Wyndham by Wyndham Williamsburg
Remember several years ago when free nights at every property participating in the Wyndham Rewards program were available for 15k points per night? Those were interesting times, particularly for finding outstanding redemptions on the nicest Wyndham properties. During that process, I discovered “nicest Wyndham properties” isn’t exactly a large segment of what they offer. But after Wyndham changed their structure to 7.5k/15k/30k redemptions, I also chose to evolve. No, I didn’t become a Vacasa guy. I’m still not. Bravo to those who do big things with such redemptions, though. Instead, my off-and-on experiment has been to find value at 7.5k points per night properties. Things work out, sometimes. And then, there are the other times, where my curiosity may have gotten the best of me. Today, I’m sharing my Wingate by Wyndham Williamsburg experience, my most recent instance of pushing my luck with midscale low-end properties.
Hmm, Interesting
This all started with another last-minute, one-night solo stay in Williamsburg. While perusing the Wyndham site for a possible cheap points option, I found the recently-refreshed Wingate. In its previous life, this was a Park Inn by Radisson-branded property, a rare bird domestically.
The Wingate “Executive” room priced at 7.5k points nightly, or an all-in cash rate of $111.88. So the property was refreshed, I had a pleasant stay at a Wyndham Garden midscale property (for 15k) recently, and the Wingate by Wyndham Williamsburg price was right. I booked, equally tentative and intrigued. So, how’d it turn out?
What Worked
Check-in was oddly simple. The front desk agent only asked for identification. I didn’t provide a credit card for incidentals here or to guarantee the reservation back when I booked. I guess this is the good kind of weird.
The property sports an attractive redo in the lobby and attached breakfast area. There’s plenty of seating and natural light. Just to the left of the front desk sits an air purification system. I guess it’s good the property cares, right? Just wait.
My room was on the fifth floor, the top one in the building. Elevators open to a spacious seating area facing a large bank of windows. Of course, the ice machine butts up to this area. I traversed down the quiet hallway to my room.
Indeed, the updated bedroom area accurately reflects what appears online. At a glance, the bed, side tables, lighting, and outlet variety look like something from competent full-service hotels. The couch, coffee table, and desk area offer a couple useful alternatives for lounging and working. The fridge was plenty cold, something I can’t always count on. Dove bath products were well-stocked, even including a small bar of soap – an item phasing out which I still value.
What Didn’t
Egads – I don’t know where to start. That air purifier in the lobby may as well be a warning. Everywhere else in this hotel smells old, probably because it is. My best description is it’s a slightly damp smell perhaps overly, unsuccessfully covered with an industrial deodorizer. This is a case where no amount of materials or effort can completely overcome the age of the property. Elevators were warm inside. Eww.
Closer inspection of the room didn’t improve things. It appears doors were (poorly) repainted as part of the renovation. The greyish paint had already chipped off to reveal an off-white layer beneath the main and bathroom doors. Bathroom baseboards were dusty and dirty. The bathroom only offered a recycle bin, with the one trash can located across the room next to the window. Once again, I received a very loose toilet seat. The television’s mounting was crooked. Instead of a closet, rod, and, hangers, visitors get two coat hook-like knobs next to the television. The hotel offers drawers and shelving, but I did not partake.
The hotel has a fitness center, basically a bit of equipment wedged in a hotel room space. The indoor pool is located on the first floor, but I chose not to enter. A set of doors at the end of the first floor were ajar. I admired the contradicting sign (see above).
And breakfast, I figured this was coming, but geez. Scrambled eggs and sausage links were the only hot options. I noticed plenty of empty serving trays and spaces in the breakfast area. Perhaps that’s why the space was clogged – people were aimlessly looking for items which didn’t exist. The property relies on a low end go-to: large amounts of questionable bread products. I was done when I saw a “Gather” sign in the breakfast area. Opting for no breakfast was better than this.
I returned to my room and prepared to depart. Meanwhile, each door-slam by the housekeeping staff got louder and closer to my room. It was as if the hotel didn’t want guests there. Maybe I’m not far off.
Oh, And This
I awoke in the middle of the night to my bed and room shaking. Hearing a train, I recalled the hotel’s fairly close location to the tracks. I, along with other fifth-floor occupants, probably felt this shaking the most. Minutes later, it ceased, and I drifted back off to sleep. I got an encore the next morning. While the train stayed on the rails in each instance, this hotel’s the real wreck.
Wingate by Wyndham Williamsburg – Conclusion
I departed the Wingate Williamsburg with my curiosity satisfied, but not much else. I can’t say I’m interested to see how this property ages, because I already know the answer. It’s an aging hotel, before and after the renovation. It’s safe to say things won’t get better here.
Obviously, I won’t return, but I don’t regret the decision to stay here. I knew my experiment with 7.5k per night Wyndham properties was risky. In order to appreciate the wins, I have to own the other experiences like this one. We’ll see what’s next.
What are your favorite Wyndham properties available for 7.5k points nightly?
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
There is definitely value in the Wyndham program. I typically use points to stay at La Quinta, as pets are allowed. These are typically one night or weekend stays at the 15k point level. Traveling for concerts and sporting events, using points sets a ceiling to the cost of the stay on busy / popular dates of travel in the respective towns / cities.
Did you check Tripadvisor to see about the hotel before booking?
I did homework before but take reviews with a grain of salt, as some may do with mine.
I’ve done that type of stay many times. On my own, I don’t really mind that much. With my spouse, it can’t happen any more. I really want to like the Wyndham program (the value is there), but these types of reports remind me that this is a curiosity best left in my 20s and 30s. All programs have their bad properties, but the risk in Wyndham of hitting a real dud just feels so much higher.
Well said, Brent! Thanks for reading.
Without question…the best 7.5k property in the US is the Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix.
Didn’t care for the location, but a huge 1 bedroom condo with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and even a jacuzzi in the bathroom for 7.5k points a night is an amazing value.
Liam,
Good to know about that one! I’m not surprised to see it’s a Club Wyndham. I’ve had great experiences using Wyndham Rewards points at a few of those properties. I’m glad the loyalty program allows booking with traditional hotel points at these properties, as I’d never consider a timeshare.