Finding a place to crash near the University of Delaware shouldn't feel like a high-stakes gamble. Honestly, when you’re looking at the Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington, you aren't expecting a five-star resort with gold-plated faucets. You want a clean bed, a shower that actually has hot water, and a location that doesn't require a cross-country trek to reach the I-95.
It's basic. It works.
Located at 900 S College Ave, this property sits right in that sweet spot for parents visiting students or business travelers who need to be near the Christiana Mall area without paying "luxury" prices. People often get confused because of the name—it’s technically in Newark, but it serves the entire Wilmington metro vibe. You've probably seen it while driving down Route 896. It’s that familiar sunburst logo that promises a predictable stay, which, let's be real, is exactly what you want when you’re exhausted from a six-hour drive.
What’s the Vibe at Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington?
The first thing you’ll notice is the layout. It’s a classic exterior-corridor setup. Some people love this because you can park right outside your door and haul your luggage in without doing the "elevator dance" with three other families. Others find it a bit dated. It’s a preference thing, really.
Inside, the rooms have seen some updates over the last few years. You’ll find the standard Wyndham-issue bedding—crisp whites, decent pillows. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s a far cry from the dingy roadside motels of the 90s. The light wood furniture and the functional desk space make it a solid choice if you actually have to get some work done on your laptop before hitting the hay.
Budget travel is about trade-offs.
You’re getting a flat-screen TV and a microwave/fridge combo. These are the unsung heroes of a road trip. Being able to heat up leftover pizza from Grotto Pizza (a local Delaware staple you have to try) is a game-changer for your wallet.
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Location, Location, Location
If you’re here for the Blue Hens, you’re basically on campus already. The University of Delaware's South Campus, where the Bob Carpenter Center and Delaware Stadium are located, is just a stone's throw away. This makes the Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington a massive magnet during football Saturdays or graduation weekend.
Wait.
If you are planning to book for Graduation, do it six months in advance. Seriously. The prices in Newark spike like crazy, and this place fills up before you can even say "Blue Hen."
Beyond the school, you’ve got the Christiana Hospital nearby. It’s a major medical hub for the Tri-State area. Many folks stay here because it’s one of the more affordable options that doesn't involve a 30-minute commute through New Castle traffic.
The Nitty Gritty: Amenities and What to Expect
Let’s talk about the "Daybreak Breakfast." It’s included. Is it a full-service brunch with an omelet station? No. It’s a continental spread. Think cereal, muffins, juice, and coffee. It gets the job done. If you want a massive stack of pancakes, you’re better off heading down the street to a local diner like the Sinclair's Sunrise Café on Main Street.
- Free Wi-Fi: Usually reliable enough for emails and Netflix.
- Fitness Center: Small, but it exists. Good for a quick treadmill session to shake off the car ride.
- Pet Policy: They generally allow pets, but you should always call ahead to confirm the current fee. Nothing ruins a trip like a surprise $50 "dog tax" at check-in.
- Parking: Plenty of it. And it’s free. In a college town, free parking is basically a gift from the heavens.
There is a pool. It’s seasonal. If you’re visiting in January, don't pack your swimsuit expecting an indoor tropical paradise. It’s an outdoor setup, perfect for the humid Delaware summers but useless once the leaves start falling.
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Addressing the "Budget Hotel" Elephant in the Room
We have to be honest here. When you read reviews for any budget-friendly spot, you’ll see a mix of "it was great for the price" and "there was dust on the baseboards."
The Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington is a high-traffic hotel. Thousands of people cycle through these rooms. Because it’s an older building, you might notice some wear and tear in the bathrooms or a stray carpet stain. It’s a two-star hotel. If you go in expecting the Four Seasons, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you go in expecting a safe, convenient, and relatively clean place to sleep, you’ll find it’s one of the better values in New Castle County.
The staff here are often local Delawareans or students. They know the area. If you need a recommendation for a place that isn't a chain restaurant, ask them. They’ll likely point you toward Main Street in Newark, which is a culinary goldmine compared to the strip malls surrounding the hotel.
Safety and Accessibility
The area around South College Ave is generally very safe. It’s well-lit and busy. Since it’s so close to the University, there’s a constant flow of campus police and local Newark PD. For solo travelers, this provides a bit of extra peace of mind.
Accessibility-wise, they do offer ADA-compliant rooms. However, because of the exterior-entry style, some rooms are on the second floor with stairs. If you have mobility issues, make sure to request a ground-floor room at the time of booking. Don't leave it to chance.
Why Choose This Over the Newer Chains?
You could stay at the fancy hotels near the Christiana Mall. You’ll pay double. You’ll also deal with mall traffic, which is a nightmare during the holidays.
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Staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington keeps you on the "quiet" side of the Newark/Wilmington border. You can hop on I-95 North and be in downtown Wilmington in 15 minutes. Or go South and hit the Maryland border in 10. It’s strategically positioned for people who are doing business in multiple spots across the state.
Delaware is small. Like, really small. You can drive from the top of the state to the bottom in about two hours. Using Newark as your "base camp" makes a lot of sense if you want to explore the Brandywine Valley (Longwood Gardens is a must-see) without paying the inflated prices of hotels in Wilmington proper.
Insider Tips for Your Stay
- Check the HVAC: As soon as you get in the room, turn on the AC or heater. Older units can be finicky. If it sounds like a jet engine taking off, ask for a room swap immediately before you unpack.
- The "Iron Hill" Connection: You’re very close to Iron Hill Brewery. It’s a local favorite. Great beer, even better burgers. It’s a much better vibe than the fast food joints immediately adjacent to the hotel.
- Wyndham Rewards: If you aren't a member, just sign up. It’s free. Even one night at a Days Inn counts toward points that you can actually use at nicer Wyndham properties like the Registry Collection or even Vacasa vacation rentals.
- Avoid the 5 PM Rush: South College Ave (Route 896) is a commuter artery. If you try to check in at 5:15 PM on a Tuesday, you’re going to be sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic right in front of the hotel entrance. Aim for 3 PM or after 6:30 PM.
Final Practical Takeaways
The Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington serves a specific purpose. It’s the "reliable friend" of Delaware hotels. It isn't flashy. It doesn't have a rooftop bar or a celebrity chef. But it has what you need when you're tired and just want to close your eyes.
When booking, use the official Wyndham site or a reputable aggregator, but always double-check the cancellation policy. Newark events can cause "blackout" dates where even the most flexible rates become non-refundable.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
- Verify the Room Type: If you need two queens, confirm it. Don't assume "double" means two beds; sometimes it's one full-sized bed in older buildings.
- Download the Wyndham App: It allows for digital check-in sometimes and makes managing your points way easier.
- Map Your Route to the University: If you’re visiting UD, check which "Green" or "Lot" you need. Even though the hotel is close, campus parking is strictly enforced and can be a walk.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older hotels often have fewer outlets than we need for our 17 different devices.
- Check for Local Events: Before you arrive, see if there's a game at the Bob Carpenter Center. If there is, allow an extra 20 minutes just to get into the hotel parking lot.
Staying here is a choice for the pragmatic traveler. It’s about saving money on the room so you can spend it on tax-free shopping at the Christiana Mall or a nice dinner on Main Street.