Wingate by Wyndham Elkins, WV: Your Mountain Getaway Awaits!
Wingate by Wyndham Elkins, WV: A Mountain Getaway…With a Few Caveats (My Honest Take!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Wingate by Wyndham in Elkins, West Virginia, and I’m ready to spill the beans. Forget the glossy brochures – this is my unfiltered take on whether it truly lives up to the "Mountain Getaway" promise. Honestly, it's a mix of "meh," "hmmm," and "okay, that's actually pretty good." Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions & Accessibility – A Mixed Bag
The website and marketing materials are pretty good, drawing you in with the promise of mountain views and a relaxing escape. But reality, well, it's often a bit… different. Pulling up, the exterior is fine. Not particularly breathtaking, but perfectly serviceable.
Accessibility is definitely something this place claims to prioritize. They list Wheelchair Accessible features, which is great, and the presence of an Elevator is a must-have. More on this later on specific accessibility features for rooms.
You know it’s 2024 when you just expect it to have it, right?
Inside the Rooms: What You Get (and Don't)
My room? Okay, here's where things get a little… wonky. Let's start with the positives, because I'm an optimist!
- Available in All Rooms: This is a plus! They've got Air Conditioning (crucial in the West Virginia humidity), an Alarm Clock (if you're old school like me), a Coffee/Tea Maker (thank goodness for caffeine!), and Hair Dryer (essential for anyone with hair that requires maintenance). Free Wi-Fi is indeed present and thankfully, reliable. Free Bottled Water is another nice perk.
- More Good Stuff: The Desk was functional, the Ironing Facilities were appreciated, and the Refrigerator was a lifesaver for leftovers – or, you know, emergency chocolate stashes. The Blackout Curtains were pretty effective, and I managed to sleep in past 6am.
- The Quirks: The Bathroom felt a little dated. The shower pressure was… variable. The Toiletries were the generic hotel-brand kind, which always leaves me feeling a little disappointed--I like a good shampoo! Soundproofing was… well, let’s just say I could sometimes hear the people in the next room. Extra Long Bed but it could still be a bit small for two people. The Mirror was the usual hotel-room type.
The "Meh" Moments:
- No Pets (Despite Claims): This is a BIG one! They're NOT pet friendly despite my research suggesting otherwise. This is a really, really important detail for some of us, myself included!
- In-room safe box: The safest place to hide anything you should not be hiding.
- Private bathroom: It was private, so I ain't complaining!
- Rooms Sanitized between stays: A great feature, especially now.
- Rooms non-smoking: A must these days.
- Seating Area: It was there. I sat there.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Serious Consideration (and a Bit of a Mystery)
They claim to be on top of things, especially with the current climate. I saw evidence of Daily Disinfection in Common Areas which felt reassuring. They mention Anti-viral Cleaning Products, Hand Sanitizer readily available and Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available. The staff seemed to be trained on Safety Protocol, it was at least mentioned to me upon check in. First Aid Kit is also another important must, as well as, CCTV in Common Areas, and CCTV outside property.
My room felt clean, BUT…I also noticed a slightly sticky spot on the table. Did I mention I’m a germaphobe? Okay, maybe not that bad, but it made me a little twitchy for a minute. I brought my own sanitizing wipes and went over everything just to be safe. And speaking of safety, there's a Smoke Detector and Fire Extinguisher in the room, which is always a relief.
The Cashless Payment Service is a nice touch. They also have Food delivery on offer, but I do not know to where.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast…and That’s About It
This is a definite weak spot, sadly. The Breakfast [buffet] is the main game in town, and it's the usual hotel fare: Buffet in restaurant. They offered bacon, eggs, cereal etc.. Nothing to write home about, but hey, it’s free and fills you up. Coffee/tea in restaurant is a must for many. The website mentions the Coffee Shop but I did not see it. The Poolside bar was not open; I am guessing seasonal?
There's a Snack Bar (vending machines?) but not much beyond that. No proper restaurant on site. There's Room service [24-hour], but good luck getting a gourmet meal that way.
Things to do, Ways to Relax - The Promises Fall a Bit Flat
The website makes it sound like a spa paradise, but reality is…less impressive. There is a Swimming Pool [outdoor], which is lovely, but I did not try it. There is also a Fitness center, which I did not try. There is no Sauna or Spa.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Somewhat Predictable
- The Good Stuff: Daily Housekeeping was reliable (though I’m not sure if they were always super thorough). The Front desk [24-hour] is a huge plus. Elevator access. Laundry service and Dry cleaning. Cash withdrawal available. Also Car park [free of charge], a win!
- The Less-Than-Ideal: The Gift/souvenir shop wasn't exactly brimming with local crafts. Concierge services seemed limited (maybe I just didn't ask the right questions?). Meeting/banquet facilities available, but I did not partake.
For the Kids
Did not see Babysitting service or an Indoor venue for special events.
Getting Around
Car park [on-site], a win!
Conclusion: Is It Worth It? (The Verdict You've Been Waiting For!)
Look, the Wingate by Wyndham Elkins isn't a disaster. It's a perfectly fine hotel. It serves its purpose: a clean(ish) place to sleep. It's a decent basecamp for exploring the area. The free breakfast is a nice touch. But if you're expecting luxury, a spa experience, or gourmet dining, you'll be disappointed. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton.
I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a good option if you're on a budget and just need a place to crash while exploring Elkins and the surrounding mountains. But manage your expectations, bring your own sanitizing wipes, and maybe pack some snacks. And for the love of all that is holy, double-check the pet policy!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. You're about to get a travel itinerary for Elkins, West Virginia, the way I would do it. Forget perfect gridlines and robotic efficiency. This is going to be a messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic journey. Expect typos, tangents, and a whole lotta heart.
The "Almost-Perfect" Elkins Getaway (Wingate by Wyndham as Basecamp)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Oh Crap, I Forgot My…" Syndrome
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Ye Olde Elkins (or, you know, the Wingate. Bless their Wi-Fi because my phone probably hasn't seen service since I left the interstate). Check-in: hopefully, it's smooth, because I had a travel day from hell and really could use a nap.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to book a room? Turns out I'd fat-fingered the dates and was a day late. My face when I realized? Priceless. Don't be me. Double-check those dates!
- Problem: "Oh CRAP! I, in fact, forgot my toothbrush! How does one even function without a toothbrush?"
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Reconnaissance mission. Scope out the Wingate. See what the heck the pool and fitness rooms look like. Did they clean this place? The big question. The important question.
- Quirky Observation: Always judge the bathroom. Cleanliness is everything. A clean bathroom = a clean mind (or, at least, a relaxed one).
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack. Try to sort out the mess that is my luggage. Find a good position and relax.
- Emotional Reaction: Ah, the smell of hotel air conditioning. Is it good? Probably not. Does it signal freedom? Absolutely.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Head out and explore. Pick a local restaurant.
- Rambling: I love finding those hole-in-the-wall places with amazing food and a questionable paint job. Gives you that "authentic" experience. I'm a sucker for down-home cooking.
- Opinionated Language: Don't even THINK about going to a chain restaurant on your first night. You can find those anywhere. Get local!
Day 2: Trains, Trails, and Totally Unexpected Awesomeness
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The complimentary hotel breakfast. Can it be a disaster? Sure. But sometimes, there's a perfectly toasted waffle waiting, and the world is right. Let's hope for that.
- Messy Structure: Breakfast is a crapshoot. I'm just being honest.
- 9:30 AM: The Big Damn Thing: The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (D&GV)! Specifically, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Okay. Listen. I was skeptical. Trains? A little old-timey, right? WRONG. Oh. My. Goodness. The views! The history! The sheer fun of it. Book well in advance. Seriously.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I was expecting a train ride. I got a time machine. I got to see the world from a different perspective.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Okay, let's be real. I spent the entire train ride glued to the window, practically screaming. Every turn, every whistle, every view was a revelation. It's not just about the scenery; it's about the feeling. The feeling of stepping back in time, of seeing how people lived, of being truly connected to the mountains. Don't just do the short trip. Get the longest one. Trust me.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Grab something quick and eat it on the way.
- Opinionated Language: Don't be picky. You're here to experience, not judge.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Head over to the trails. If you're feeling sporty, put on some boots and prepare for a hike.
- Imperfect: Ok, maybe I am a little out of shape. I should probably take it easy.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- Emotional Reaction: I walk away from all of this with a smile.
Day 3: Exploring and (Maybe) Leaving, Goodbye for Now.
- 8:00 AM: Another shot at hotel breakfast. Okay, some of us want it.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Wander around Elkin's. Find a few local stores, or a coffee shop. I need coffee.
- Imperfect: I'm not usually a shopper, but sometimes, I find a cool souvenir.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. The End.
- Rambling: I always feel a little wistful when I leave a place I've enjoyed. But hey, that's the beauty of travel – the promise of returning someday. And maybe I'll remember to pack that darn toothbrush next time.
Important Considerations and Additional Rambles:
- Pack for ALL weather. Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Layers are your friend.
- Cell service can be spotty. Embrace it. Disconnect.
- Talk to the locals. They'll point you toward hidden gems.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. Sometimes, the best adventures are unplanned.
- Let go. Things don't have to be perfect.
- Messy Structure and Occasional Rambles: Look, I can't promise you a perfectly streamlined itinerary. Life isn't perfect, and neither is travel. Embrace the chaos, the mishaps, the unexpected discoveries. That's where the real magic happens. And if all else fails? There's always the hotel pool – and hopefully, a clean bathroom.
- Opinionated Language: Go. See The D&GV's Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Really. Do it. You won't regret it.
Have fun, and embrace the "Oh crap!" moments. They're part of the story.
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Wingate by Wyndham Elkins, WV: Your (Potentially Messy) Mountain Getaway Awaits! - Let's Get Real
1. So, Elkins... why *this* hotel? I've got options, you know!
Okay, look, let's be honest: Elkins isn't exactly the Bahamas. It's West Virginia, people! And this Wingate? Well, it's... it's there. It's *conveniently* there. Maybe you're chasing the fall foliage, hitting the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (highly recommend, btw - more on that later), or just desperately need to escape the city and breathe some air that hasn't been pre-processed by a billion exhaust pipes. Wingate is your *base camp*. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely NOT. Is it sometimes a little... *patchy*? Maybe. But it's a roof, it's (usually) clean, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than, say, renting a cabin that looks like it's been abandoned by a family of Sasquatches.
For me, it was a last-minute trip. Needed to be near the railroad, and frankly, the other options were giving me the heebie-jeebies. So, Wingate it was. And honestly? It was... fine. Perfectly fine. Kinda like that slightly-too-sweet iced coffee you grab at the gas station. Gets the job done, y'know? No regrets; sometimes the simplicity is the best thing.
2. What are the rooms *actually* like? Be brutally honest!
Okay, alright, brace yourselves for the truth. The rooms? They're... standard. Think modern, but not cutting-edge. You're getting clean-ish, I hope. And the beds? Comfortable enough. Look, I slept. Survived. Didn't wake up with any new aches and pains that weren't already there from my terrible sleeping posture. The important things are done well.
I remember one time, I was on a solo trip, and I noticed this strange stain on the carpet near the window. Looked like… I don’t even want to know. I just kind of… avoided that area. I mean, common sense really. Still, I can't fault the whole establishment for one stain, I guess. I am willing to believe that the cleaners do the best they can. It ain't a 5-star resort, people, dial it back a notch.
Amenities? Expect the basics: a TV that probably works, a mini-fridge (hugely helpful for beer and snacks, let's be real), and a coffeemaker. The coffee...let's just say BYO K-Cups. Unless you enjoy the taste of slightly-stale, possibly-naturally-flavored river water. Then have at it.
Overall, it's a functional space. You're not booking this because you want a luxurious experience; you're booking it because you need a place to crash after a day of hiking or train-riding (or even just staring at the mountains and pondering the meaning of life, which I fully endorse).
3. Breakfast! Please tell me about the breakfast. This is a crucial morning ritual for me.
Ah, the breakfast. The daily battleground of every budget hotel. Here’s the lowdown: the classic continental setup. Expect the usual suspects: waffles (you *must* make a waffle, it's the law!), cereal of varying degrees of structural integrity, the dreaded processed scrambled eggs (sometimes, bless their souls, they'll have *real* eggs), some kind of sausage or bacon-like substance, and bagels that might be a day or two past their prime.
The fruit? Well, it's there. Often apples and oranges. Think of it as your daily dose of disappointment. Maybe even a banana if you are lucky. I may be a tad spoiled but I really like fresh fruit.
The coffee? See previous answer about the coffee situation. Bring your own. Seriously. Avoid the coffee at all costs, you've been warned.
My personal strategy? Waffles. Load 'em up with syrup. The ultimate breakfast comfort food. Grab a waffle and run!!! And maybe some of those little yogurts to feel a bit better about yourself, even if its just for a little while.
4. So, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad... Tell me about it! It's the reason I'm here, right?
YES! Finally, something to get excited about! The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is the *real* reason to go to Elkins. Or at least, it was for me. I've been obsessed with trains since I was a child! And this place? Pure magic. Book your tickets *way* in advance. Seriously. The most popular routes sell out months ahead.
I took the New Tygart Flyer, and it was breathtaking. The views were incredible. Absolutely worth every single penny. The views of the mountains, the river... Just spectacular. Bring a camera, obviously. And maybe a flask of something warm to sip, if you're into that sort of thing (responsibly, of course!).
The staff on the train are super knowledgeable and friendly. They tell you all about the history and the wildlife you might spot. On my trip? Saw a deer. And lots of other people. The whole experience is a great way to spend a day. It even has snacks! So grab some chips or a sandwich to make your train trip all the more comfortable. Seriously, don't miss it.
5. Is there anything *around* the hotel? Like, restaurants, shops, etc.?
Okay, okay, let's talk location. Wingate isn't exactly in the heart of downtown – it's closer to the highway. That makes it easy to hop on and off, which is great if you're exploring the area. But don't expect a bustling city scene right outside the door. There are your usual suspects, for the most part.
There are a few restaurants nearby. Casual dining mainly, but you WILL find food.
The biggest challenge I recall was a major hankering for a decent latte. And, you know what? Pretty much. There was… nothing. No fancy coffee shops. No cute little bookstores. I ended up pacing my hotel room, dreaming of foam art. Learn from my mistakes folks. Maybe download a good book.
6. The Pool And Gym, Though??
The pool is there. I didn't actually use it. Judging by how few people were using it during the time I was there... well, draw your own conclusions. Seems fine from a visual perspective, though.
The gym is... a room with some equipment. If youCoastal Inns
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