Wingate by Wyndham Erie
Erie, Pennsylvania
 
Friends who travel through the area tell me that Erie is only a stopover on the way to a more glamorous destination. I however believe there is always something to discover in every city. Whether or not you are stopping by for the night or visiting this small city as a destination, the Wingate by Wyndham Erie is a comfortable option for a short stay.
 
Amongst a wealth of different hotels and motels on the same exit from I-90 (Peach Street), this property is midscale lodging complete with a hot breakfast, swimming pool and just enough services to assist businessmen with remote work. It may be in excess for a family vacation (since there is a waterpark with a competitor so close by), but if you want a higher level of service, this is a good option for leisure travel.
 
A great side effect with all the lodging available at this exit is the myriad of services that are conveniently a kilometre or less away, from restaurants to department stores. Millcreek Mall is also close by, so all your consumer needs can be satiated in one short drive. The hotel is on a side road, so traffic noise is barely an issue.
 
The guest registration process was probably the most efficient I've encountered so far compared to other hotels I’ve stayed in. A tepid feeling but polite clerk threw me into check-in with a flurry of curt facts, a small form to initial and sign along with a quick explanation on the various services offered on premises. It was a foot race of words that could have been competitively timed on a stopwatch! A little conversation about our purpose of travel would go a long way to improved service – being "too fast" isn't endearing enough.
 
The room feels mostly modern with a décor and fixtures that keep the environment cheerful and elegant. There's plenty of abstract art on the walls, creating an atmosphere to create or relax. Our reserved room had a trio of different seats, one with a couch and small ottoman; you don't get a lot of furniture in today's more minimalistic accommodations. The beds were comfy but firm enough to provide support with bright clean sheets.
 
Completing the room was a simple desk, widescreen television with a limited selection of channels and no shortage of drawers. A single cup coffee maker is right above a conveniently placed microwave and fridge - perks that are hard to come by elsewhere.
 
The washroom by stark contrast is noticeably disappointing, since apart from the fancy vanity and modern fixtures, there are signs of water damage on the ceiling around the tub and a deep scuff on one of the closet doors. Considering how high a rate you can pay for when it comes to this time of hotel, it would be nice if the room was maintained with more care and repairs.
 
Wifi is unexpectedly spotty, with an inconsistency in speed when downloading small files. Business travellers require a more dependable connection than this.
 
Rounding out the amenities is a wonderfully simple swimming pool with hot tub, a small gym with good equipment, and a breakfast that contained more than carbohydrates constituted in different ways.
 
Great lodging, fast but apathetic service and a laundry list of features travellers can easily depend on. Small improvements to the infrastructure would make this place more competitive.
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