Having to fly unexpectedly to Scottsdale, Arizona recently for a family emergency, I found myself scrambling to locate a hotel with enough amenities to satisfy my parents and my wildly diverse siblings with their extended families.  Not being familiar with the area, but wanting to get a hotel with the basics to satisfy me, I can report that the Wingate by Windham in Scottsdale is where I plan to return to whenever I am back in town.

Plush Beds @ Wingate Scottsdale AZ

The Wingate by Wyndham is part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hotel brands that includes Ramada, Days Inn, Travelodge, Howard Johnson and more.

This Wingate is targeted to the business traveler, with a 24 hour fitness room that I used daily, and a well stocked breakfast set up every morning from 6:00 until 9:00. I stuck to the cereal and eggs, but my sister raved about the “make your own waffles”. With the heat, my brother skipped the gym and used the pool. He swam every morning, reporting to me how nice and clean the water was.

Great Equipment & Television in the 24 Hour Fitness Room

They offer great deals for seniors and AAA members.  We had nicely appointed queen rooms for $89 a night.  My room had two queen beds and huge flat screen LG television.  With my sister in a room on one side of me and my mother on the other side, how quiet my room was at night was perfect.

Neutrogena Products & Fluffy Towels

We all agreed that the Moen Revolution showerhead was a nice perk and my father loved how new the ironing board and iron were. He likes a a very sharp crease in his pants. Each room has a single-cup coffeemaker with Wolfgang Puck coffee that comes in handy if you stay up late like my niece or get up at the crack of dawn, like my mom.

With members of my family unable to drive but needing to get to the mall and other destinations, we were pleasantly surprised by their free shuttle service. They have a few vans available from 7:00 to 7:00 everyday, that will take you anywhere you want to go within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Amanda, one of the front desk agents drove us a couple of times and expertly got us to our destination. Given my parents back seat driving and the hundred temperatures, I couldn’t tip her enough.

Make Your Own Waffles!

The Phoenix Airport is too far but the Scottsdale Airport is close enough use their free shuttle.  If you need to print your boarding pass, they have a 24 hour Business Center too with free internet access and printer.  The Wingate by Wyndham in Scottsdale has an amazing staff who offered our family so much warmth. If you travel to Scottsdale for business, a round of golf or maybe a girls spa weekend, this hotel is in a great location off the 101 Loop.

All photos taken by my iPhone.

It’s a fact of traveling — sometimes you need to pick your hotel to be convenient to the airport. At a major hub like Chicago O’Hare, you have flights arriving and departing at all hours of the day and night. If you find yourself at O’Hare and in need of a place to stay, here are choices that fit any wallet.

Chicago O’Hare InterContinental

InterContinental Hotel O'Hare

The amazingly luxurious standards of the 4-star InterContinental brand, with the convenience of a location five minutes from the airport. The hotel offers every amenity, from suites with deep soaking tubs, original art work in the rooms and high threadcount linens.

InterContinental Hotel O'Hare

There is 24 hour complimentary shuttle service to airport, an art museum on site, and maid service twice a day. All this service starts at the surprisingly affordable rate of $149/night.

Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites

Renaissance Suites O'Hare

For a little less, you can still find spacious and comfortable lodgings. The Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites is located close to the airport, and offers guests free 24 hour shuttle service. This Marriott property prides itself on a warm and friendly atmosphere. The suites have separate sitting and sleeping areas, which is so nice if you’re traveling with your family. Updated amenities include in room refrigerators, two tvs in each suite and wifi. Rates start around $109/night.

The Comfort Inn O’hare

Comfort Inn O'Hare

If you’re looking for something a little more simple (i.e. inexpensive) the consistently reliable Comfort Inn O’hare is located just two miles from the airport. Guests can use the free shuttle service to both O’Hare International Airport and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Rooms at the Comfort Inn O’hare look pretty utilitarian, but they are roomy and clean. Free of charge, guests also receive a full breakfast, wifi in all rooms, a morning paper, and local calls.  If you have time to kills, there is a workout room and spa, with a whirlpool, or you can do some laundry, which is great if you’re on an extended trip. Rooms start around $80.