Recently, I spent a weekend with friends at a convention in Indianapolis. I had a great time although I never left the hotel.

We stayed at Wyndham Indianapolis West, our usual hotel choice for events in the area. It is also home to the convention, making it very convenient.

The main reason why we never ventured off the property is Nicolino’s, a wonderful on-site restaurant featuring Italian cuisine. Our days started with the breakfast buffet and continued with lunch, dinner or quick snacks. I enjoyed chicken Parmesan, beer-battered cod, salads and fried calamari appetizers. A cross between potato chips and steak fries, the homemade chips were incredibly good. The staff was attentive and engaging.

I utilized the 24-hour fitness center several times. It isn’t huge, but it has everything needed for a good workout. One morning I had the unique experience of working out with Tony Atlas, three times a Mr. USA bodybuilding champ. Even at 68, Atlas still had an amazing physique. It was a bit intimidating lifting weights with him, but he was really nice and funny, even offering an occasional tip.

Tony Atlas, Tony Feddeler and me.

I caught up with a lot of great friends and made new ones. I also ran into Dale Torborg, a coach with the Chicago White Sox. Despite spending many years with my hometown team, it took a trip to Indianapolis for me to meet him.

My three most important parts of a hotel room are the bed, television and shower. The king-size bed was comfortable. Strong water pressure and hot temperatures made the shower a winner. Plenty of channel options were available for the flat screen. When I encountered an issue with the television, maintenance repaired it within minutes of my call.

It was three days of fun in Indianapolis. On future trips for other reasons, I will venture out to other areas, but I will still stay at the Wyndham West.

— John Wroblewski, online writer