The Wingate by Wyndham hotel chain offers travelers affordable lodging with clean rooms, a helpful staff and several amenities. The Plainfield, Indiana Wingate is just minutes from the interstate entranceway as well as multiple dining, shopping and refueling options. We stayed at this particular hotel because we were part of a group visiting the area for a large soccer tournament. This Wingate proved to be one of the best hotels our team has ever stayed in when traveling for games.
Because we were part of a block of rooms, we did have a group rate. The Wingate by Wyndham in Plainfield, Indiana provided our group with rates of $85.00 per night. With taxes added, the nightly total was less than $100. If you book a room for this hotel online from the Wingate website, you can also get the $85 room rate.
* Booking and check in.
Rooms can be booked over the phone, in person on online through various sources. The front desk staff of this hotel was efficient, helpful and answered questions satisfactorly. Check in is at 3 p.m. Check out at 11 a.m. The hotel itself appears newer and has ample parking and a covered area near the front door so luggage can be loaded out of the elements. Our party had a late check in but it went smooth even though the clerk at the front desk had difficulties getting the computer to create a second key card for the room. It took her about three tries, but eventually it worked. She was apologetic for the wait.
* The lobby.
The front lobby of the Wingate by Wyndham is spacious. The front desk sits to the left of the entranceway and is convenient but not obtrusive. The lobby opens into a wide, airy dining area. The hotel's complimentary breakfast is served in this area. There is also a pantry store, cooler area that sold juice, frozen treats and microwavable sandwiches. Prices varied, starting at about $1 for a bottle of juice but there was not any item more than $3.
Near the front desk is a business center that contains a fax, copy machine and computer with high-speed internet. There is no charge to use this room. We have stayed at other hotels where the guest computer is at a desk in the lobby's common area. Many times, especially when the hotel is filled with young athletes for a tournament weekend, the kids dominate the computer making it difficult for adults to use it. Because this hotel's computer access is in a separate room, the kids were not drawn to it and it was available for the people that actually needed it.
* The room.
The room was non-smoking room with two-double beds. Although it seemed quite clean, we did find a half-used bottle of hair product under the bed when we were getting ready to leave. It must have rolled under the bed skirt from the last occupant. The cleaning staff should have lifted the bed skirts to check for debris but despite this, the rest of the room was very clean, no dust or grime.
The room was much larger than we expected. It was larger than the last comparable room we stayed in at a Ramada. Its size was comparable to a room at Country Inn & Suites. In addition to the two double beds, it had a desk with chair, table, two end tables, nightstand between the beds, a comfy arm chair with matching foot stool, large closet with ample hangers, microwave, dorm-sized refrigerator, television in a hutch, room safe, and good-sized bathroom. A coffee maker, coffee and mugs were also provided.
The rooms are decorated with fresh white walls accented in hunter green and merlot. An alarm clock and phone are centered on the nightstand. The room features plenty of outlets, an electronic temperature control pad and internet hookup. The beds were firm but not hard. The room seemed well insulated because sounds from the highway were muted and there was no noise from the Indianapolis Airport, which is just five miles away.
* The bathroom.
The room's bathroom features a long vanity counter and mirror with one sink. The shower/tub area is fitted with a rounded shower rod allowing for additional space in the shower. The toiletries provided were Neutrogena products and very nice. The bathroom did have a working hair dryer and was very clean upon our arrival. The water in the shower could be adjusted from a nice warm setting all the way to scald-your-skin hot. There was not a shortage of hot water during any of our showers.
* Amenities.
The Wingate's indoor pool was clean and featured several pool chairs for non-swimmers to relax in while visiting. However, our group had an unsettling experience in the pool. Several of the boys were swimming in the evening when the air in the pool area became heavy with a chlorine odor. The chlorine smell was so strong and overpowering even the adults watching the kids felt their eyes and noses sting with the chemical. The adults hustled the kids from the pool but not before one suffered slight dizziness and a coughing fit from the smell. The incident was reported to the clerk on duty who handled it quickly and efficiently. She immediately closed the pool and reported the problem to the manager.
This hotel also offers a workout room with a treadmill, weight machine, and elliptical. It was clean and the machines in good, working condition. There were ice machines and a washer and dryer on our floor, which was convenient after a muddy day of soccer games. The main floor also had vending machines with sodas, chips and candy.
* Complimentary hot breakfast.
A complimentary breakfast is available at this hotel Monday through Friday from 6am until 9:30am and on weekends from 6:30am until 10am. It featured sausage, eggs, biscuits/gravy, potato tots, Danish, muffins, donuts, waffles, bananas, bread for toast, bagels, and English muffins, and hot or cold cereal. There was also coffee, Tazo teas, Sunkist juices, and milk. The breakfast was flavorful and filling. The staff kept the food hot and each serving dish filled to accommodate all the guests.
The Wingate by Wyndham in Plainfield, Indiana provided a clean, comfortable stay to a group of weary parents and kids after a long day outdoors during a sports tournament. Having a filling and tasty hot breakfast in the morning before heading out to more games was another perk. Because of the positive experience at the Plainfield Wingate, our family would stay at another hotel from this chain the next time we are in need of lodging away from home.