Charleston's BEST Kept Secret: Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape!
Charleston's BEST Kept Secret? Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape: A Review That’s More Real Than a Sweet Tea Stain
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, and slightly chaotic truth about the Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape in Charleston. Forget the pristine descriptions, let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape in Charleston, SC. Find out about accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, breakfast), cleanliness, and whether it's truly a hidden gem. Prepare for some real talk!
First Impressions (And a Slight Panic Attack)
Driving up, the Coliseum Escape part of the name starts feeling a little…ambiguous. It’s not a majestic palace, let’s put it that way. It's a functional, slightly older building. But hey, Charleston is full of character, right? And at this price point, I’m not expecting the Four Seasons.
My initial check-in? Smooth enough. The front desk staff was…fine. Not exactly overflowing with Southern charm (more on that later), but efficient. Contactless check-in? Yep, available. Still, I’m a hands-on gal. I like the human element. And the initial excitement… well, it was starting to dwindle. Where’s the charm, the escape part?
Accessibility: Yay or Nay? (Mostly Yay!)
This is a BIG deal for me, and the Wingate delivers.
- Wheelchair Accessible: YES! Huge points. I saw ramps, elevators, and the accessible room was actually, you know, accessible. No contortionist skills required to navigate the bathroom. The hallways were wide, and it felt like they actually put some thought into this. That’s a win!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Listed as available.
- Elevator: Yep, a reliable elevator. Essential.
- Things to keep in mind: Double check with the hotel on specific rooms. Some areas aren't as accessible as others.
The Room: A Love/Hate Affair
Okay, the room. My room was clean but the vibe?… a little underwhelming. The decor was… well, let's call it "functional." Clean, mostly the basics were covered.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom, Bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower, smoke detector, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
- Imperfections: No major issues, but the lighting was a bit dim. And the TV… well, let's just say it had a lot of channels I didn't recognize.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, The Breakfast Saga)
Ah, breakfast. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast is included, which is fantastic. But let’s just say it leans towards the…basic end of the spectrum.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes! A buffet, a glorious, chaotic, slightly-crowded buffet.
- International cuisine: I did not see any.
- Western breakfast: Yes. The usual suspects: eggs (scrambled, sometimes questionable), sausage (questionable), waffles (potentially amazing, depending on the day), and some sad-looking fruit.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Yes, in theory. But good luck getting a decent cup of coffee to go.
- Alternatives: Limited.
My first morning? I grabbed a waffle. It was… passable. The coffee, however, was a crime against caffeine. The second day? I went for the cereal and called it a win. The third day, I skipped breakfast altogether and went for a Charleston foodie experience. Important Note: The hotel is close enough to some amazing breakfast places. Consider that.
Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Confusing
- Swimming Pool: Yes, a nice-sized outdoor pool. It looked inviting. I, however, did not get a chance to use it. But it looked clean and sunny.
- Pool with view: I’m not sure I’d call it a view, exactly. It’s a pool and an outdoor area.
- Gym/Fitness: Small, but with the basics. Treadmill, elliptical, some weights. If you're a serious gym rat, this might not cut it. But for a quick workout, it's fine.
- Spa/Sauna: I did not notice one.
- Wi-Fi: Spotty at times in the room, but the free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a HUGE plus.
- Internet [LAN]: Not available.
- Things to do: Close to downtown Charleston. Perfect!
- Ways to relax: Well, there is a pool.
- Safety/security feature: This also seemed pretty good.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Major Win!
This is where the Wingate shines.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I hope.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Seems like it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Very good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms: Clean, and the basics are there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag
- Snack bar: There is, or was.
- Restaurants: There is not.
- Poolside bar: There is not.
- Bar: There is not.
- Coffee shop: Nah.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual, With a Few Perks
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: I don’t know.
- Concierge: Kinda sorta. The front desk was helpful, but not exactly concierge-level.
- Convenience store: Didn't see one, but you are close to a shopping plaza.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, a lifesaver!
- Elevator: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: A BIG plus!
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
For the Kids: Not Really
- Family/child friendly: I'd say.
- Kids facilities: Limited.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: I'm not sure, maybe?
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! HUGE win in Charleston.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Verdict: Is It a Hidden Gem? (Kind Of!)
Look, the Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape isn't the Ritz. But it's clean, reasonably priced, and accessible. The location is excellent, and the free parking is a massive bonus in Charleston. The free breakfast is a gamble, and the decor might not wow you. But it is an honest, functional sort of hotel. It's a good option if you want value for money. If you're looking for a place that's accessible and doesn't break the bank, the Wingate deserves a look. Just lower your expectations a bit, pack some good coffee, and enjoy Charleston!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! My itinerary for the Wingate by Wyndham Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC, is less 'precision Swiss watch' and more 'slightly-drunken, charm-laden scavenger hunt.' Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Existential Dread (Charleston, Here I Come!)
- 1:00 PM: Landed at Charleston International (CHS). Actually, "landed" is generous. More like "bounced onto the tarmac, convinced the plane was going to spontaneously combust." My anxiety is already running a marathon. Checked bag? Who knows! (Spoiler alert: It arrived. Miraculously.)
- 1:45 PM: Uber to the Wingate. Traffic was…well, Charleston traffic is a beast. Passed a guy selling HUGE boiled peanuts, which I almost bought but chickened out. Regrets. I already regret things.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby's… fine. Clean-ish. The lady at the desk was very friendly, which is good because I'm already craving a hug. Found my room, and whew, it's a room. Perfectly adequate. The air conditioning is blasting, a blessed relief. Always check your AC, people. Always.
- 3:00 PM: First order of business: Evaluate the bed. Success! Firm enough. I immediately flopped down and stared at the ceiling. Decided this was a valid way to spend at least 15 minutes. Existential dread: mild, but present.
- 3:15 PM: Okay, gotta get out. Must. See. Charleston. Walked to the Charleston's public transportation, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). This is a gamble. Hopefully, it's better than the buses back home.
- 4:00 PM: Tried the bus; it worked. Found myself downtown. Wow. The architecture. The colors. The cobblestone streets that seem designed to break every ankle in existence. My feet are already screaming.
- 5:00 PM: Wandered through the French Quarter. Fell in love with a pastel-colored building. Made mental note to buy a house here, despite having no money.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a highly-rated restaurant I'd read about. Ordered shrimp and grits. It was…fine. My expectations were dangerously high. Needed a nap.
- 7:30 PM: Walked back to the hotel. Realized I had completely forgotten to buy snacks. This is a catastrophe.
- 8:00 PM: Resort to grabbing chips and soda from the vending machine. The chips were stale. The soda was lukewarm. My life is falling apart.
- 8:30 PM: Watched some utter garbage on TV and mentally vowed to get more sleep. I failed.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. The bed is calling.
Day 2: Culture, Comfort, and a Close Call
- 7:00 AM: The hotel's free continental breakfast, a true test of character. Waffles. Okay, maybe a little stale, but I'm starving. Coffee is… adequate. The whole operation has the faint aroma of desperation.
- 8:00 AM: Visited Fort Sumter. Took the ferry. The narrator was a little dry, but it's history, so I'll cut him some slack. The fort itself was impressive. Really made you think about…stuff. History. War. How much I enjoy not doing either.
- 10:00 AM: Strolled through the City Market. Souvenir central! Found a ridiculous t-shirt. Bought it. Regrets? Zero.
- 11:00 AM: Walked to the Rainbow Row. Took a million pictures. Became that tourist. Worth it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a casual seafood place. Ordered a hush puppy. Fell in love. My faith in humanity is slightly restored.
- 1:00 PM: Decided to attempt a carriage ride. The line was long. The sun was brutal. Almost passed out. Charleston is beautiful but a sweatbox.
- 2:00 PM: FINALLY, carriage ride. The horse's name was…Percy? Anyway, it was lovely. The guide was charming, the historic houses were gorgeous. For a solid hour, I was transported to a different world. Worth the wait – and the near-heatstroke.
- 3:00 PM: Walked into a cute little bookstore. Got lost. Found a comfy armchair and a book of poetry about cats. Spent an hour there. Needed that.
- 4:00 PM: Hotel nap. Glorious. Pure bliss.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to try out the hotel pool. Chlorine. Loud kids. Ended up just dipping my toes in the water.
- 6:00 PM: Wandered around the hotel and surrounding area. Not much to see. Hungry.
- 7:00 PM: Decided to visit a highly-rated, fancy restaurant. It had reservations only.
- 7:30 PM: Found a random burger place nearby. Very good burger.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Started to get that evening existential dread again.
- 9:00 PM: Watched some more garbage on TV and mentally vowed to get more sleep. I failed… again.
Day 3: Sweet Tea and Southern Charm (and a Few Tears)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast: waffles and coffee again. The coffee is starting to grow on me.
- 8:00 AM: Decided to head down to Waterfront Park. Walked along the pier. The views were stunning. Seriously breathtaking. The water. The breeze. The sound of the waves… I might have teared up a little. Don’t judge me.
- 9:00 AM: Tried some authentic Southern sweet tea. Glorious. Liquid sunshine. I could drink gallons of it.
- 10:00 AM: Visited a plantation (I'm purposefully giving this a vague description to avoid any potential controversy). The grounds were breathtaking. The history was complicated. It really made me think.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a little cafe. Ate a sandwich and people-watched. Charlestonians are stylish.
- 1:00 PM: Checked-out. My time is up in the Wingate. Overall, not a bad place to park my bags.
- 2:00 PM: Uber to the airport. Almost missed my flight. My heart is racing.
- 3:00 PM: On the plane, finally realizing I'm leaving Charleston. I felt a mix of relief and wistfulness. This city is beautiful.
- 4:00 PM: Take off. The plane soars. I'm officially done.
Final Thoughts: This itinerary is a mess, just like me. Charleston is a mix of breathtaking beauty and humid chaos. The Wingate by Wyndham was a place to sleep, and it provided that. But Charleston… Charleston stole a little piece of my heart. And that, my friends, is the only itinerary that truly matters. Now, I need a nap. Peace out!
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Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape: Charleston's "Secret"? Let's Spill!
Okay, so Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape...is it *really* a "secret?" Because I saw a billboard. And a few people on Facebook talked about it.
Alright, alright, *secret* is a bit of a stretch. It's more like a whispering campaign. You know, like when you find a REALLY good taco truck, and you want to tell everyone, but also...you don't. Because lines, man. And Facebook? Yeah, those folks. Bless 'em. But compared to the Belmond or the high-falutin' downtown hotels, Wingate...it's the unsung hero. It's the reliable friend who shows up with cold beer and a solid shoulder to cry on. And yeah, there were billboards. My bad. But it *feels* like a secret sometimes, because the price is right, the location's surprisingly good, and you don't have to deal with the whole "charming but overpriced" Charleston vibe. It’s the anti-Charleston Charleston hotel. Almost.
Location, Location, Location! Where exactly is this "Escape" situated? And is it actually escapable from?
It's basically right off of I-26, near the Coliseum and the Tanger Outlets. Not the most *romantic* setting, I'll admit. But here's the kicker: it's actually *convenient*. Traffic in Charleston can be a beast. You can be stuck in gridlock for HOURS, seriously. So, being near an interstate is a lifesaver. And you can get to downtown, beaches, and historical sites fairly quickly. (Well, “quickly” in Charleston time, which means… well, it still takes time.) Escapable? Hmmm… that depends. If you're escaping a particularly stressful family vacation, then yes. The pool can assist with that. Just grab a cocktail and stare at the water for a while. Problem solved… mostly.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are we talking budget motel vibes or…something more?
Okay, let's be real. It's not the Four Seasons. But it's also NOT the Bates Motel. The rooms are clean, generally spacious, and they have those things you *need*: a comfortable bed (important!), a decent TV, and reliable Wi-Fi. They also usually have a mini-fridge! Which is critical for keeping your sweet tea cold! I remember once, I checked in after a ridiculously long drive and crashed on the bed. Then I woke up in the middle of the night, and I needed to pee, but was also starving. The mini-fridge saved me. Leftover pizza, glorious victory! It's a solid, functional space. Nothing fancy, but perfectly adequate. Think "reliable friend," not "flamboyant socialite."
The breakfast situation. Is it the usual sad continental spread or something more exciting? I need my bacon!
Ah, breakfast. The make-or-break moment for some of us. Okay, so it's the *above-average* continental breakfast. They do have options. Waffles. Eggs, sometimes. (The hard-boiled eggs are… hit or miss, let's just say that.) Cereal, yogurt, and… bagels. The coffee is… well, it's coffee. It'll get you going. But the most important thing? They often have *sausage links*. And occasionally, real bacon. Now, I'm not saying it's a culinary masterpiece, but for free, and before you start your day, it does the job and is a win for early birds, right? My biggest gripe? The orange juice tastes suspiciously like Tang. But hey, I can't complain too loudly. Free food is free food.
The Pool! Is it worthy of Instagram?
Alright, let's talk about that pool. Can you get a good photo for the ‘gram? Sure. Is it particularly *stunning*? No. It's a rectangular pool, outdoors, with some basic loungers. But it's clean, refreshing, and if you get there at the right time, you might even have it to yourself. I remember one time, I was there, desperately needing a break. The sun was beating down, I was exhausted from wandering the Historic District, and all I wanted was to cool down. The pool provided. It wasn't fancy– but the water felt *divine*. And, bonus points, it was one of those quiet moments. The best kind, you know? The one where you completely switch off. Pure bliss. So, while it might not win any design awards, it's a perfectly functional, and sometimes necessary, oasis.
What are the drawbacks? Because everything has them.
Okay, the not-so-pretty side. There's always *something*, right? Here's the deal: Sometimes, the noise from the interstate can travel further than you'd expect, especially if you're in a room facing it. Might be a minor issue for light sleepers. The decor won't exactly blow your mind—it's functional, like I said. The gym is… well, it's there. And in the breakfast room, let's be honest, the service staff, while friendly, are really trying to keep up. But honestly, for the price, these are minor quibbles. You're not paying for perfection. You're paying for CLEAN AND CONVENIENT. And that's plenty!
Okay, so… is it actually worth it? Would you stay there again?
Absolutely. YES! I would. I HAVE. And I probably will again. If you're looking for a luxurious, pampered experience, this ain't it. Go drop a grand at The Vendue! But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, conveniently located hotel that won't make your wallet weep, then Wingate by Wyndham Coliseum Escape is definitely a contender. It's reliable. It's functional. And sometimes, that's just what you need. It's the kind of place where you can relax, unwind, and not have to worry about being judged for wearing your pajamas to breakfast. And honestly, that's priceless, isn't it? It's like that favorite pair of worn-in jeans: comfortable, familiar, and always ready for an adventure (or just a good nap). Just don't expect anyone to be writing poems about it.
Are there any restaurants or things to do near the Escape?
Okay, let’s be honest: the immediate neighbourhood isn't the highlight reel of Charleston. But you're near the Tanger Outlets, so if retail therapy is your deal, go nuts. There are fast-food places and chain restaurants aplenty near the Coliseum. But the real advantage is the ease of getting to *actual* Charleston. It's a quick drive to the historic district, and youBook For Rest
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