local, not chain.
- Bonus Round: If I can find a place with live music, my night is made.
8:00 PM: Back to the Wingate & Reflection
- Reflect on the day. Hopefully, I didn't embarrass myself too much.
Day 3: Departure & the Lingering Question: Did I Actually "Do" Greensboro?
9:00 AM: Farewell to the Buffet
- Another free breakfast. I'm going to miss that buffet.
10:00 AM: Final Thoughts and A Quick Stroll
- Check out, then a walk around the place to take it all in one last time.
11:00 AM: Head to the Airport (Praying for No Delays!)
- Remember to bring that calming tea. I'm gonna need it.
The Reflection: Did I love Greensboro? Who knows. But I survived. And that’s what really matters.
This is just a rough plan. I'm ready to be surprised. And I'm completely, unapologetically, me.
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Bamboo Bliss in Phu Quoc
Is this *really* the "BEST" hotel? (Come ON!)
Best? Okay, let's unpack that. BEST? Maybe. Depends on what you're after. Look, I’ve stayed in places that could double as prisons (with *slightly* nicer wallpaper, maybe). I've also splurged on places where the towels were softer than my grandma's hug. Wingate Greensboro? It's… *solid*. Don't expect the Ritz, but it's not the Bates Motel either. I'd say "best" in the *category* of "clean, comfy, and kinda-close-to-the-Coliseum-and-doesn't-make-you-feel-like-you're-sleeping-in-a-cardboard-box." So, yeah, maybe "best" by Greensboro standards. You know? Definitely not the *worst* I've been to, that's for sure.
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it even worth it? (I'm a critical breakfast person, this is important!)
Oh, the Breakfast of Champions… or, you know, the Breakfast of "At Least I Don't Have to Cook." Here's the lowdown: it's free. That's already a point in its favor. Think continental: waffles (always a win!), some sort of scrambled eggs of questionable origin (but *usually* edible), cereal, maybe some sad-looking fruit. Coffee? Drinkable, as long as you don't go in expecting artisanal brew. My *personal* strategy? Load up on the waffles, douse 'em in syrup, and try to mentally block out the fluorescent lighting. I've had some mornings where that breakfast saved my sanity. I have a vivid memory of getting there after a 10-hour drive and just staring at that waffle iron, thinking, "Yes. YES." So, worth it? For free? Absolutely. Gourmet? Nah. But hey, it gets the job done.
Are the rooms clean? (Because, ew, nobody wants a gross room.)
Okay, let's be real here. "Clean" is a subjective term. I give it a solid "mostly clean." I've never, *knocks on wood*, found anything truly nightmarish. Bed sheets are typically fresh. The bathrooms are generally… bathroom-y. You know, they have a toilet, a sink, a shower. Soap dispenser? Present and accounted for. I think once I did find a stray hair on the bathroom floor, but I'm a hair-shedding machine myself, so I'm probably not the best judge. They also didn't completely remove the old remote from the previous occupant. But no, seriously, I feel their cleaning is more than decent. It's a solid B against a really difficult grading curve.
What about the location? Is it convenient?
Location, location, location! This is where Wingate Greensboro actually shines. It's *right* by the Coliseum. Like, you could probably stumble there after a particularly rowdy concert. And, you know, if you are in a rowdy concert, it's a GREAT spot. Plus, there are restaurants nearby. (Don’t go expecting Michelin stars. But you will find places to eat. I'm a foodie, and even I can make it work. I tend to eat everywhere!) So, yeah, super convenient if you're in town for an event at the Coliseum or just *want* to be near the Coliseum. If you're not there for anything Coliseum related, then it's … still a fine location, I guess. It's the suburbs, you know? You're not lost, you're near things. The traffic isn't *awful*. So it's A-OK.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? (Or are you going to get the cold shoulder?)
The staff is generally *pleasant*. Look, they're not my best friends, and I'm not expecting a heartfelt hug at check-in. But they're polite, efficient, and don't give you the impression that they'd rather be anywhere else. I once asked for extra pillows (because sleep is *sacred*), and they brought them right up. I also once was there for a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day when I lost my wallet. The front desk was so helpful! Offered to call local towing companies and even let me use the phone - which was a life-saver! So, yeah, the staff are good people. They’re not going to make you hate your stay, which is more than you can say for some hotels I've experienced. They're a definite plus.
Tell us more about the 'Shocking' part! (Come on, spill the tea!)
Okay, the "SHOCKED!" part is probably a bit of marketing hyperbole. Don't expect any earth-shattering revelations. Mostly, it's a solid, reliable hotel. But...there *was* one time… Okay, so I was there for a conference, and the AC in my room went out. Of course. This was in July, which is, you know, the devil's armpit in North Carolina. I called the front desk. And they were on it. A maintenance guy showed up *fast*, and he fixed it. And that, my friends, is rare. I was genuinely shocked by the speed and efficiency. So, yeah, the "shock" wasn't that they were hiding a portal to another dimension, but that the maintenance was quick. And maybe that’s a good thing!?
Is there a pool? (Because pool is life.)
Yes! There is indeed a pool. And it’s… fine. It's not an Olympic-sized swimming extravaganza. It’s a rectangle. Sometimes it’s busy with kids, which is to be expected. Sometimes it's gloriously empty. I've never tested the water quality myself (okay, I may have dipped a toe), but it always looks clean. If you're a pool aficionado, don't expect a pool-based religious experience. But if you just want to take a quick swim and cool off, the pool is there for you. It’s not a selling point for me, but it's a perfectly acceptable amenity.
Okay, so what's the *worst* thing about the Wingate? (Gotta be a downside, right?)
Hmm… The worst? Okay, I'm being nitpicky here... the lighting in the rooms. It's a bit harsh. I always feel like I'm being interrogated. And maybe the gym? It is small. And the equipment is pretty basic. But honestly? It's not a dealbreaker. I am there for a concert, do I *need* a gym? NoCheap Hotel Search
