Savannah Getaway: Wyndham Wingate Poolside Paradise!
Savannah Getaway: Wyndham Wingate Poolside Paradise! – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Alright, folks, buckle up! I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Savannah, and my stay at the Wyndham Wingate Poolside Paradise was…well, it was an experience. Let’s just say it’s a real mixed bag, a bit like a box of chocolates – you never quite know what you’re gonna get. Here's the raw, unfiltered truth (and maybe a few tangents) about my stay.
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First things first: The Good Stuff… (and a little bit of "Uh-Oh")
Poolside Paradise, Indeed (Mostly!) I’ll be honest, that pool area is the star of the show. That’s where it began! And for a moment, I thought it was paradise. Seriously, the outdoor pool? Absolutely beautiful. Sun loungers lined up, the palm trees swaying… it screamed “vacation!" The pool with a view? Check. But, darn it, I never actually saw WHAT the view was supposed to be. There were a few moments where people were very close and the pool seemed less alluring.
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Woo-hoo! And the internet was actually decent! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! I mean, who doesn’t love instant access to scrolling Instagram and making sure the cats are okay at home? Plus, I was able to do my work and stay connected.
The Room…Mostly Okay. My room was a standard room. It was all pretty, I guess. I especially loved the mirror. The bed was comfy with extra-long options and I appreciated the blackout curtains, which are crucial for a good night's sleep (or for sleeping in until noon, which is my preferred vacation activity). And the air conditioning? Crucial, especially in Savannah. The non-smoking room part was very nice.
- Slightly Annoying Room Issues. Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. My room had a few… quirks. The shower pressure was a bit… underwhelming. I felt like I was being gently sprinkled, not thoroughly cleansed! My shower was a bit strange, too. I think this is a general lack of detail and care more than anything.
Accessibility & The "Almost There" Factor:
- Accessibility? The elevator and the ramp made navigating the hotel fairly easy, but with the other issues, I was afraid to be late for my appointment! I would have liked to see more information about accessible rooms available, such as the ability to enter the lobby. I couldn't see it.
Cleaning & Safety: A Post-COVID Reality Check:
- Cleanliness & Safety: Mostly Reassuring. I was very much impressed that the room was sanitized between stays, that the daily disinfection of common areas, hand sanitizer was available easily, staff trained in safety protocol, individually wrapped food options. This wasn't a problem, at first.
- A Slight Concern: A few times I have entered the stair well. The air didn't seem as clean.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food:
- Breakfast Blues (and Buffets!) The breakfast buffet was, well, a buffet. Asian breakfast was available, western, and everything else. The food itself was a little bland. I mean, the buffet was pretty good but the quality was a bit lacking. But I was able to get a coffee and a breakfast, and the option for a takeaway was perfect.
- Dining Woes: I had a couple of meals at the restaurants and the service wasn't stellar.
- Happy Hour! (Definitely a highlight, by the way!) I had a few drinks in the bar and that was very nice.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Tiny Panic Attack in the Spa):
- Spa & Sauna. The spa… okay, the spa. I tried to book a massage. The spa had all the things you would expect to rest and relax, a sauna, steamroom, spa/sauna. I got a massage and it was great!
- The Fitness Center… (I Saw it.) I'm not a gym person, but I poked my head into the fitness center. It looked…like a gym. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. I didn’t test it, mind you. I'm on vacation!
- Poolside Relaxation: The Dream. Really, the pool area was where it was at. Drinks, sunshine, and pure relaxation. That’s how I spent most of my time.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Baffling.
- Helpful Staff. The staff, in general, were pleasant and helpful.
- The Luggage Situation. It was tough and they did not seem that helpful.
Getting Around & Practicalities:
- Car Park [Free of Charge]. Huge plus! This is Savannah, parking can be a nightmare, so free parking was a godsend.
For the Kiddos (and Those Who Are Young at Heart):
- Family/Child Friendly? Definitely seemed to be! I saw a few families with kids and they seemed to be having a blast. There was a babysitting service offered.
Overall Verdict: A Mixed Bag with a Poolside Twist?
So, would I recommend the Wyndham Wingate Poolside Paradise? That’s a tough one. On the plus side: beautiful pool, good Wi-Fi, cleanliness, the rooms were comfortable, plus a few nice touches here and there. On the downside: the service issues, some minor room imperfections.
It's not perfect, but it's also not terrible. It's a solid option, especially if you're looking for a relaxing poolside vacation. The pool and the Wi-Fi alone almost make it worth it! I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars overall (maybe a 4 if they sort out those shower heads!).
Just go in with realistic expectations, pack your patience, and prepare for an experience – for better or for worse! And hey, maybe you’ll end up with a hilarious vacation story (like me!).
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this Wingate by Wyndham Savannah/Pooler itinerary is about to get real. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs, you're getting the unvarnished truth, straight from a sleep-deprived, slightly-hangry traveler. Let's do this…
The Chaotic Chronicle of My Savannah/Pooler Adventure (Wingate Edition)
(Day 1: Arrival, Dreams of the Deep South, and the Great Microwave Debacle)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Okay, first impressions? Savannah's humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. You know, the kind you secretly want to escape two seconds later. Grabbed my rental car (a slightly dented, but functional, sedan) and navigated out of the airport. Navigation? Let's just say I had a moment with a confusing roundabout. Took a wrong turn, of course, ended making my way over to the Wingate by Wyndham Savannah/Pooler Savannah.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Wingate by Wyndham Savannah/Pooler Savannah. The lobby was…fine. Standard hotel lobby-ish. The front desk lady was super friendly, which immediately kicked the crankiness to the curb - even though it was like 90 degrees outside! I was just ready for a cold room and a nap after the flight!
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance, aka The Great Microwave Debacle. The room itself was… well, it looked like a room. Clean, comfortable, and blessedly air-conditioned. I immediately threw myself on the bed and promptly passed out. Woke up STARVING, as you do. Now, I'd bought a frozen meal at the grocery store, you know, "healthy" travel eating. And here's where things went sideways. The microwave? Couldn’t figure it out. The instructions were… cryptic. Pushed buttons? Nothing. Held my breath? Still nothing. After 10 minutes of sweating (both from the Savannah humidity and the burgeoning frustration), I gave up. Ordered a pizza. Moral of the story: microwaves are the enemy. Also, pizza is the ultimate comfort food.
- 4:00 PM: Pizza Consumption & Poolside Introspection. Ah, pizza. That magical combination of carbs, cheese, and happiness. Ate the whole damn thing (no regrets). Then, decided to "relax" by the pool. The pool was…fine. Kind of cloudy, but did the trick for cooling off. Spent an hour contemplating life, the universe, and why my suitcase always seems to be magically heavier on the return trip. Watched families play and thought, "I should call my family to see how they are doing". Too much thinking, ended up going back to nap, which I'm becoming an expert on.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner…sort of. Decided to be "good" and walked over to a chain restaurant next door. Got a salad. Ate it. Was not impressed.
- 9:00 PM: Channel Surfing & Early Bedtime. Watched some mindless TV. Fell asleep. The jet lag was hitting me hard.
(Day 2: Historic Savannah, Sweet Tea Dreams & a Ghost Tour Gone Wrong (But Hilariously So))
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up, Regret the Salad & Coffee. The hotel coffee situation was… not ideal. Definitely needed a caffeine boost. Thankfully, there was a grocery store nearby. Grabbed the largest, strongest coffee I could find.
- 9:00 AM: Historic Savannah Exploration. Part 1: The Pretty Pictures. Drove into Savannah itself (a little less lost this time!) and wandered around the historic squares. The architecture is stunning. The Spanish moss is ridiculously photogenic. Took a million photos. Felt like every other tourist in town.
- 11:00 AM: Brunch. The Quest for the Perfect Shrimp & Grits. Okay listen, if I'm in the South, I'm EATING shrimp and grits. Went to a highly-rated brunch spot. The shrimp and grits were… good. Not transcendent, but definitely good. The sweet tea, however? Pure Southern heaven.
- 1:00 PM: Historic Savannah Exploration, Part 2: A Tour of the Graveyards. Okay, I'm fascinated by old cemeteries. I know, I know, it's weird. But there's something about the history, the stories, the… ghosts! (This is foreshadowing).
- 1:30 PM: The Ghosts Came! It felt like any other graveyard tour, the information was pretty standard about our haunted landmarks . Then, the tour guide, a woman who undoubtedly has a direct line to the spirit world (or at least a very vivid imagination) started telling us about the ghosts of Bonaventure Cemetery. The tour guide started getting into it. Whispering, gasping dramatic pauses. Suddenly, she swore something touched her. Some of us gasped and I, being the skeptic that I am, looked around for security cameras, but nothing. It was honestly kind of terrifying. Then the tour guide started looking terrified, but she was doing a good job of making it realistic. After her freakout, we walked the rest of the tour in silence because of the fear that took over.
- 3:30 PM: Cooling Off, Retail Therapy, and A Slight Temper Tantrum. I was rattled. Completely. Went back to the car and drove to a local souvenir shop to take my mind off things. Saw a t-shirt I loved. It was the last one. In the wrong size. I may have stomped my foot. I blame the ghosts. Eventually, I found a hat to buy.
- 6:00 PM: Rest & Relaxation. Went back to the hotel, got some food and went to bed.
(Day 3: Farewell to Savannah, A Winding Road Home & Hotel Departure)
- 8:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast. I decided what I would consume for breakfast would be determined by who was at the buffet. Pancakes. The pancakes were fine. I ate two.
- 9:00 AM: Check-Out & Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping. Checked out of the Wingate. The whole process was painless.
- 10:00 AM: The Drive Home. I think I'm a pretty good driver, so I'm guessing I will make it back home!
Reflections (Because, Why Not?)
This trip was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, microwave failures and ghost stories. But, in the end, it was a good trip. It was a reminder that travel isn’t always about perfect Instagram photos. Sometimes, it's about the messy, the flawed, the downright hilarious moments. And sometimes, it’s about realizing that a good nap and a pizza can solve almost any problem. Until the next adventure, Savannah. You weird, wonderful place.
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So, like, is this place ACTUALLY paradise? The "Poolside Paradise" thing is a bold claim, right?
Okay, real talk? Paradise is a strong word. Let's just say... it depends on your expectations. If you're picturing a secluded Polynesian island, you'll be disappointed. Think more... poolside oasis *within budget*. The pool *is* lovely when the screaming toddlers aren't doing cannonballs. Remember that time I finally snagged a prime poolside chair, cracked open my book, and then BAM! Little Timmy, with a whole mouthful of chlorine-flavored water, decides to do a faceplant right in front of me? My serenity? Gone. But hey, the sun was warm, the margarita was strong, and I got a decent tan. So, yeah, Paradise-ish, with a capital *P* (for "Patience").
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean? 'Cause that's kinda important, right?
Clean? Okay, this is where things get interesting. The *skeleton* of clean is there. Look, nobody wants to see a rogue cockroach doing the backstroke in the bathtub (shudder). The sheets *looked* freshly laundered. The bathroom, bless its heart, seemed to have seen a mop recently. BUT. Let's just say I wouldn’t eat off the floor… or maybe even the counter. I found a rogue hair tie on the bedside table. Not mine. Judge as you will. I’m not a germaphobe, just… cautiously optimistic about sanitation. Bring wipes. Your future self will thank you.
The pool. Dish it. Is it actually swimmable? Are there enough chairs? The details, man, the details!
Alright, the pool. Where do I even begin?! It's the centerpiece, the heart, the reason you're (hopefully) reading this. And it *is* lovely. Generally. The water is refreshing, they (usually) keep it chemically balanced, and it's got that whole "tropical" vibe going on. But the chair situation? Ugh. It's a daily Hunger Games-esque battle. You basically have to be up before the roosters (or, in my case, the screaming toddlers) to snag a good spot. I'm talking towels strategically draped over chairs at 6:30 AM! One glorious morning, I actually *won*. Got the perfect lounge chair, prime real estate by the bar. I felt like a queen. (Until Little Timmy showed up, but I digress...) The pool bar itself is a mixed bag – super convenient, but the drink prices? Ouch. It's a trade-off, folks. Convenience vs. wallet pain. Pick your poison (or your overpriced mai tai, I guess).
Is breakfast included? And if so, is it any GOOD? I NEED my morning fuel.
YES! Breakfast *is* included! And, bless their heart, it's a valiant effort. There’s the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not be actual eggs (you know the drill), sad-looking sausage patties, and instant oatmeal that could double as spackle. BUT! They usually have those mini waffles. Those are your friends. Slap on some syrup (and maybe a little whipped cream – don’t judge me!), and you’re golden. Also, the coffee situation? Okay, it's STRONG. And bottomless. Which, let's be honest, is all that really matters in the mornings, right? Just… don't expect gourmet dining. Think… functional fuel. It'll get the job done.
What about the location? Is it convenient for exploring Savannah? I don't want to spend all day in a car!
Location, location, location! The Wingate is... conveniently *close* to things, but not *in* things. You'll probably need a car, or be prepared to Uber/Lyft. It's not right in the heart of the Historic District, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you're not IN the absolute chaos, the river of tourists and the horse-drawn carriages (though, I do love the carriages… when they’re not blocking the road). A curse because you *do* have to drive, to get to all the glorious Savannah-ness. However, Savannah is relatively small, and the drive is easy. You won't lose a whole day driving, unless you get hopelessly distracted by the stunning architecture. It’s a risk you must take.
Okay, I'm sold. What are some things I MUST do while I'm there? Give me the insider tips!
Okay, okay, you've twisted my arm. MUST-DO's, according to this seasoned traveler (ahem). First, do that haunted ghost tour. It's ridiculous, overly dramatic, and completely worth it. Next, definitely wander through Forsyth Park. It's utterly romantic. Seriously. I almost cried. The fountain is gorgeous. Then, EAT ALL THE THINGS. Paula Deen's Restaurant? Touristy, yes, but her food is like a hug from a Southern grandma. Go. Eat. Then, take a walk along River Street. So many shops. So many delicious smells. Finally, and this is crucial: FIND A SECLUDED SPOT, order a sweet tea, and just… *breathe*. Savannah is magical, even with the imperfections. Trust me on this one.
Anything else I should know before I book this place? Any hidden gotchas? Spill the tea!
Alright, the *real* tea. One… don't expect a five-star experience. Set your expectations appropriately. Two… the Wi-Fi situation? Hit or miss. Be prepared to suffer a digital detox. Three… the noise levels at night can be… lively. Particularly if you're near the pool, and there's a party going on. Might want to pack earplugs. Four… be prepared for humidity. Like, a lot of humidity. Your hair will hate you. Your clothes will cling. Embrace it. It's part of the charm (a sweaty charm, but a charm nonetheless). And finally, and this is the most important thing… have fun! Go with the flow. Don’t sweat the small stuff. And, most importantly, remember this: You're on vacation! Breathe, relax, and try not to judge the tiny, screaming Timmy. You'll probably be that parent someday. Now go book it, and get that margarita!
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