Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena

For local users in and around Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who are searching for "Hotels Near Of Me," the Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena is a property that often comes up in search results. Located at 501 Liberty Plz, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702, USA, the hotel can be reached by phone at (570) 829-0100 or mobile at +1 570-829-0100. When evaluating a hotel for any type of stay, a comprehensive understanding of its environment, the services it provides, its distinctive features, and any relevant promotional information is crucial. Drawing upon publicly available information and recent guest feedback, here is an objective and detailed introduction to the Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena.

Environment and Ambiance: Modernity with Inconsistent Upkeep

The Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena is described as a "modern" property, suggesting contemporary design and facilities that align with current hotel standards. Its location at 501 Liberty Plaza, coupled with "Arena" in its name, implies proximity to major event venues, which is typically a convenient aspect for travelers. This positioning makes it potentially appealing for those attending events in the Wilkes-Barre area. The overall ambiance, at least from one positive perspective, is that of a comfortable stay in a modern setting, with rooms being "exceptionally clean and comfortable." This suggests a strong commitment to guest comfort and cleanliness in the best-case scenarios. However, another guest's experience paints a starkly different picture regarding cleanliness. Reports of "rose petals under the bed" and "food stuck to stove" indicate significant failures in housekeeping, directly contradicting the claim of exceptional cleanliness. This inconsistency suggests that while the property itself may be modern, the execution of basic maintenance and cleaning can vary greatly, impacting the actual guest experience. For local users searching "Hotels Near Of Me," this dichotomy in environmental upkeep is a critical point to consider. The hotel's physical structure might be modern, but the day-to-day cleanliness and attention to detail within individual rooms can be highly inconsistent.

Services and Facilities: High Praise for Some Staff, Major Failures in Problem Resolution

The services at Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena elicit both exceptional praise and severe criticism. On the positive side, the staff is described as going "above and beyond to ensure a great stay." Specific individuals like "Tamika and Ivy" are commended for being "incredibly kind and accommodating," particularly in a stressful situation involving a flight cancellation. Their "genuine care and professionalism made a difficult situation much easier," highlighting instances of exemplary customer service. This indicates that certain staff members are highly effective and empathetic in their roles. However, the hotel's problem-resolution services, particularly for significant issues, are severely criticized. A guest reported a room that was not properly cleaned, a stove with stuck food, and a shower lacking a door, leading to a "cold and uncomfortable shower." Despite paying over $200 for one night, the hotel allegedly refused a refund or credit for these issues. The process of seeking resolution involved calling Expedia, then the hotel directly, only to be met with a firm "NO refund" from a general manager, Tamika, who reportedly made the decision remotely at 6:30 AM without direct interaction. The front desk lead, Grace, conveyed this decision without management being physically present. This highlights a critical failure in the hotel's customer service and accountability structure when faced with serious guest complaints. The contrast between helpful front-line staff and a rigid, unaccommodating management response to a significant issue is a major point of concern. For local users seeking "Hotels Near Of Me," the level of service can be highly variable depending on the nature of the issue, with excellent personal interaction but potentially disastrous high-level problem-solving.

Features: Extended Stay Amenities, Design Choices, and Service Inconsistencies

As a Residence Inn, a key feature is its design for extended stays, often including in-room kitchenettes and more spacious layouts than typical hotels. The mention of a "stove" in one review confirms the presence of such amenities, catering to guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. Rooms are generally considered "comfortable" and, in ideal scenarios, "exceptionally clean." The hotel also appears to have specific design aesthetics, as evidenced by the claim that a "shower had no door as they claim that's part of the aesthetic of some of their rooms." While an aesthetic choice, this particular feature led to a "cold and uncomfortable shower" for one guest, highlighting a design element that significantly impacts functionality and comfort. The location in Wilkes-Barre Township, near the arena, is another strong feature, providing convenience for event-goers. The presence of staff members who are willing to go "above and beyond" is a positive human feature. However, the hotel's features are significantly undermined by inconsistencies. The lack of basic cleanliness (rose petals, food on stove) directly contradicts expectations for any hotel, let alone one described as "exceptionally clean." The "no shower door" feature, if truly an aesthetic choice, is a functional flaw that negatively impacts the utility of a bathroom. Most critically, the feature of managerial decision-making, particularly regarding refunds and customer satisfaction for significant issues, appears to be a major deficiency. The "no accountability" response from the GM directly impacts the perceived reliability and trustworthiness of the hotel as a whole. For local users evaluating "Hotels Near Of Me," the Residence Inn offers extended stay features and a modern appearance, but these are offset by serious concerns regarding fundamental cleanliness, potentially problematic design choices, and a concerning approach to resolving guest complaints.

Promotional Information and Guest Considerations

While no explicit promotional offers are provided, the Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena is promoted through its brand (Marriott's extended-stay offering), its "modern" property, and the praise for its "exceptionally clean and comfortable" rooms, alongside the "above and beyond" efforts of certain staff members. The location near the arena is also a natural promotional point for those attending events. However, any potential promotional efforts are significantly counteracted by the severe negative feedback from a recent guest. The explicit statement, "My stay here was absolutely horrendous," and the strong advice, "Do yourself a favor and book somewhere where they actually care about their customers!!!" serve as powerful anti-promotional messages. For local users searching "Hotels Near Of Me," these conflicting reviews present a significant dilemma. On one hand, there's evidence of excellent staff care and a modern, comfortable environment. On the other hand, there are reports of fundamental cleanliness failures, uncomfortable room design (no shower door), and a complete lack of accountability from management when serious issues arise. This suggests a highly inconsistent guest experience. Potential guests should exercise extreme caution and consider these contrasting perspectives. It would be advisable to call the hotel directly to inquire about specific room features (like shower doors) and current cleanliness protocols, and perhaps ask about their policy on guest satisfaction and refunds in case of issues. The stark difference between the experiences suggests that booking this hotel could be a gamble; some may have an excellent stay, while others face significant problems with little recourse. Therefore, for local users, the decision to book the Residence Inn Wilkes-Barre Arena must be made with a full awareness of both its potential strengths and its very serious reported weaknesses in fundamental guest experience and management accountability.