Escape to Pittsburgh: Ramada Wyndham's Unbeatable New Stanton Getaway!
Escape to Pittsburgh (Sort Of): My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take on the Ramada By Wyndham in New Stanton, PA
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans – and maybe a little coffee – on my recent "escape" to the Ramada by Wyndham in New Stanton, PA. Now, "escape" might be a strong word. More like a pit stop on a road trip, but hey, everyone needs a break, right? And this Ramada… well, it's got its own unique charm, let's just say that.
Accessibility & Getting In:
First off, the accessibility. Gotta give them credit where it's due. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a massive win. Elevators? Check. Seems pretty good, generally. It's not exactly the Four Seasons, mind you, but it's a good start.
The Rooms: Where the Magic (and the Mild Annoyance) Happens
Okay, the rooms. The bread and butter, the reason you're (probably) there. They have everything you'd expect: air conditioning (THANK GOD), a desk to pretend to work on, and those glorious blackout curtains. Seriously, those curtains were a lifesaver after a particularly long drive. I mean, you're basically guaranteed a good sleep here, even if the outside world is screaming for your attention.
The free Wi-Fi? A necessity for us digital nomads, and, Praise the Wi-Fi gods, it worked. Seriously, I HATE hotels with terrible internet. This was a pleasant surprise in a category that could easily fall flat. And, of course, the free Wi-Fi is available in all the rooms!
But, and there's always a but, the room decor? Let's just say it was…functional. Think beige. Think…well, let's say it was a far cry from a Pinterest board. But, hey, the bed was comfy, the pillows were fluffy (a crucial point, in my opinion!), and the extra-long bed meant I wasn't hanging off the edge, which is a massive win for a restless sleeper like myself.
Also, let's talk about the "scale". Apparently, there's a scale in the bathroom? I'm not sure I wanted a scale, honestly. But hey, maybe that's because I was enjoying the… ahem… generous portions in the restaurants (more on that later). I’m not saying I used it. I'm just saying… it exists.
Cleanliness & Safety (COVID Edition):
Okay, this is where the Ramada really shined. They've got this whole "clean and safe" thing down pat. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Honestly, I felt safer there than some places I've been recently. There are hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to hygiene. They even had individually-wrapped food options, a welcome touch in these uncertain times.
Now, about the "Room sanitization opt-out available". Listen, I’m all about choice, but I’m also a firm believer in the benefits of deep cleaning. The fact that this is an option feels a little strange to me. If you're staying in a hotel during a pandemic, I’m guessing you're expecting things to be spick and span.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sort Of)
The restaurant situation was a bit…uneven. They have a restaurant, and it's got your standard fare. I went for the buffet breakfast one morning (Western breakfast, to be exact) and honestly, I wasn't expecting miracles. The scrambled eggs? Okay. The bacon? Perfectly standard. The coffee? Well, let's just say I was grateful for the complimentary tea in my room to follow up.
They also had a coffee shop. The coffee? Well, it was coffee. You know? It was warm, caffeinated, and did the job. So, no complaints, really.
I’d heard rumors (okay, maybe it was just me hoping) from the other patrons that there was something like “Happy Hour” at the bar. This didn't quite take off. Just some beer and snacks. But hey, at least they tried.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
Okay, this is where things get a little… thin. They have a swimming pool (outdoor), which, in theory, is great. However, it was late October when I was there, and the water was decidedly NOT inviting. Maybe in the summer that would be a different story, but I’m not holding my breath.
There is a gym/fitness center, too. And I'm not gonna lie: I didn't go. Because, well, I'm on vacation.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
The 24-hour front desk? Excellent. The elevator? Again, a win. The safety deposit boxes? Sure, whatever.
The "convenience store"? It was more like a mini-mart with a limited selection of things that could be considered "convenient".
The "concierge"? I didn't actually see one. Maybe they work remotely now? If you need any kind of special service, be sure to ask ahead so you aren't caught without help.
The Unexpected:
- The Lighting: This is so specific. I know. But the lighting in the room was… quirky. There was a reading light over the bed that somehow managed to be both incredibly bright AND somehow not actually illuminate anything. I spent a good five minutes trying to figure out how to manage this.
- The Soundproofing: The soundproofing, while listed as a feature, did not feel soundproof. I was definitely aware of some noise from the outside on the exterior corridor at times.
The Verdict: Is the Escape Worth It?
Look… it’s not a luxury resort. It's a solid, dependable hotel. It is clean, safe, and has the basics covered. For a quick pit stop on a road trip or a basic place to crash for the night, it's perfectly acceptable. I wouldn’t plan a romantic getaway there, but if you need a place to put your head down and access the internet (which is a surprisingly important deciding factor, these days), the Ramada by Wyndham in New Stanton, PA, gets the job done. Just don't expect to be dazzled. And maybe skip the scale.
Hyatt Place UC Davis: Your Perfect Davis, CA Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups and grab your travel-sized hand sanitizer, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of… the Ramada in New Stanton, Pennsylvania. Yeah, I know, glamour doesn't exactly scream from the rooftops, but hey, a girl's gotta sleep somewhere, and sometimes that somewhere is a perfectly functional, slightly-worn-around-the-edges Ramada.
Day 1: Arrival and the Agony of the Vending Machine
- 4:00 PM: Arrive! Okay, fine, "arrive" is a strong word. More like stumble out of the car after a four-hour drive that felt like fourteen. The Ramada looms. It's…beige. Beige like my grandpa's cardigan. There's a slight smell of chlorine and…old fries? A symphony of exhaust fans hums in the air.
- 4:15 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy, bless his heart, looks like he's seen things. Probably a LOT of things. He hands me my keycard and the standard "Have a pleasant stay." Does he really mean it? I'm on vacation! My pleasant stay includes not fighting with the vending machine.
- 4:30 PM: The Room. Ah, room 217. It’s…cleanish. The carpet is slightly stained, a testament to years of spilled soda and questionable decisions. The bedspread is the same shade of beige as the building. I take a deep breath and decide, you know what? It’s fine. It’ll do.
- 5:00 PM: The Vending Machine Debacle. Okay, this is serious. I'm STARVING. I crave a bag of gummy bears and a Coca-Cola. I insert my dollar bill, and…nothing. The machine stares blankly. I try again. And again. The light flickers malevolently. The gummy bears are mocking me from behind the glass. I kick the machine. Oops. Maybe that wasn't the best idea. It just stares back, a cold, unyielding metal monolith. I sulk back to my room, defeated.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! We go to the restaurant attached to the hotel, and it's the closest one. I got a burger and fries. It was good, but the ketchup bottles were very sticky. I took a minute to find the least sticky one.
- 7:30 PM: TV Time/Panic. Ah, the joys of channel surfing. I realize there’s only one decent channel, maybe two if I'm lucky. My phone is on, and I have to check an email. It was stressful, and I needed a cocktail.
- 9:00 PM: The bed! I sleep, but not well…
Day 2: Breakfast, Retail Therapy, and Existential Dread
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Complimentary continental breakfast! Ah, the siren song of lukewarm scrambled eggs, questionable sausage patties, and stale pastries. I go for the coffee, which is strong enough to strip paint, and the fruit, which might be older than me. As I eat, I observe my fellow travelers: a family arguing over the last waffle, a couple attempting to communicate with each other through passive-aggressive sighs, and a business traveler who looks like he hasn’t slept in three days. Solidarity, my friend.
- 9:30 AM: Outing. Target. The nearest Target is supposed to be 30 minutes away. I was ready for a shopping spree, but I got myself lost. I had to navigate a maze of parking lots and backroads, desperately clinging to my GPS. The whole ordeal took over an hour! I was so angry when I got there.
- 11:00 AM: The Joy of Aisles. I wandered through Target. I purchased a new pen and some snacks. I felt a strange sense of peace. The fluorescent lights, the neatly stacked shelves, the sheer availability of… everything. It was strangely comforting. I spent a full two hours like this.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I stopped at a local diner for lunch on my way back. I have to say, I was starving, and I ate 80 percent of the food. Then the server asked me if I wanted another meal. Maybe I was even hungrier than before.
- 2:30 PM: More room. I wanted to check out the pool area. I wanted to dip my toes in the water, but the pool was closed.
- 4:00 PM: The Internet. I try to use the internet on my laptop, but the WiFi speed is slow, and it keeps cutting out. I try to troubleshoot it, but I give up.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. After the internet experience, I go back to the same restaurant for dinner again. This time, I pick something different.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. I go to sleep. And the cycle continues.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (again). Same food, same people, slightly less hope.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk guy is still there, looking equally weary. We exchange perfunctory pleasantries.
- 9:30 AM: The drive.
- 1:30 PM: Home.
- 2:00 PM: Reflect!
Final Thoughts:
The Ramada by Wyndham Pittsburgh/New Stanton wasn't exactly a luxurious oasis. It was… a place. A place to lay my head, a place where I could get (eventually) a meal, and a place to ponder the universe while wrestling with a temperamental vending machine. Would I recommend it? Well, that depends. If you're looking for a swanky getaway, maybe not. But if you're looking for an honest, slightly quirky, and undeniably human experience, with a side of sticky ketchup bottles, then maybe, just maybe, you've found your perfect destination. And hey, at least the bed was clean…mostly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a bag of gummy bears…and a therapist.
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Escape to Pittsburgh: Ramada Wyndham's Unbeatable New Stanton Getaway! (Well... Mostly) FAQs
Okay, so what's the *actual* deal with this "Escape to Pittsburgh" thing? It's not *actually* in Pittsburgh, right? (Because, you know, traffic.)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The "Escape to Pittsburgh" part is... well, it's aspirational. It's more like "Escape *near* Pittsburgh, without, you know, the actual *Pittsburgh* part." Think of it as your gateway drug. New Stanton, where the Ramada Wyndham sits, is maybe 45 minutes outside the city, depending if you hit the glorious Pittsburgh area tunnel/bridge traffic. Let's be real, even from New Stanton, you're going to hit some traffic. So, manage those expectations. The escape is more from your *everyday life*, than from the city itself. But hey, at least you can *see* the city on the way to the hotel!
Is the Ramada Wyndham in New Stanton… nice? Like, is it *clean*? Because I’m a germaphobe (kidding... mostly).
Alright, here's the unvarnished truth. It's a Ramada. Don't expect the Ritz. That said, my stay wasn't disastrously dirty. The linens *seemed* clean. The bathroom... well, let's just say I always bring Clorox wipes, no matter *where* I stay. I did find a tiny, *tiny* crumb on the desk once. But I'm blaming my own snacking habits. So, yeah, it's fine. Do you know what I mean when I say "fine"? It gets the job done. It's a solid 3.5 outta 5 stars I'd say.
What's the food situation like? Are we talking microwave dinners in the room, or is there *actual* sustenance to be had?
Okay, FOOD. This is *serious* business. The Ramada has a restaurant, and... it exists. Let's just leave it at that, shall we? The breakfast buffet is your standard continental fare – the usual suspects. I'd bring your own toaster or waffle maker if that's your jam. There’s also a bar. You know, the kind where you can have a half-decent burger. Actually, one night, I swear, I saw a guy put down *three* burgers. I respect the dedication, I guess? Outside the hotel, though? You're in New Stanton, remember? There are some chain restaurants, fast-food places. So you wont starve. Just might be underwhelmed. I'd plan on doing some meal prep, myself. Just saying.
Is there a pool? Because, you know, vacation.
Yes, there is a pool! And it's... fine. It's indoor, so not exactly scenic, but definitely good for a quick dip if you are so inclined. The water was surprisingly clean to be candid. I saw a couple of kids splashing around one day, and they looked like they were having a blast, so... score one for the Ramada!
Okay, so the perks... Wi-Fi? Gym? Pet policy? Let's get the basics out of the way, here.
Alright, here’s the brass tax of it all. The Wi-Fi is... present. Don’t expect to stream HD movies. I think I managed to send a few emails, so... *progress*. The gym... oh, the gym. It has machines. They appear to be... functional. I took a peek in, but decided my room and the bed was the better workout choice. So, it's there if you're feeling ambitious. And yes, they *do* have a pet policy! I think. I didn't check because I didn't bring a pet. Check with the front desk to make sure. Probably. Google it. (Sorry!)
Is it good basecamp for exploring Pittsburgh?
Well, it depends on your tolerance for driving. Like I said, you are about 45 minutes from the city. It's not *terrible*. You'll definitely want to rent a car and plan accordingly. You know, factor in traffic. The hotel is relatively well-positioned to visit attractions, but, I'd say the trip to Pittsburgh is a full day affair not a morning trip. Get up early. Bring Snacks. Wear good shoes.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the most memorable thing about staying there? Spill all the juicy details!
Alright, FINE. Let me tell you about my *personal* most memorable moment. It was Friday morning. I was trying to sleep in. You know, the whole "Escape" thing? And at like, 6:30 AM, the smoke alarm started BLARING. Like, ear-splitting, "GET OUT NOW!" blaring. I practically *flew* out of bed, grabbed my phone and my glasses, and stumbled into the hallway, certain the whole place was ablaze. There was a collective grogginess among the guests -- everyone in their PJs. Turns out it was a false alarm. Something about a burnt toast situation? (I bet someone had the waffle iron going!) It was a comedy of errors. I went back to bed. I'd say that was the most memorable, and yet, perfectly ordinary "Escape."
Would you recommend this "Escape" to others? Be honest!
Look, for the price, it's not bad. It's not luxury. It's not going to blow your mind. BUT! If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive base for a trip near Pittsburgh, or just a quick weekend getaway, then yeah, go for it. Just don't set your expectations too high. Pack your own snacks, and bring your own Clorox wipes. And maybe earplugs, just in case the smoke alarm decides to throw another party at 6:30 AM. You'll survive. And you might even have a funny story to tell. That's an amazing escape in itself, you know?
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