Escape to Wheeling: Luxurious Stay at Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands!
Escape to Wheeling: My Honest (and Honestly Messy) Review of Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands
Okay, here's the deal. I’m finally back from my little escape to Wheeling, West Virginia, and to be honest, I'm still sorting through the laundry (both literal and metaphorical) of the experience. But mostly, I'm trying to figure out if I should tell you all about the Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands and sell you on staying there, or if I should just keep it all to myself. (Spoilers: I’m sharing!).
Let’s be real, planning a getaway can be a nightmare. Especially when you're juggling work, life, and the desperate need for a REAL vacation. But then I saw the Hampton Inn in The Highlands and thought, "Why not? Wheeling, here I come!" and let me tell you, I'm glad I did.
Accessibility, or, Can I Actually Get Around?
Alright, so this is important. Accessibility. (I'm getting ahead of myself, but this part is a MUST). The hotel felt incredibly accessible. I didn't need any specific accessibility needs, BUT I'm always looking out for it. It's important! I saw elevators (obvious, but essential), ramps where they needed to be, and I definitely felt like someone with a disability could navigate the property with relative ease, which is a huge win in my book. (I mean, who wants to be stuck in a hotel room all day, anyway?)
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive? (Yes!)
Okay, so, COVID times, am I right? I was a bit nervous. But the Hampton Inn actually seemed to care. They had all the bells and whistles – anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere (my germaphobe tendencies were thrilled). They even had room sanitization opt-out available if that's your vibe. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces and actually wearing masks. It wasn't perfect, but it was FAR better than some other places I've stayed recently.
Honestly, I didn't see any evidence of a "Sterilizing equipment" in use from the common areas, but I did see a lot of cleaning.
Rooms: My Safe Haven (Mostly)
The rooms? They were… fine. Clean. Honestly not that interesting, which is good! The basics were all there: **Air conditioning (a godsend in the West Virginia humidity), a comfy bed, *FREE WiFi in all rooms!* (thank heavens), a desk to pretend I'm working (ha!), and a refrigerator for my late-night snacks (essential). My room had a refrigerator where I could stock snacks with my essential condiments, and I would gladly give it 5/5 stars. But I'll give the room a 4/5 here.
- The Good: Blackout curtains that actually worked (major points!), tons of electrical outlets (thank you, future-thinking engineers!), and a generally quiet atmosphere.
- The Not-So-Good: Decor was a little… generic. Like someone grabbed a generic hotel room kit and went with it. But hey, I wasn't there to admire the art (or lack thereof). I was there to escape.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: More Than Just a Continental Breakfast
Okay, this is where things get interesting (and where my diet went straight out the window, not to mention the lack of sleep).
- Breakfast Buffet: It was your standard Hampton Inn breakfast, but hey, free food is free food! The breakfast buffet was a hit because they had everything from Asian breakfast to Western cuisine in restaurant to coffee/tea in restaurant. I usually skipped it. (Yes, I know, I'm supposed to eat; I am working on it. Life is hard!)
- Snack Bar: I was on the go so much I didn't even touch it, but I loved seeing it on the lobby!
- Restaurants: There are a few that are nearby, I was too busy to get around to. Again, it's been a hard vacation for me. LOL.
- Poolside Bar: I did not take the time for it. It was a rainy weekend, so I didn't even get to the pool. Maybe next time?
Things to Do (and Not Do) in Wheeling
Now, the Hampton Inn is ideally located! This part is crucial. The Highlands is packed with stuff to do. This is more about the location of the hotel and less about the hotel itself, but it's important.
- Shopping: There's a ton of shopping in The Highlands. My wallet wept, but my inner shopaholic rejoiced.
- Entertainment: There are some great restaurants, movie theaters, and all sorts of entertainment venues.
- Relax? Okay, fine. I wasn't a total workaholic. The Fitness center was decent (I swear I used it once), and there's a pool too! (I'm saving that for next time!)
The Imperfections (Because Let’s Be Real):
Okay, so the hotel wasn’t perfect. No place is. My room wasn’t always cleaned the exact time I asked for, but it was always clean. The staff was super friendly, but I could tell they were a tad understaffed.
And my biggest complaint? The lack of a hot tub. Come on, Hampton Inn! A hot tub is a requirement for a truly luxurious escape!
My Verdict: Book It (But Maybe Not for a Spa Getaway)
Am I recommending the Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands? Absolutely! It's clean, convenient, and a decent value. If you're looking for a comfortable, accessible basecamp for exploring Wheeling and hitting the shops, it's a solid choice. Just don't expect a world-class spa experience. (Although, who knows, maybe they'll add a hot tub by the time you go!). It may not be perfect, but that’s exactly what makes this place worth it for me!
Special Offer for You (Because I Like You):
Okay! Based on my experience, I'm going to craft an offer for you!
Escape to Wheeling: Your Stress-Free Getaway at Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands
Tired of feeling burnt out? Need a real escape? Then ditch the daily grind and discover the charm of Wheeling, West Virginia! Nestled in the bustling Highlands, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers a clean, safe, and accessible haven for your next getaway.
Here's Why You'll Love It:
- Relax and Recharge: Clean spacious rooms with FREE WiFi, and comfortable amenities will let you rest easy!
- Explore with Ease: The Highlands is your oyster, with shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away! With its easy accessibility, you’re set on the right path.
- Safety Comes First: Enjoy peace of mind with enhanced cleaning protocols, and friendly staff dedicated to your well-being.
- Start Your Day Right: Your free breakfast is at your fingertips!
Book Your Escape Today and Get:
- A special discount on select room rates (mention my review! - ha!).
- Free parking!
- Peace of mind knowing you're staying in a hotel committed to safety and comfort.
Don't wait! This offer is only valid for a limited time. Click [Insert Link Here] to book your escape and start planning your Wheeling adventure!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because a trip to Wheeling, West Virginia, ain't gonna be all sunshine and roses. This itinerary? More like a chaotic symphony of missed opportunities, questionable food choices, and existential dread, punctuated by moments of genuine joy. Buckle up, this is gonna be a wild ride.
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Wheeling-The Highlands Triadelphia, (WV) USA (aka "The Highlands Hamper," as I've affectionately nicknamed it after arriving in the room)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Crushing Weight of Expectations
- 3:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: Rolling in, slightly late because, you know, life. The Hampton Inn is…fine. Clean enough. Looks like a Hampton Inn. The "suite" is less "suite" and more "slightly larger room." Already questioning my life choices that led me here. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and stale waffles. Sign of things to come!
- 3:30 PM - Attempt at Relaxation (Spoiler: Failed): Unpacked, tried to chill. Stared out the window at a parking lot. The siren song of the complimentary coffee station is tempting. But it's 3 PM. Gotta pace myself for the caffeine-induced panic attacks later.
- 4:00 PM - The Search for Food (and Sanity): Hunger pangs. Google Maps tells me there's a "sports bar" nearby. Sounded promising. Reality: It's a depressing dive bar that I quickly exit with a shudder. Headed back to the Hamper and the overwhelming urge to order a pizza and just go back to bed.
- 4:30 PM - Pizza & Regret: Okay, pizza it is. (I'll regret this later, I know it.) A local joint. The pizza is…fine. Edible. Ate way too much. Feeling bloated and questioning my life choices again. Why does food taste so much better when you're miserable? It's one of life's great mysteries.
- 6:00 PM - Evening Amble & Existential Crisis: Forced myself to walk around the parking lot. The air smells of exhaust fumes and…well, West Virginia. Reflecting on my life. Wondering what the heck I'm doing here. The sky is pretty, though. Small victories.
- 7:00 PM - Trying to Watch TV: The TV remote is a technological marvel. I can't figure out how to get Netflix going. Sigh. The news is on. Bad idea.
- 8:00 PM - Bed, with Pre-emptive Anxiety for Tomorrow: Attempting to sleep. My mind is racing. Am I going to enjoy any of this journey? Will I become one with the local cuisine? Will I find true happiness? Probably not, given the current state of my existence.
Day 2: The (Very) Brief Glimmer of Hope and a Deep Dive Into the Obscure– and oh so much more!
- 7:00 AM - Wake-Up Call, and the Dread Deepens: The alarm blares. Ugh. Coffee time—a whole-hearted dive into the self-serve coffee station. It's okay. The stale waffle aroma, however, is much stronger today.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Disaster at the Hampton Inn: The "complimentary breakfast" promises so much and delivers so little. Standard continental fare. Cereal that tastes like Styrofoam and rubbery, slightly gray potatoes. The one decent thing is the pre-packaged yogurt. I'll take it.
- 9:00 AM - Wheeling's Cultural Gems (Maybe): Decided to visit the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. This is now one of the best places on earth and this is the most amazing thing I did on this trip! The amount of detail and care in the exhibits is stunning. The sheer volume of toys is mind-boggling.
- 11:00 AM - Downtown Wheeling & the Mysterious Murals: Drove around downtown. Impressed by the grand, historic architecture. Wondering how many businesses have closed here. Spotting some cool murals is the highlight.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Another Dice Roll: Found a small diner on Main Street. Ordered something… mysterious. Let's call it "the local special." It was greasy and probably contained a week's worth of calories. Delicious, though.
- 1:00 PM - The Wheeling Suspension Bridge: The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the first bridge to span the Ohio River, is something. A real behemoth. Took way too many pictures. Feeling a sense of awe. Seriously, it's quite a feat of engineering.
- 2:00 PM - Oglebay Resort & Zoo (Worth the Gamble): The Oglebay Resort is huge. Lush greenery, manicured lawns, and a general air of… well-being. The zoo is fantastic. The animals somehow embody my own existential dread.
- 3:30 PM - Hiking (and Regret): Decided to go for a "light hike." Underestimated the West Virginia hills. Short lived hiking session, my legs are burning. My lungs feel like they're about to explode. Turn back after 30 minutes.
- 4:30 PM - Pre-Dinner Melancholy: Back at the Hamper. Feeling exhausted. Taking a nap to recharge my batteries for the next leg of this journey.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner & a Plea to the Culinary Gods: Found a seemingly decent restaurant on Yelp. Ordered a steak. Praying it's cooked properly. This meal could make or break this whole trip.
- 7:30 PM - The Steak Saga: A Glorious (but Fleeting) Victory: The steak was… miraculous. Tender. Delicious. A moment of pure joy on an otherwise gloomy day. Okay, Wheeling, I'm starting to get it. Maybe.
- 8:30 PM - The After-Dinner Blues: The steak was great, but the meal is over. The melancholy returns. The next day is another day. Back to bed, where sleep beckons, or at least unconsciousness.
Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the Lingering Smell of Waffles
- 7:00 AM - The Waffle Apocalypse: Awake. Waffle odor is even more pervasive this morning. Trying to mentally prepare for the long day ahead.
- 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast & Farewell: The same dreadful breakfast as yesterday. Managed to choke down some cereal. Good riddance!
- 9:00 AM - Last-Minute Wheeling Exploration (Maybe): Decided to revisit the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. Just to drink in the magic one last time.
- 10:30 AM - The Scenic Drive: Making my way home. It's a pretty drive, even though the sky is overcast.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch on the Road: Grabbed some fast food. Quickly regretted my decision.
- 2:00 PM - The Long Drive Home: Driving home and reflecting on my trip. It was…well, it was a trip. Some good moments, many moments of existential crisis.
- 5:00 PM - Home Sweet Home (and the Unpacking of Memories): Back home. Unpacking. Still smells faintly of waffles. Wheeling, you were… interesting. I'll probably never go back. But maybe, just maybe, there's a tiny part of me that will miss the weirdness.
- 5:00 PM - Looking to my next adventure! I think I did an amazing job!
In conclusion: Wheeling, West Virginia, is not for the faint of heart. But if you're looking for a place to reflect on your life, eat questionable food, and contemplate the universe while gazing at a parking lot, then the Hampton Inn & Suites Wheeling-The Highlands Triadelphia is the perfect starting point. Just don't expect a vacation. Expect… something else.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Phoenix Getaway Awaits at Homewood Suites!
ESCAPE TO WHEELING: HAMPTON INN & SUITES THE HIGHLANDS - FAQ (Because, Honestly, We All Have Questions)
Okay, So... What IS "The Highlands," REALLY? And Is It Worth Escaping To?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because "The Highlands" in Wheeling is basically a giant, sprawling retail and entertainment complex plopped right in the middle of... well, Wheeling. It's got the usual suspects: chain restaurants (you know, the ones that seem to serve the exact same food wherever you go), a movie theater (hello, popcorn!), and a bunch of stores. But is it an "escape?" Honestly? Depends. If you're escaping the crushing monotony of your everyday life, yeah, maybe. If you're expecting a mystical mountain retreat, probably not. I went in expecting a slightly-above-average shopping trip and... well, I got that. And a REALLY comfy bed. More on that later. I will tell you the people are nice. This place has a certain charm, and I left feeling... surprisingly relaxed. (Side note: I had a slight panic attack trying to find a parking spot the first night, thought I was going to get crushed by a minivan. They are *everywhere*.)
Hampton Inn & Suites: Luxurious? REALLY? Don't Lie To Me!
Okay, "luxurious" is a strong word. Let's be honest. But it's definitely *nice*. The rooms are clean (and I am a *snob* about cleanliness, it's a personal failing), the beds are outrageously comfortable (seriously, I almost didn't get up), and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. I'm talking, like, "hold-the-door-for-you-even-though-they're-busy" friendly. My room had a decent view...which, let's be real, was of the Walmart parking lot (a stunning vista, I'm sure you'll agree). But hey, the important thing is, the bed was a cloud. I almost considered calling downstairs and begging for a mattress to be delivered to my house. Almost. Then I remembered the Walmart parking lot.
Tell Me About the Room Itself -- What's The Vibe?
The room was definitely designed for function. It was clean, well-lit, and had all the essentials: a comfy bed (I've mentioned that, right?), a decent-sized TV (important for catching up on reality TV), a desk (for...writing a travel blog, obviously), and a mini-fridge (crucial for storing the emergency snacks I’d stashed). The decor? Well, let's just say it's not going to win any design awards. Think modern, functional, and with a distinct lack of personality. But hey, I wasn't there to redecorate. I was there to eat bad movie popcorn in a too bright room and sleep. And it excelled at both. The bathroom was clean, which is a BIG win in my book. And the shower pressure? Surprisingly good. I’d give it a solid 7/10. Would stay again.
Breakfast: Free and Fabulous, or Sad and Soggy? Spill the Beans!
Ah, the breakfast! The moment of truth. Okay, so it's free. And it's the standard Hampton Inn breakfast. Waffles (which, let's be honest, are always a highlight), scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, fruit, cereal. Not gourmet. But perfectly acceptable. I mean, I *did* have a waffle, and it was pretty damn good! There was a slight issue with the coffee being a bit too watery (first world problems, I know!). But the staff kept it stocked, and hey, it's caffeine. It gets the job done. I'd give it a solid "satisfactory". You won't write home about it, but you won't leave hungry. And it's free. Did I mention that?
Proximity to the Retail Jungle: Yay or Nay? Is it *too* close?
Well, the Hampton Inn *is* in The Highlands. So, yeah, it's practically glued to the stores. This is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: you can stumble back to your room after overdoing it at the Olive Garden (which, I confess, I may have done). Curse: you are *surrounded* by stores. It’s hard to escape the siren call of the sales rack, even when you're trying to "escape" to a relaxed vacation. There's also the noise, which is minimal, but does exist sometimes at the more popular stores. I mean it's not a quiet, tranquil location; I heard one group of teenagers talking about a TikTok trend. But hey, it's also convenient. Just be prepared to embrace your inner consumer. Or not. Whatever.
What's the Wi-Fi Like? Because, You Know, the Internet is EVERYTHING.
Okay, so the Wi-Fi was... good. Not mind-blowing, but it didn't drop out on me, which puts it miles ahead of some hotels I've stayed in. I mean, I streamed a movie, checked my email (okay, *tons* of emails...the joy of life), and updated my social media (ahem). No buffering, no agonizing loading times. Solid and reliable. I’d give it a thumbs up. A very lazy thumbs up, from the comfort of my ridiculously comfy bed. It's a win.
Parking: Is It a Nightmare? Because I Hate Parking.
YES. Parking at The Highlands, in general, can be a bit of a circus, especially on weekends. I mean, the first night, like I mentioned earlier, I felt like I was going to get wedged between a Hummer and a minivan. It was a *scene*. The hotel itself has parking, which is good. But it can fill up, and then you're left circling, hoping to snag a spot. Bring your patience, or maybe just embrace the cardio and park a little further away. Seriously, it's a little bit of a cluster, but it's manageable. Just... don't go on Black Friday. Or any Friday, for that matter. Or....
Would You Go Back? Be Honest!
You know what? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the parking (ugh, the parking!), and the slightly generic vibe, it was a pleasant experience. The bed was amazing, it was clean, the staff was friendly, and it was a perfectly acceptable way to spend a couple of days. It wasn't life-changing. It's not likeNomad Hotel Search
