Escape to Kennewick: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Kennewick: My Totally Honest Take on La Quinta Inn & Suites! (Spoiler Alert: It's Actually Pretty Okay)
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Kennewick, Washington, and guess what? I actually stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites. I know, I know, the name doesn't exactly scream "luxury getaway," but let me tell you, it wasn't a total disaster. In fact, it was… surprisingly decent. This is my completely unfiltered, warts-and-all review. Buckle up.
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Meta Description: A real-world review of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Kennewick! Get the lowdown on accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, and everything in between. Honest opinions, funny anecdotes, and everything you need to know before you book.
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First Impressions & Arrival - The "Will it be a disaster?" Test
Pulling up to La Quinta, I wasn’t exactly expecting the Taj Mahal. It's a standard, slightly-beige building. But thankfully, the parking was easy (free, which is always a plus!) and there was plenty of it, including designated spots. They even had electric car charging stations - progress! – even though I’m still rocking the gas-guzzler. Getting through the doors was smooth - the main entrance is definitely accessible.
Accessibility - My Bad Knee's Verdict
Okay, so here’s the thing: I've got a bad knee. It’s less glamorous than it sounds, trust me. So, accessibility is HUGE for me. I’m happy to report that La Quinta in Kennewick seemed pretty darn good.
- Elevator? Check! (Because stairs are my nemesis.)
- Wide Hallways? Yep. (Good for avoiding awkward collisions with luggage-laden tourists.)
- Wheelchair access? From what I saw, it looked like they had accessible rooms and generally good access to the common areas. They even had a ramp at the exterior, which is already a win for the accessibility.
- For everyone else? They seem pretty keen on the facilities for disabled guests, which can only be a good thing!
So, for my aching joints, it was a thumbs up.
The Room - My Cozy, Beige Bunker
My room… well, it was exactly what you'd expect. Clean, with a decent bed and all the usual suspects: a desk (which I actually used!), a mini-fridge, a coffee maker (essential!), and a TV. The décor was… let's call it "functional." It wasn't exactly inspiring, but it was clean and comfortable, and let's be honest, I wasn't exactly planning on spending my whole trip admiring the wallpaper.
- Free Wi-Fi? YES! And it actually worked! (Which is a minor miracle in itself.)
- Blackout curtains? Praise be! I like to sleep in, and those babies did the trick.
- Speaking of sleeping… The bed was comfy! Not the most comfortable bed of my life, but perfectly acceptable after a day of driving.
- Bathroom situation: Standard issue. Clean, with a decent shower.
- The little details: They had a hair dryer (hooray!), an ironing board (which I didn’t use, because, well, I’m on vacation!), and even some complimentary toiletries.
- Room Type They offered suites, with a separate living and sleeping area, which would be great if you're travelling with family.
Cleanliness & Safety - Did I catch something?
This is the age of paranoia, right? I actually felt pretty good. The room seemed genuinely clean, and the hallways, too. They had signs mentioning their enhanced cleaning protocols, which is reassuring. It looked like they were taking it seriously – things were tidy, and the common areas looked like they were regularly maintained. Bonus points!
- Hand Sanitizer Everywhere? Yup. Which, honestly, I appreciated. My germaphobia tendencies were somewhat appeased.
- Staff training? I didn’t see anything that would suggest they weren’t, they seemed like they knew what they were doing in this regard.
Food, Glorious Food… or at Least, Breakfast
Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day. La Quinta usually offers a continental breakfast, but during my visit that changed with the times.
- Breakfast [buffet] option?: It was a hot breakfast, they offered a pretty standard buffet with scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, and various pastries.
- Breakfast takeaway service? Yes! So you could grab your breakfast and carry it back up to your room - excellent if you want a lie-in!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? They had coffee, yes, absolutely, and tea, though I didn't see a tea bar!
- Breakfast in room They even offered an option to take food back with you to, so bonus points for that.
Amenities – The Stuff That Makes it "Hotel-y"
Alright, so they had a few things, here's the dish…
- Swimming Pool [outdoor] Yes! And it was pretty decent. I didn’t actually swim (because, you know, vacation procrastination), but it looked clean and inviting. Nice touch.
- Fitness center They had one, and I used it! It was small, but it had the basics – treadmills, some weights. It did its job.
- Internet They offered internet, which was actually decent!
- Laundry service If you need to wash your dirty clothes, they offer it!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Beyond the Hotel Walls
This really isn't a spa resort, but you're not exactly stuck in the hotel, are you? Kennewick has some things going on, and depending on your desires, it might be worth it.
- Spa/sauna, or steamroom - No. But hey, maybe you can relax with some of the other methods?
The Staff - The Human Element
The staff? They were genuinely friendly and helpful. I had a small issue with my Wi-Fi (surprised?), and it was resolved quickly and efficiently. No complaints there. They actually seemed like they wanted to help, which is a rare and wonderful thing. Thank you, La Quinta staff!
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, so it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Here are a few minor gripes:
- Restaurant options: The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant for anything other than breakfast.
- Noise: Although it’s considered soundproof, you'd still hear some noise in your room.
- Anything else? Probably not.
The Verdict - Would I Stay Again?
Honestly? Yeah, probably. For the price, it was a good value. It was safe, clean, and comfortable. The accessibility was a huge plus for me, and the free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. It’s not the fanciest hotel in the world, but it does the job.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable, and accessible option in Kennewick, La Quinta Inn & Suites is definitely worth considering. Just don't expect a poolside bar with martinis. Expect a clean room, a decent breakfast, and a good night's sleep. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Final Score: 7.5/10 (Would recommend for budget travelers, those with accessibility needs, and anyone who appreciates a good blackout curtain!)
Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious SpringHill Suites Naperville Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to experience the gloriously messy, slightly underwhelming, and utterly real-life travel itinerary of yours truly at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kennewick, Kennewick WA. Lord help us all.
(Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Sweet Serenity of… the Pool?)
2:00 PM - Arrival & That First Impression: Okay, let’s be honest. Kennewick isn’t exactly the Champs-Élysées. But hey, a warm welcome is always a good start, even if the lobby smells faintly of chlorine and desperation (okay, maybe that's just me). The front desk lady, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. Like, deep things. "Welcome to Kennewick," she said, her voice a weary whisper. "You got the pool room, the 'pet-friendly' one. Enjoy." Pet-friendly? I am the pet! ba-dum-tss.
2:30 - 3:30 PM - Unpack & Assess the Damage: Room check. Let's see… carpet that has definitely hosted a few parties (and probably a few tears). Basic bed. T.V. that's probably older than me. Wait… is that a half-eaten bag of chips under the nightstand? Did the previous guests actually leave evidence? Ugh. Okay. Breathe. Think of it as "character." And speaking of character, it's time to unpack. It's the little things that make a room home, right?
3:30 - 4:30 PM - Pool Time (Maybe): Okay, here comes the real test. Heading to that pool. I'm going to be brave and try not to be intimidated by the children. Pool is lukewarm and slightly cloudy. The only other person here is a dad with a kid (who is apparently a diving champion based on the splashes) and a sunburn that rivals the sun. The kid is screaming and the dad won't stop splashing me. My hair is already ruined. Screw it, I will just order some room service!
5:00-6:00 PM - Room Service Trauma: Ah, my room service meal. The burger was probably frozen and defrosted in a microwave. Not the best burger but it's edible. I'm afraid to go to the restaurant down the street. This is the moment where you can tell that the hotel will be disappointing. I'm tempted to run to a local fast-food place next door and get a milkshake before I end up having a meltdown.
6:00 - 8:00 PM - TV & Bedtime: I really don't know what's on TV tonight. I hate streaming. Everything's on streaming these days. I think by now I'm just going to crash. Too much excitement for the first day.
(Day 2: Exploring, Unexpected Detours, and the Quest for Decent Coffee)
7:00 AM - The Coffee Crisis: Okay, this is serious. I'm a coffee addict. The free coffee in the lobby is… well, let's just say it wouldn't win any awards. This is an emergency. I make a run for the nearest coffee shop. This will be the first mission of the day - survival.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Exploration: Ok, where am I actually going today? I didn't actually plan any activity. Fine, let's ask Google: "Things to do in Kennewick". The first thing that pops up is Columbia Park. Great! I'm down for a park.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch & Reflections: Okay, the park was cute. I had a picnic, talked to a squirrel, and saw a lot of families. I also got lost and ended up on the wrong side of town. The lunch was okay. I brought a sandwich and a bottle of water. I'm getting kinda bored now.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The "Unexpected" Grocery Run: You know, I'm running low on snacks. Also, I need more water. And maybe… ice cream? (Don’t judge me). I run to the nearest grocery store and get a little carried away. The cashier is wearing a shirt with the name tag that reads "Deb". Deb looked like my grandma, but she was really nice. I talked to Deb for thirty minutes. She told me about her grandkids. Now I'm running late for my dinner!
6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster: I go to a highly-rated restaurant and I hate it. I am being overdramatic. The food costs me a lot of money and I still can't get over the fact that the food is bad. The worst part? The food is over-salted. I'm angry.
8:00 PM - Bedtime (Thank GOD): Can't wait to come back to the hotel. I'm having a hard time sleeping.
(Day 3: Departure and The BitterSweet Goodbye (To Kennewick))
7:00 AM - Breakfast Betrayal: Okay, the breakfast bar. Let's be honest, I had low expectations. But the rubbery eggs? The suspiciously orange "juice"? I take a bite of a muffin and my soul cracks. Whatever. I'll get a decent coffee.
8:00 AM - Checkout: I'm out of here like a shot. The lady at the desk smiles a genuine smile. I think she's happy to see me go. I'm happy to go.
8:30 AM - The Final Thought: This hotel wasn't great. The food and the environment was not great. Kennewick wasn't bad either. It was a very weird experience, but I think I'll be fine.
9:00 AM - Road Trip! Off to my next adventure! (And to find something slightly more exciting than lukewarm scrambled eggs).
Escape to Kennewick: Your (Potentially Wonderful, Possibly Chaotic) Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites! - FAQs (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, so, Kennewick... Why La Quinta? Is this some kind of punishment, or...
Alright, let's be real. Kennewick isn't exactly Paris. You're going because of something. Maybe a conference, a family visit that you *have* to do, or, God forbid, a road trip pitstop. And La Quinta? Well, it's a reliable workhorse. It's not the Ritz, but it usually delivers on the core promises: cleanish rooms, a bed you hopefully won't sink into, and maybe, *just maybe*, a decent continental breakfast. I've stayed at a few La Quintas in my life, and it's a gamble, honestly. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, other times... well, let's just say I once found a half-eaten Snickers bar under the bed. (Don't judge, I was hungry.) But for Kennewick? It's usually a solid, practical choice, probably a good value. Plus, the pool is a welcome relief after a long drive... assuming it's not filled with screaming kids or questionable floatation devices.
What's the deal with the breakfast? I'm a breakfast snob, prepare me for the worst.
Ugh, breakfast. The breakfast. Okay, deep breaths. It's... continental. Think pre-packaged muffins (I'm already wincing), maybe some sad-looking pastries, and the ever-present, strangely-metallic tasting scrambled eggs. The coffee? Well, bring your own instant. Seriously. Or, you know, grab a coffee from the lobby, but don't expect miracles. I once saw a guy at a La Quinta breakfast meticulously constructing the most beautiful waffle I'd ever seen. He was a true artist, and it made me feel inadequate. I, on the other hand, was usually just grabbing whatever wouldn't give me food poisoning. There's usually a cereal selection that will make you miss your childhood. My advice? Lower your expectations, pack some granola bars (or, you know, a decent stash of chocolate), and be prepared to raid the coffee shop down the street. And if you *do* see a waffle artist, watch them. It's a thing of beauty.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they...clean? Please, please tell me they're clean.
Cleanliness... ah, a gamble. Let's say "generally clean." They *aim* for clean. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it: sometimes you find a stray hair in the corner, or a water stain that's seen better days. But, generally speaking, La Quinta rooms *try* to be clean. I mean, they offer the illusion of cleanliness. Just do the classic eyeball test when you arrive. Check under the bed, behind the curtains, in the bathroom... You know the drill. If you're a total germaphobe, maybe bring your own Lysol wipes. I'm not. I'm more of a 'pretend-not-to-see-it' kind of person. And hey, sometimes you luck out and get a newly renovated room with a super comfy bed! It's all about the gamble, baby. But do NOT, and I repeat DO NOT, leave your socks on the floor.
Is there a pool? And if so, is it worth it?
Okay, the pool! This is a major point of contention. YES, there *usually* is a pool. And yes, it can be glorious... after a long day of... whatever it is you're doing in Kennewick. But here's the truth: the pool can also be a source of great anxiety. Is it crowded? Are there screaming children cannonballing you into oblivion? Is the water actually clean, or just vaguely...chlorine-ish? I've witnessed some epic pool battles in La Quinta pools. I've seen dads trying to wrestle inflatable alligators. I've seen… well, let's just say I've seen things. So, it really depends on your tolerance for potential chaos.
**My personal La Quinta Pool Anectdote**
I went down to the pool one time because it was a scorching hot day, and I felt so hot, so tired of the road. There were maybe 12 people at the pool, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to ruin my hair, so I went over to the hot tub. The jets were on, and it was bubbling, and I thought, "Oh, this is perfect." I closed my eyes for a minute, just listening to the jets and the happy conversations around me. Then, I opened my eyes, and the jets were off. No big deal, right? I thought it was on some kind of cycle. The jets came on again, and the water began to bubble, and I was feeling good. Then, the jets went off again. I was getting really annoyed, and I figured out what was happening. Every couple of minutes, someone would come and turn the hot tub off. Each time, I would have to get back into the hot tub, wait for it to heat up, and then the same person would turn it off again. I was too polite to say something, and the woman and her husband just kept turning it off. Eventually, I gave up, and went to bed early.
What about the location? Is it close to anything interesting? (Besides, you know, Kennewick...)
Okay, the location. This is where things get... geographically specific. Kennewick is Kennewick. La Quinta in Kennewick is probably close to... things in Kennewick. Restaurants? Gas stations? Maybe a park? Honestly, I'm not an expert on Kennewick landmarks. Check a map. Google Maps is your friend. But, if you're expecting to step out of the hotel and stumble into a vibrant cultural scene, you might be disappointed. Kennewick is more of a... 'settle-in-for-the-long-haul' kind of place. But hey, maybe there's a gem or two I don't know about. Do your research! Or just embrace the quiet. Sometimes, quiet is exactly what you need. Just don't expect to find a world-class museum right outside the door.
Is there free Wi-Fi? Because I need to be connected to the world... or at least, Netflix.
Yes, usually there *is* supposed to be free Wi-Fi. But let's be honest: hotel Wi-Fi is a fickle beast. It can be blazing fast, allowing you to stream 4K movies and upload massive files in seconds. Or, it can be a frustrating, buffering, dial-up-esque experience that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. I've had both experiences. Expect the latter. Be prepared for the occasional dropped connection. Don't plan on doing anything critical on the Wi-Fi. And maybe, just maybe, consider downloading a few offline episodes of your favorite show before you arrive. You know, just in case. And if you *really* need to connect... well, there's always the lobby.Unique Hotel Finds
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