The Bradley, Fort Wayne’s newest hotel, pays homage to the Vera Bradley brand, no doubt. But when it comes to guest rooms, dining, and amenities, does the boutique hotel make the grade? Here’s my full Bradley Hotel review featuring everything you need to know to help you plan a stay.
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the fine folks at Visit Fort Wayne to give you the scoop with my Bradley Hotel review. All opinions are my own!
The Bradley: An Overview
The Bradley is in the boutique hotel category with its 124 guest rooms ranging from two queens to a single king, each is decked out with Vera Bradley patterns and colors. It also has nine suites if you’d like more space. The hotel is nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne making it easy to park the car and walk to many of its restaurants and attractions.
The hotel offers both valet and self parking. A self parking garage is across the street, but with valet you can literally hand off your keys and not have to worry about your vehicle. Personally, I found that the best way to handle driving back and forth from the hotel while my teen daughter and I stayed on a light crowd weekend, it only took a couple of minutes for valet to retrieve our car.
If you prefer video reviews, here’s my full walkthrough of The Bradley:
The Bradley Accommodations
My daughter and I stayed in a two queen guest room and found it comfy and cozy. There was plenty of room for us to move around plus I really loved the open closet and luggage shelf provided. We had a flatscreen tv, digital thermostat, and a nice sized working desk. There is also an ice bucket and, what I found really cool, was walking down the hall to retrieve pre-filled bags of ice.
As for a coffee maker, there wasn’t one which would be my only negative thing to say about the property. However, if you’re an early bird like I am head down to the coffee shop before 7am for a free cup; after 7 you’ll have to pay regular shop prices.
So let’s talk about the bathroom for a second. Two words: loved it. Loved the colors (navy blue and white), loved the shower, and really loved the fact that there was a clothing steamer handy. That’s a really nice touch.
Lastly, there was a Bradley Hotel robe hanging in the closets. I used it each night after my shower and found it lovely and super soft.
The Bradley Freebies
At the Bradley you’ll find several freebies including the free coffee before 7am mentioned above. While you won’t find an on-property pool, in the lobby area is a nice-sized fitness center and complimentary bikes to use. Also, there was free WiFi which we had no problems with at all and plenty of books in the lobby area to read and return before you check out.
One of my favorite perks was the virtual concierge, Paige. I was able to ask for my vehicle, ask where the coffee pot was (again, coffee in the lobby), and other questions. It was nice not having to dial the phone but simply shoot off a text.
The Bradley Dining
For dining there are two options, both in the lobby. The first is a grab and go style coffee shop featuring drinks and snacks and some pastries. If you want a sit down style meal, Arbor serves breakfast lunch and dinner and has a creative menu. Prices are right about average for hotel dining, too.
What’s Around?
There are plenty things to do in Downtown Fort Wayne within walking distance to The Bradley:
Fort Wayne Museum of Art – a small art museum, but makes good use of the space it does have. It offers rotating exhibitions as well as important pieces without
Promenade Park – This was, by far, my daughter’s favorite place to hang out during our stay. It has paved walking paths, plenty of cool places to sit and a large padded playground area. In the summer, there are water play areas to keep the kids cool as well. Additionally, there is xx rentals where you can rent everything from bikes to kayaks
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory – A beautiful respite from the city and time of year. It has several themed rooms (I always love going when the butterflies are in season) and it’s just a couple of blocks away from the hotel.
The Bradley Hotel Review: In a Nutshell
Would my daughter and I stay at The Bradley hotel again? You betcha! I found the staff gracious and knowledgeable, the location excellent, and our guest room quiet and comfy and as for pricing it is very reasonable so I would not hesitate to stay there again.
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