As someone with a deep love of travel in her blood and a nearly constant case of wanderlust, there’s nothing I love more than to indulge in a beautiful hotel room for the night. Thanks to my consulting biz, I’ve been traveling monthly and have several exciting trips planned for the next few months. But you know what? I’m also a huge fan of the staycation.
Staycation – a vacation spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.
There’s just something magical about staying in a hotel, ordering room service, relaxing by the pool and lounging in those big fluffy robes at a hotel in your own city.
Which is why I was really excited to check out the new hotel in our hood – the Wingate by Wyndham Dieppe Moncton. It just opened a little over a month ago, so as you can imagine – EVERYTHING is new and smells amazing.
From the minute you walk into the beautiful lobby, you will feel both at home and as though you’re in another city. Which is always an interesting experience when you’re staycationing, because you really haven’t travelled far from home but still get those excited butterflies.
THE ROOMS
First of all, the VIEW was so nice. From left to right I could see our famous Chocolate River, downtown Moncton and in the winter, those on the backside of the hotel will get a great view of the ice rink!
The rooms are spacious, have just the right amount of furniture, and come with the sort of amenities I want when I stay at a hotel: bathrobes, a wide assortment of bath products (because I can be forgetful when packing!) and a coffee maker.
They also happen to have PLENTY of electrical outlets, which is a must for most of us millennials – especially those of us who make a living off the internet.
I loved the long desk which came in handy when I had to handle a few client requests during our stay.
The bathroom is WONDERFUL. Oversized shower with rain shower-head (it was amazing) and a beautiful vanity. I love white everything, so naturally, this whole hotel room was my vibe.
Back to the sleeping area – let’s talk about that bed. I love my boyfriend, dearly, but with his long legs and my tendency to sprawl out like a starfish when I sleep – our queen size bed at home can feel tiny most nights. Getting to sleep in a perfectly soft, king size bed with the most comfy pillows I think I’ve ever experienced was a treat for both of us.
Another treat? The meat + cheese tray we ordered to take back to our room after dinner!
THE FOOD
In the evening, D and I made our way down to its small but lovely tapas bar, where a super friendly bartender greeted and served us. When it comes to mixing cocktails, it does not disappoint. I tried a raspberry mojito that was comparable to some of those I’ve had in Miami and Vegas. Yum!
The tapas menu is small, but if you’re not a picky eater, you can fill up quite easily. We ordered four out of five of the menu items (and brought the meat + cheese tray back to the hotel) and we were more than stuffed.
I’m told the menu changes often but based on the items we had, everything was certainly delicious.
In the morning, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast that included a make your own waffle station, hot scrambled eggs and bacon, plenty of fruit, pastries, and breads, bagels and more to choose from. It was a great way to start the day.
THE POOL
While I didn’t have a chance to get in the pool – it’s a very family friendly hotel, so imagine a pool full of very excited vacationing children and me hoping for the perfect insta photo – I did steal some time to lounge by the pool before D finished work and that was both much needed and lovely.
The pool is gorgeous – just the right size in my opinion – and the chaise lounges poolside are extra comfy.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
I might be biased, but the Wingate is in a really great spot for travellers visiting Dieppe. While it’s not in downtown Moncton, it’s only a short drive away and hey – it’s closer to Shediac + beaches than you would be if you’re downtown Moncton, which is gold in my eyes.
Hop on the highway and you can be at Parlee Beach in under 20 minutes.
But back to what you can see and do around the hotel!
On Saturdays, you can enjoy a stroll through the Dieppe Farmer’s Market.
You can also shop the various new boutiques and shops that have opened right across the street from the Wingate, include Carte Blanche which I visited during my stay and bought all the cute things from.
Lastly, make sure to talk a walk up to the Dieppe City Hall to check out the gorgeous umbrella display. It’s totally insta-worthy 📷
I absolutely loved our stay at the Wingate and will definitely be back next time I need a night away in our own city! It’s definitely one of the nicer hotels I’ve been to in the Moncton/Dieppe area and I’d recommend it to any travellers headed to our area.
Need other NB destinations to explore? Check out my summer 2017 New Brunswick destinations bucket list here.
Have you ever staycationed? What are your favorite things to see and do in your city?
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