The State Journal

Friday, February 17, 2006

By Pam Kasey

Although the Wingate Inn at Charles Pointe in Bridgeport celebrated its official grand opening Feb. 9, the hotel has been open and busy since Oct. 31. The 116-room, four–story hotel located at exit 124 of Interstate 79 already sees 60 to 65 percent occupancy, according to General Manager T. J. Nicholson. As a business hotel, the Wingate is busiest on weekdays and has been at 70 to 75 percent occupancy Tuesday through Thursday, Nicholson said. “We’re the only hotel that has an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room in the Bridgeport-Clarksburg area,” he added.

The Wingate also is only about three miles from the Harrison/Marion Regional Airport, and although it doesn’t have an official shuttle, Nicholson said, they often can arrange for a ride. Rooms include continental breakfast. Prices range from a government rate of $60 to Jacuzzi suites for $129, he said.

“We are proud to have the Wingate Inn at Charles Pointe,” said James A. Corton, managing partner for Charles Pointe developer Genesis Partners. “They have been pioneers in the development of our project. The Wingate Inn will compliment the Bridgeport Conference Center when it opens in the spring.” 

The adjacent Bridgeport Conference Center, scheduled to open April 1, will be connected to the Wingate Inn by a hallway. “Once that gets up and running we should get plenty of weekend business from wedding groups and social groups being housed at the conference center,” Nicholson said.

Last week’s open house offered hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the property. It was hosted by the inn, management company Lodging Development Co., Inc., developer TCB Construction Co., Inc. and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce."