On a recent visit to San Antonio for a business, I opted to extend my stay by 1 night and experience the La Quinta Inn & Suites for the first time. I was very impressed! The hotel, opened around 2005, is a new construction hotel built near the former site of the very first La Quinta Motor Inn (opened in 1968 for the HemisFair). You can read all about the brand history through a mural of collected artifacts of the last 40 plus years on display at this hotel. It was really a pleasant surprise.
Upon arrival, I was checked in by a friendly but busy front desk staff. My room was ready early, so I had time to settle in and enjoy the expansive pool area and hot tub. It was mid afternoon on a bright sunny Friday, but only a handful of people enjoying the pool. The area was fresh and clean, and the water sparkling! My room was on the 14th floor (of 15), but with plenty of fast moving elevators, there was rarely a wait. The suite was spacious, clean and cool. The bed was extremely comfortable and everything was in working order. The TV service features a really nice bonus – several channels of “ambient choices”! A great way to relax. The room included a work desk, free Wi-Fi (although slow), and a coffee maker, fridge and microwave. Bathroom amenities were basic, as expected for a limited service hotel. The hotel features a rare option for La Quinta – a lounge area with light menu. I enjoyed a glass of wine before retiring, but opted for dinner at one of the many restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel.
Although I knew it would be chaotic on a Saturday morning, I decided to experience the free breakfast. It was indeed ridiculously busy, a reason why free breakfast has little value to me, a single traveler in this case. I imagine it would have been far more pleasant during the business week. The dining area and lobby however were very inviting. Not flying out until later, the hotel happily held my bags for me while I explored the city once more before leaving. Check-out was slow because the front desk is always busy, and often multitasking by also taking reservations. The hotel is directly across the street from the RiverCenter Mall, and about a block from the River Walk itself. You’re less than a ½ mile from the Alamo, Convention Center and Zoo – in other words, a great location and good value in downtown San Antonio! Upon departure, the Bell Staff quickly and politely gathered my bags and called a cab. Overall, a great first experience with La Quinta, and I would definitely recommend the Convention Center location for midweek business travel, families, and easy access to many of the Downtown offerings.
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