Escape to Paradise: Clearwater Beach Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Paradise? Clearwater Beach Awaits at La Quinta… Let's See! (My Honest-ish Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up! We're diving deep into my recent Clearwater Beach escape (or, as I like to call it, my "attempted zen retreat") at the La Quinta Inn & Suites. This isn't your average travel blog – I'm no influencer. I'm just a regular human, prone to overpacking, under-planning, and excessive exclamation marks. And I’m about to spill the tea. Or, you know, the watery remnants of a questionable buffet coffee.
The Hook: Beach, Baby! (And the Dream of Relaxation… We'll get to that.)
The promise of Clearwater Beach – sun, sand, and blissful oblivion – immediately tugged me in. La Quinta's “Escape to Paradise” marketing was slick. Okay, I believed the hype. I needed this. Desperately. I was picturing myself, effortlessly gliding through the day, maybe attempting some yoga (which I’m terrible at) on the balcony. Pure bliss.
Booking & First Impressions: Navigating the Human Maze
First off, the website actually worked! That's a win already. The whole accessibility thing was…well, it looked decent online. (We'll get into the nitty-gritty of that soon, folks. It's a mixed bag.) They promised a wheelchair accessible experience. Important to some, and I appreciate the thought, even if it wasn’t a personal concern.
Check-in was…smooth is a strong word. It was…functional. Contactless check-in/out was available, which I appreciated. Efficiency is key when you're jetlagged and fueled by airport snacks. The front desk was staffed 24-hours, which is always a comfort, knowing there's potentially a human there at 3 AM if things go sideways (and they often do). The elevator was thankfully operational (a must when you're picturing those ocean views). The exterior…well, it was an exterior corridor. Good for fresh air, maybe not so much for keeping the seagull population at bay.
Room Report: Fortress of Mediocrity (But Comfy Enough?)
My room? Okay, here's the real deal. It was… fine. Cleanish. The non-smoking rules were enforced, thankfully. They had the basics, I guess. Air conditioning (a godsend in Florida), a slightly saggy bed (but comfy enough to pass out on after a long day), and a TV with more channels than I knew existed. They also had a desk – essential when you're pretending to work while actually scrolling through Instagram. The Wi-Fi [free] worked, which is the bare minimum requirement in 2024. Honestly, the blackout curtains were a major win. I needed those. The bathroom, however felt like a time capsule.
Amenities & The Pursuit of Paradise (Failed Attempts)
Now, the fun stuff. The [outdoor] swimming pool: Looked inviting. Mostly. I tried, I really did, to embrace the "pool with view" life. But honestly, the view was of…other hotel rooms? The pool itself was kinda… crowded. Kids splashing, people sipping (presumably potent) cocktails… It was more "daycare on steroids" than serene oasis. My attempts at relaxation in the sauna were short-lived. It was…hot. Really hot. And I'm not good with heat. The fitness center? I peeked inside. Let's just say my "gym" is the walk from my car to the fridge. Pass.
Dining & Drinking: Fueling the Machine (Or Not)
The breakfast [buffet]… oh boy. This is where things get interesting. They had one, bless their hearts. And, to be fair, a breakfast takeaway service was available – probably a good idea. There was coffee/tea in restaurant, but it was, let’s just say, a gamble. They did have a selection of basic staples, and I was grateful for the basics, even if they weren’t exactly gourmet.
The most memorable part? Let’s call it "The Mystery Sausage Incident." (I'm not joking.) One morning, I was greeted by a… well, let's say a particularly enthusiastic sausage. It looked at me. It felt like it looked at me. (Okay, I was tired.) After that… well, the rest of the buffet was not particularly appealing. I got some fruit, and called it a day. The salad looked sad, the soup was an unknown entity… The bottle of water in my room was a lifesaver.
The Cleanliness & Safety Angle: COVID-19 era Reality
In all fairness, I did notice they were trying hard to keep everything clean. They touted anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and individually-wrapped food options (bless their hearts). There was hand sanitizer aplenty, and the staff definitely seemed to be trying to adhere to physical distancing of at least 1 meter. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol, which is promising. The emphasis on hygiene was reassuring, since the whole COVID-19 thing is, well, still happening. I appreciated the effort, even if a little anxiety still lived within me.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls): Escape the Escape
Okay, let's be honest. The real draw to Clearwater Beach is… Clearwater Beach! The hotel is just the springboard. The sand was pristine. The ocean was beautiful. And spending time on the shore… was the main reason I made the trip. So many options! The car park [free of charge] definitely helped getting there.
The Accessibility Audit:
Accessibility was…mixed. The online promises were there (see above). I didn't have any personal issues with accessibility, but I did scope out what I saw. The elevator was crucial. The wheelchair accessible room options are a great feature. However, I didn't get a chance to experience the depth of the accessibiity. I'd advise a deeper dive upon booking.
The Emotional Fallout (My Heartbreak, Briefly)
Okay, I'm being dramatic. But the truth is, I really wanted this trip to be amazing. To wash all my worries away. This La Quinta? It wasn't a disaster, but it also wasn't paradise. I longed for the spa but alas, I was left with disappointment. Perhaps I had set the bar too high. (I definitely did).
The Verdict: Practical, But Not Perfect. Worth It? Maybe.
So, would I recommend Escape to Paradise: Clearwater Beach Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites? It depends. If you're looking for a basic, clean, and budget-friendly place to crash while you explore Clearwater Beach, it's perfectly functional. It’s a safe bet! If you're expecting a luxury resort experience, keep looking.
The pros: Clean enough. Relatively affordable. Close to the beach. Free Wi-Fi. The cons: The breakfast. The sometimes lacklustre amenities. (See “Mystery Sausage Incident,” above.) The slightly “meh” vibe.
Honestly, it was fine. But "fine" isn't exactly "paradise," is it?
Sandman Victoria: Your Dream BC Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is not going to be your sanitized, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at wrangling a weekend at the Clearwater, FL, La Quinta Inn & Suites. Let's be real, it's Pinellas Park, but close enough for government work (and sunshine).
The Absolutely Unofficial La Quinta Clearwater/Pinellas Park Debacle (with occasional brilliance – maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & An Unholy Quest for Coffee.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at the Tampa airport, a sweaty, chaotic ballet of vacationers. Seriously, the rental car line was longer than the line for the Tower of Terror. Made it to the La Quinta, and… well, it’s a La Quinta. Cleanish, the AC is blasting like the Arctic winds, and the pool looks inviting even though I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue plastic flamingo floating in it. Seriously, the flamingo was just staring at me. Judgey pink eyes.
- 1:30 PM: Room check-in. Okay, the carpet is… well, it exists. And the bedspread? Classic La Quinta. I'm already starting to feel the vacation fuzziness. Just need coffee. Desperately.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Coffee Hunt. This. Was. Disastrous. First tried the "complimentary" coffee in the lobby. Let's just say it tasted like sadness and disappointment brewed in a Tupperware container. Then, Google Maps became my weapon. Found a highly-rated, local coffee shop – only to discover it was closed for remodeling. The barista probably ran away. Then a Starbucks, a generic, sad Denny's, and then finally, an actual Dunkin' Donuts. I'm going to the gym… I've never been to a gym like that. I need to cleanse my soul.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Poolside Ambivalence. Okay, the pool is actually pretty nice. The flamingo is gone! Maybe the sun is working its magic. Attempted to read a book (beach read, naturally), but was constantly interrupted by the joyous shrieks of children who, bless their hearts, seemed thrilled to be alive. I'm happy for them. Really. (Deep breaths…)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I ordered some takeout. A HUGE pizza. Pizza makes it all better.
- 7:30 PM: Walk around. I walked around the neighborhood and realized there's an awesome convenience store and a good bar.
Day 2: Beaches, Beaches, oh, and More Beaches (plus a healthy dose of existential dread?)
- 8:00 AM: The Breakfast Bar. Now, this is where La Quinta kinda shines. Waffles. Waffles are a win. Pro Tip: load up on the syrup. Life is short. Eat the waffles! But the lack of bacon is a crime against humanity.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Clearwater Beach. Ah, the iconic white sand. It's beautiful, yes, but also packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Finding a decent spot was a physical feat requiring the skills of a competitive negotiator and a zen master. Found a spot. Sunscreen application. Sun is a beast and I'm its victim.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beachfront restaurant. The fish tacos were… okay. Overpriced, but okay. The view, however, was spectacular. Ocean's a vast of nothingness.
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Beach, Rinse, Repeat. This is where the existential dread started to creep in. Stared at the ocean. Washed my mind. The waves come, the waves go. Sand everywhere.
- 6:00 PM: Okay, after getting some takeout food again. I'm now at the bar. It's a fun local bar called the "Beach Bar" and it's great.
- 8:00 PM: Bed.
Day 3: Departure & Regrets (mostly, I think. Or maybe nostalgia?).
- 8:00 AM: The Breakfast Bar… again. More waffles. Still no bacon. Still not complaining too loudly.
- 9:00 AM: Quick stop to a park… then…
- 10:00 AM: Final coffee run. Found the "coffee shop" from Day 1, and this time, it was open. The coffee was, in a word, glorious. Should’ve just gone there first. Live and learn.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, La Quinta. You were… an experience.
- 12:00 PM: Headed back to my real life. Back to reality.
Overall Assessment:
- The Good: Sunshine, Waffles, The local bar was cool
- The Bad: The coffee, bacon-less breakfast, the crowds.
- The Ugly: That flamingo.
Final Thoughts:
Would I go back? Probably. Mostly because I'm stubborn and I've already paid for the La Quinta. Plus, the beach is undeniably beautiful. And hey, at least this trip gave me a few good stories (and a slightly sunburned nose). But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker, and I'm searching for a hotel with actual bacon. Because life's too short for bad coffee and bland breakfasts. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try to embrace whatever weirdness the world throws my way. Even the plastic flamingos.
Coeur d'Alene Getaway: Unbeatable Baymont Wyndham Deals!
Escape to Paradise: Clearwater Beach Awaits – La Quinta Inn & Suites FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, We Need Answers!)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is This Place REALLY as Close to the Beach as They Say?
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The beach... the beach. They say 'walking distance.' My experience? It's technically walking distance. Think of it like this: you *could* walk to Mordor. You *shouldn't* necessarily. It's probably a brisk 5-7 minute stroll, depending on how many pelicans you stop to admire (because, DUDE, the pelicans!). The sidewalks are okay, sometimes you're dodging errant beach umbrellas. On a scale of "literally on the sand" to "hike through a swamp," it's a solid, slightly-sweaty-but-doable walk. My first morning? I was practically bouncing with anticipation, thinking, "Beach, here I come!" By day 3, my legs were screaming after all the ice cream and sand, especially after the walk back uphill. So, yeah, close... but pack your water bottle and maybe some sunscreen for the trek. And good walking shoes, not those cute little flip-flops you *think* you can handle. Just trust me on this one… my feet will thank you later.
The Free Breakfast: Is it a Glorified Continental Nightmare or Actual Fuel for Fun?
Oh, the breakfast. This is a crucial question, my friends. The fate of your day hangs in the balance. The La Quinta breakfast… it's… it's a *thing*. Let's be honest, it’s not the Ritz. Expect the usual suspects: sugary cereals (which, okay, sometimes I’m weak for), waffles you make yourself (always a gamble, honestly – will they be fluffy bliss or hockey pucks?), scrambled eggs (sometimes they're… questionable), and some questionable sausage-like things. The coffee, however, is usually palatable. I’m a coffee fiend, and surviving that first caffeine injection is key. Now, the REAL secret weapon? The fruit is usually decent, especially the bananas. A banana, coffee, and maybe if you're lucky, a slightly passable waffle? It's breakfast. It'll get you started. Lower your expectations significantly, and you won’t be disappointed. I mean, hey, it's FREE. I survived on this breakfast for a week, and, you know what? I’m still here. So, yeah. Fuel, but don’t expect Michelin stars.
Rooms: Are They Clean or Am I Gonna Wake Up Sharing My Bed With Unwelcome Guests?
Okay, room cleanliness. This is a BIG ONE. I’ve had experiences in hotels that involved more… intimate encounters… with dust bunnies than I care to disclose. The rooms at La Quinta? Generally clean. I'm not saying it's a sterile environment, which would be creepy, right? It's more like… 'lived-in clean.' Meaning, you won't find a colony of spiders under the bed (phew!) but you might see a stray hair or two. I’m not one of those germaphobes who brings my own Lysol wipes (okay, *sometimes* I do), but I was comfortable. The bathroom was clean, the towels were fluffy (mostly!), and the bed was comfy enough. I even attempted a minor clean myself at one point… I’m not a pro. Just, you know, not a biohazard zone. I did find a rogue candy wrapper once, but shhh… don’t tell anyone. Overall, I’d say a solid "above average" for cleanliness. The air conditioner worked, which is a HUGE win in Florida. Trust me, you want a working AC.
The Pool: Is It a Sparkling Oasis or a Chlorinated Swamp?
The pool! Ah, the pool. This is where things get a little… nuanced. The pool itself is decent. It's rectangular, it's got a shallow end, a deep end, and you can definitely cool off in it which is basically the whole goal, right? It’s not HUGE, mind you. Think more "refreshing dip" than "Olympic training facility." The water itself is generally clean, though sometimes, I’ll see a rogue leaf or two. It's the *pool experience* that can be a mixed bag. I witnessed one family playing Marco Polo with such enthusiasm that I almost dove in after them. Another day, a rowdy group was having a splash fight, and I thought, “Alright, maybe I’ll just read my book inside.” The chairs are comfy enough. The sun is always there (thank god!). So, a solid pool, but the overall experience really depends on your fellow guests. Just bring your sunglasses, a good book, and a sense of humor, because you might end up witnessing some epic poolside drama. Or, you know, just enjoy the water. It's hot in Florida.
Parking: Is It a Nightmare of Endless Circles or Can You Actually Find a Spot?
Parking… oh, parking. This is a true test of patience, my friends. It's Clearwater Beach. Parking is a premium. The hotel has its own lot, which is a *huge* plus. But even with the hotel lot, it can get… crowded. Expect to do a few laps around the lot, especially at peak times. I'm talking, "hunting-for-a-parking-spot-like-it's-a-rare-species" kind of hunting. I remember one evening, I circled for what felt like an eternity. Just when I was about to chuck my keys at the desk, a spot opened up! Victory! So, be prepared to be patient. And maybe consider arriving earlier in the day, or taking an Uber/Lyft if you plan to go out and about. Seriously. The parking struggle is real, but at least you're not paying the ridiculously expensive public parking fees. So, yeah, a bit of a pain, but ultimately manageable. Bring your patience, and maybe pray to the parking gods. They exist, I swear.
Are There Restaurants Nearby? Besides the Hotel Breakfast, Of Course...
Restaurants? Oh, honey, you are in luck! Clearwater Beach is bursting with options. From casual beachside eateries to slightly fancier spots (though honestly, everything feels casual when you're in your bathing suit, right?), you'll be spoiled for choice. Seafood, burgers, pizza… it's all there. I recommend checking out Frenchy's - classic Clearwater experience! There’s also a ton of options within walking distance, yes, the walking distance that's not *completely* a walk to Mordor, remember? There are a few chain restaurants, but I encourage you to explore the local places. I had some absolutely amazing grouper sandwiches. One night, I stumbled into a little Italian place and ended up chatting with the owner for an hour. You know, the kind of experience that makes you love traveling. Do some research beforehand, because there are SO many choices. Just don't be afraid to get lost, wander around, and find your own hidden gem. Food is a huge partHotelish
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