Wingate Bentonville Airport: Your Perfect Bentonville Getaway!
Wingate Bentonville Airport: My Bentonville Getaway… or Was It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill my guts about the Wingate Bentonville Airport. And believe me, it's a rollercoaster. This isn't your perfectly polished, bland travel brochure summary; this is real life, people.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Making it There (or Trying To)
The Wingate claims to be the perfect Bentonville getaway. Right off the bat, accessibility is key. I mean, most hotels say they're accessible, but let's be real… It's the modern age, so it better be, right? They DO have the basics covered – elevators, ramps, and, thank heavens, a decent-sized accessible room. Score one for not totally failing on Day 1. The whole getting-there-from-the-airport thing? They offer airport transfers, which is a HUGE plus, especially after a red-eye. And the FREE parking? Even better. No hidden fees, no parking nightmares – a welcome relief in this day and age. Plus, a place to charge my electric vehicle, which means they are stepping into the future.
Rooms & Creature Comforts - My Kingdom for a Good Pillow!
Alright, let's talk rooms. The good news? They're clean. Seriously, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a big win. They claim to sanitize everything, and the smell of cleanliness was undeniable. Now, the bad news? The style feels like it's from the early 2000s. Kind of bland, functional, and… well, boring. But hey, I wasn't there for interior design, I was there to sleep, right? The bed was comfy enough, with a decent selection of pillows, though I'm still searching for a pillow that’s actually perfect. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, and I loved the fact that there was a desk, a proper desk, for those late-night emails that always seem to crop up.
I appreciated the essentials in my room: a mini-fridge (essential for snacks), a coffee maker (even more essential for caffeine), and free Wi-Fi. Speaking of Wi-Fi, "free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yes! And it worked – a small miracle in some hotels. I also loved the little things like access to internet access through LAN – because sometimes a wired connection can be a lifesaver.
Amenities & Relaxation - Where the "Spa" Actually Kinda Disappointed…
Now, for the stuff that should make it a "getaway". They brag about a spa, but it's kinda tiny. Let's just say, don't expect a full-blown, luxurious spa experience. They offer a basic massage, but it’s less “Zen Garden” and more “quick fix.” I considered the body scrub or wrap, but the thought of getting slathered with something felt… meh. The fitness center was… well, it was there. Treadmills, some free weights - good enough for a quick morning workout. They also have a pool. But there was no view. Just a generic, chlorine-infused rectangle. The dream of a pool with a view died a slow, sad death. I did appreciate the Sauna, though, even if it wasn’t mindblowing.
Speaking of which, the sauna. This was my happy place, and I spent way too much time in there. It helped me unwind, and I loved retreating to the hot, and it seemed to offer a moment of pure relaxation and peace.
Dining & Drinking - From Bland Breakfast to Potentially Interesting Restaurants
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting. Breakfast was included, a buffet situation. A very standard buffet situation. Eggs, bacon, the usual suspects but nothing truly exciting. The Asian breakfast offerings, and the international cuisine, caught my eye, even if I didn't indulge. There was also a coffee shop which came in handy. Now, the restaurants… they advertised a few. I had a salad here, a soup there. The staff seemed well-trained in safety protocol and physical distancing was enforced. There was a bar, which was great for unwinding after a long day. The room service was 24-hour, which is always a plus, particularly if you are like me and have midnight cravings.
Cleanliness, Safety & Hygiene - Did They Actually Clean?
During the Pandemic, cleanliness is paramount. The hotel REALLY emphasized their new cleaning procedures, and I will say I felt safe. The public areas were disinfected daily. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and everything looked spotless. Individually-wrapped food, staff trained in safety protocols, and all that jazz. I appreciated the effort, even if it did feel slightly over the top at times. Professional-grade sanitizing services and anti-viral cleaning products? It was all there.
Services & Conveniences - The Extras, the Elevator, and the Random Shrine
The Wingate offers a ton of services, from Concierge to dry cleaning, and they have a convenience store. Daily housekeeping, a doorman, and even facilities for disabled guests. And a decent business center. So, they’ve got you covered if you have a need. Seriously impressive. A shrine? Okay. I can't explain it, but it was there. Inside. Probably to help business, which is fair enough.
For the Kids - Did I See Any?
I don't have kids, but I did see a few families. The hotel is definitely family-friendly, with babysitting services, kids' meals available, though I have no idea what was on them.
Getting Around - Is it Easy to Escape?
They offer a free car park, which is a total lifesaver in the area. They also offer airport transfer and a taxi service, so, very convenient.
Final Verdict - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bland
So, would I recommend the Wingate Bentonville Airport? It's complicated. It's not a five-star luxury experience, but it's a solid, functional, and safe place to stay. The cleanliness and accessibility are the big wins. It's a good base for exploring Bentonville. If you're looking for a no-frills, comfortable stay, then go for it. Just don't expect to be blown away. It’s not perfect, no. But it's… okay. And sometimes, "okay" is good enough.
Woodbury's BEST La Quinta Inn? Unbelievable Perks Await!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Bentonville, Arkansas! This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is real life, with all its questionable coffee choices and the existential dread of realizing you left your phone charger at home. We're staying at the Wingate by Wyndham Bentonville Airport, which, let's be honest, is perfectly acceptable. It's got free breakfast (a lifesaver, truly), and it's close to everything, which is the most important thing when you're running on fumes.
Day 1: Arrival, Art, and A Whole Lotta Walking (My Feet Are Killing Me Already!)
1:00 PM: Arrival at XNA (Northwest Arkansas National Airport) and Check-in to the Wingate: Okay, first impressions of the airport? Surprisingly pleasant! Clear signage, friendly staff – a good start. The shuttle from the hotel was blessedly prompt. Check-in? Smooth. The room? Clean enough. The air conditioning? Praise be to the heavens, it works! After settling in, and making a quick assessment of the complimentary toiletries (travel sized, always a disappointment but I won't complain) I immediately regretted my decision to wear those cute new sandals. Walking shoes, people, walking shoes! This city is a marathon, not a sprint.
2:30 PM: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (The Mother Lode of Art, My Brain is Fried): Okay, prepare yourselves. Crystal Bridges is… well, it's epic. Absolutely jaw-dropping. Like, the architecture itself is a piece of art. The grounds? Stunning. You could wander around for hours. And I did. I’m not an art snob, but I do appreciate a good painting, and a good history lesson. So many interesting artists and eras, and it's all just… so… much. I took way too many pictures, which I'll probably never sort through. The problem with museums like this is that you have to know when to tap out. After maybe my fifth room I had hit that wall, you know the one. My brain was mush. The museum restaurant was a lifesaver though. Delicious lunch + a moment to sit down and reflect. I swear I probably ate too much of the bread.
6:00 PM: Exploring the Bentonville Square (Shopping? Food? The Struggle is Real): This square is charming, I will give it that. Cute little shops, a fountain, the square itself feels like a place to just… be. I did a little window shopping. Then I got hungry, what else is new? Picking a restaurant was another tough decision. I almost got pulled in by a restaurant called The Preacher's Son, but that had way too many rules. Then I wandered and wandered, and finally settled on a quick bite.
8:00 PM: Wind Down at the Hotel (And Pray for my Poor Feet): Back to the hotel. Shower, which felt amazing. Attempt to organize my camera roll (failed miserably). Watch some terrible TV. My feet? Throbbing. Thank goodness for those little complimentary packets of lotion, which I slathered on in a desperate attempt to soothe my blisters. I'm pretty sure I heard my socks laughing at me.
Day 2: Bikes, Bikes, and More Bikes (And Realizing I'm Not as Young as I Think)
9:00 AM: Free Breakfast at the Wingate (Fueling Up For Adventure): Breakfast! That glorious, free breakfast! Waffles, eggs (slightly questionable, but edible!), and coffee that, surprisingly, wasn't terrible. Fueling up is crucial. Today, we conquer the trails.
10:00 AM: Renting a Bike and Hitting the Razorback Greenway (Biking Bliss… Followed by Leg Cramps): Bentonville is a biking mecca. Seriously. Bike rentals are everywhere. I opted for a hybrid, thinking I could handle it. Turns out, I'm not as fit as I thought. The Razorback Greenway is gorgeous. The scenery, the fresh air, the… ugh, the hills. They got me. My legs started screaming after about ten minutes. I had to stop and stretch. Repeatedly. I was that person, you know, the one who has to walk the bike up the steep hills. But hey, I kept going! I saw some other cyclists, and a bunch of families, and a dog wearing goggles. It was awesome. And I was exhausted.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a Bike-Friendly Cafe (Carb-Loading Time!): Found a great little cafe near the Greenway. Huge sandwich, fries, the works. Carb-loading is essential, right? I need all the energy I can get.
2:30 PM: Exploring the Bentonville Square (Part Two: Retail Therapy - and Regret?): Back to the square! Okay, maybe I was tempted to buy a few things. I am a sucker for cute boutiques! I bought some local pottery, and a t-shirt that said "Keep Bentonville Weird" (I'm not sure why, but I felt drawn to it), and a book I will never read. But hey, supporting local businesses, right? My brain is fried again.
4:00 PM: The Moment of Truth (My Bike-Ride): Remember the bike ride? Yeah, that was a mistake. But an amazing one. So now I'm determined to finish it. I wanted to see how far I could get. The route I chose was particularly steep. I took an extra puff of air, and took the leap of faith! It was hard. So hard. But I finally made it. I got a really good view of the mountain from up there. I wanted to cry afterwards. I am super proud of myself.
7:00 PM: Dinner and a Beer (Deserved): I found a local brewery/restaurant. Pizza and a local IPA – the perfect reward for my biking 'achievements'.
9:00 PM: Early Bedtime (My Legs Thank Me): Back to the hotel. This time, I actually fell asleep almost instantly. The exhaustion was real.
Day 3: Coffee, Packing, and Departure (Goodbye, Bentonville – Until Next Time? )
8:00 AM: Last Breakfast at the Wingate (Bittersweet): Another breakfast! This time, I actually took a moment to savor it. Realizing how much I might miss the easy access to food for the next few days.
9:00 AM: Coffee and a Stroll (Trying to Soak it All In): Found a little coffee shop near the square. Really good coffee! I needed the caffeine boost. Then, a quick stroll around the square, just to say goodbye. I tried to memorize some of the scenery.
10:00 AM: Packing (The Art of Fitting Everything Back In): The dreaded packing. How did I accumulate so much stuff in three days? I probably don't need half of it. Never a good sign.
11:00 AM: Check-out and Departure (Until Next Time, Bentonville!): Saying goodbye. The hotel staff was super friendly. The shuttle to the airport was on time.
1:00 PM: Flying Home (Or Somewhere Else): Back to the airport. XNA is still pleasant. Overall, a great trip. I will be back to Bentonville.
Final Thoughts:
Bentonville, you surprised me. You’re a charming town, with a quirky vibe, and an overwhelming amount of art. It's bike-friendly (even for the non-athletic), friendly, and full of surprises. This trip was a whirlwind of art, food, and sweat. My feet hurt, my brain is slightly fried, and I probably overspent. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some comfortable shoes and start planning my next adventure.
Montgomery Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deal!
Wingate Bentonville Airport: Your (Hopefully) Awesome Bentonville Adventure!
(Because let's be real, airports... they're *experiences*.)
1. Okay, Spill: Is Wingate Bentonville (XNA) actually *in* Bentonville? Because my GPS is, like, aggressively wrong sometimes.
Alright, deep breaths. No, XNA – that's the airport code, mind you, because everything needs a weird code, right? – isn't smack-dab in Bentonville. It's closer to Highfill, actually. Think about a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Which, by the way, can be a real *joy* during rush hour. I remember one time, I was heading back to XNA after a killer weekend of mountain biking, and BAM! Gridlock. Seriously considered selling my bike and just walking... or hitchhiking. Ended up arriving *just* in time, sweating like a pig. So, plan accordingly! Google Maps is your friend, but a little cushion of time is your *best* friend.
2. So, the airport itself... what's the vibe? Is it like, all gleaming chrome and sushi bars, or more… rusty tractor parts and a lukewarm vending machine?
Hah! Okay, it's *not* quite rusty tractor parts. Thank goodness. XNA is… functional. It's clean-ish. It's got your basics – coffee shops, gift shops, the obligatory overpriced airport snacks. The vibe is… generally efficient, which honestly, is what I'm looking for in an airport. I *have* seen some good art installations there, though. They try to inject some culture. Makes a pleasant change from the soul-crushing sameness of some airport experiences. On a scale of "fancy Parisian bistro" to "county fair hotdog stand," it's firmly in the middle. Think… slightly above average airport cafeteria. Take that as you will.
3. Parking. Ugh. The bane of my existence. What are my options at XNA, and which one won't bankrupt me?
Alright, parking. Prepare yourself. You've got your choices: short-term (expensive!), long-term (less expensive, but still…), and the off-site parking lots. I've used them all. Short-term, I only do if I'm dropping someone off or grabbing something, and I'm in and out. Long-term – better, but still a chunk of change. The off-site ones? That's where the real magic happens… or… the minor inconveniences. They're usually a shuttle ride away. Which, let's be honest, can be a gamble. I've had shuttles that were prompt, clean, and efficient. And I've had shuttles that felt like they were being driven by a zombie on a sugar rush. One time, the shuttle driver was also trying to give driving lessons to his dog. True story! Bottom line: Factor in that extra transportation time. Read reviews. And pray the shuttle isn't full of screaming kids at 5:00 AM. You'll thank me later.
4. Security lines. Be honest. How bad are they really? Because I *hate* the whole TSA experience.
Look, friend, I feel you. TSA is… a necessary evil. At XNA, it really depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Mornings and Friday afternoons are usually the worst. I’m talking… expect at least 20-30 minutes, maybe even longer, especially if multiple flights are departing at once. Get to the airport EARLY. Seriously. It's better to be bored at the gate than to miss your flight. Pack smart! Follow the liquid rules! Don't bring a snow globe filled with glitter! (Trust me, I've seen things.) And pray that the person in front of you isn't trying to smuggle a six-pack of craft beer. Because that's a whole other level of airport drama I don't need in my life.
5. Okay, let's talk food. What's available for my hungry tummy inside the airport? Are there any actual *good* options?
Well, let's be honest. Airport food *generally* isn't known for its gourmet deliciousness. XNA isn’t going to shock the world. You've got your typical fast-casual spots – sandwiches, salads, that sort of thing. Coffee shops are your best bet for a quick caffeine fix and a pastry. I’m a big fan of the local coffee shop if they have one; supporting local businesses, and all that. There is a restaurant with more sit-down options, which might be nice if you have a longer layover. But don't expect Michelin star quality. My advice? Pack a snack. Or eat a decent meal *before* you get to the airport. Trust me, your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.
6. Layovers. Ugh. What's there to *do* if I get stuck waiting in XNA for a while? Besides, you know, staring at the floor.
Alright, a layover at XNA can get… interesting. Honestly, the best thing to do depends on *how long* you’re stuck. If it’s a short layover (a couple of hours) – grab a coffee, read a book, people-watch (always entertaining). Maybe hit up the gift shop for… souvenirs? If you've got a longer layover, like, *seriously* long, then things get more complicated. You *could*, technically, leave the airport, but your luggage is probably checked through, so it's probably not worth it. And the airport is not exactly right next door to major attractions. There is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art nearby. It's truly worth the drive, but remember your luggage! So that limits your options. Honestly? Most people just hunker down. Download some entertainment, find a comfy seat (good luck!), and prepare to embrace the glorious boredom of waiting. Or – and this is a thought... befriend fellow travelers! It can actually be fun. I once spent hours with a group of retirees who taught me how to play bridge. Unexpected, but memorable.
7. What's the deal with the Wi-Fi? Is it actually usable, or am I better off tethering to my phone?
Airport Wi-Fi… it's a gamble. At XNA, it's… *serviceable*. Sometimes it's fast and smooth, and I can get actual work done. Other times, it's slower than a snail on a treadmill. And then there are times where I'm just fighting to get connected at all! My advice? Plan for the worst. Tethering to your phone is always a safe bet. Download movies or podcasts before you arrive. And pray to the Wi-Fi gods for a strong signal. Because let's be real, nothing's worse than being stuck in an airport with a dead phone and no entertainment. Top Hotel Search
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