Escape to Texas Hill Country: Unforgettable Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Texas Hill Country: My Unforgettable, & Slightly Chaotic, Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites! (A Review That's as Wild as the Drive There!)
Okay, buckle up folks, because this isn't your grandma's travel review. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Texas Hill Country, and let me tell you, the whole experience was a glorious, slightly-off-kilter adventure – and the centerpiece of it all? La Quinta Inn & Suites. Believe me, I’ve wrestled with this write-up. Should I make it all clean and clinical? Nope. That wouldn't be doing justice to the sheer, unadulterated Texan-ness of it all. So, here we go, warts and all… (metaphorically speaking, of course – I didn’t catch any warts at La Quinta…thankfully).
Keywords: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Texas Hill Country, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Cleanliness, Amenities, Pool, Breakfast, Wi-Fi, San Antonio, Texas, Family-Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Pet-Friendly (maybe??), Spa, Fitness Center.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (or, "Can I Actually GET to My Room?")
First things first: Getting out of the city was an experience in itself. But the winding roads eventually led me out of the chaos and into the promised land of scenic beauty and wineries. Finally, I pulled up to the La Quinta, a beacon of familiarity. Whew! After that drive, I really needed a rest.
The accessibility situation? Well, I’m not physically challenged, but I made a note of some things. There's an elevator, which is always a good sign. The wheelchair accessible doors seemed wide enough, and the lobby looked pretty navigable. Now, I didn't personally test everything, but from an initial glance, it looked like they've made a real effort to accommodate folks. That said, I'd strongly recommend calling ahead if you have specific needs. Sometimes those online descriptions are more aspirational than actual reality. I’ve learned that the hard way.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (and a Few Minor Hiccups)
My room? Okay, so it was clean. Seriously clean. Shoutout to the cleaning crew; they clearly take their job seriously. No dust bunnies, no questionable stains. Cleanliness and safety are definitely a priority here. The rooms sanitized between stays bit gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling in the current climate. And while I didn’t choose to go full-on germaphobe opting out of Room sanitization opt-out available the effort was appreciated.
The air conditioning in public area and in my room was a godsend. Texas heat is NO JOKE. The blackout curtains were also a lifesaver. I like my sleep, you know? The extra long bed was a bonus (because who doesn't love sprawling out after a day of exploring?). I even had a desk to laptop workspace, which was great for getting some work done (or, you know, staring blankly at the screen).
The Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was a MAJOR win. Needed to upload embarrassing photos to Instagram, do some last-minute emails, and make sure my pet hamster, Mr. Nibbles, was still alive and kicking (kidding…mostly). The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is not something to be taken for granted. And speaking of the interwebs, the availability of Internet access – LAN was a nice touch for those who prefer a wired connection (though, honestly, who uses LAN anymore?).
Now, what wasn't perfect? Let's just say the coffee/tea maker in my room…well, it wasn’t exactly top-of-the-line. The coffee tasted a bit like…old socks. But hey, the free complimentary tea was a decent alternative. The mini bar was sadly empty, but I wasn't planning any midnight margaritas anyway. And, for a moment, I couldn't find the plug-in for the alarm clock, which almost made me late for breakfast the next day which brings me to…
Breakfast: The Buffet Battleground (and the Search for Sausage)
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast…oh, the possibilities! And, yes, the reality. The breakfast buffet was…serviceable. Let's go with that. The waffles were good (thank GOD for waffles), but the scrambled eggs were a little…watery. The breakfast takeaway service was a nice option too, but I'm all about enjoying the buffet in restaurant.
I was on a mission: to find the perfect sausage. (don't ask). The Asian breakfast and the Asian cuisine in restaurant were not on my radar. I'm a sausage and eggs kind of gal, through and through. It was perfectly safe using the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. And the Individually-wrapped food options really gave me peace of mind.
Amenities: Poolside Paradise & Fitness Frenzy (Or, My Attempts to Relax)
The swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. Seriously. The views from the pool were incredible. Just…chefs kiss beautiful. I spent a good hour just floating, letting the sun warm my skin and my troubles melt away. The Pool with view was exactly what I needed after the long drive.
And THEN, I decided to hit the fitness center. I'm usually not a gym person, but hey, I figured, why not? I saw a gym/fitness room, though, and quickly backed out. I'm on vacation! But I did notice the Sauna and thought "maybe…" but that was it.
They did have a Spa/sauna but I didn't find the Sauna, didn't find the Steamroom.
The "Things to Do" Debacle (and the Unanswered Questions)
Okay, so this is where things got a little…fuzzy. The La Quinta itself is pretty self-contained. But there were some brochures for local attractions, and I did notice a gift/souvenir shop.
But here's where I gotta say this hotel felt like a blank space. My biggest complaint? The lack of specific recommendations. The staff was friendly, but the information about things to do was, let's say, limited. The hotel could have really upped its game by offering curated itineraries, or even just a helpful map highlighting local gems. Maybe a concierge would’ve solved that. Concierge is listed, but I don't remember seeing one. I would totally suggest the hotel give training to the staff on getting the hotel’s guests excited to see and explore Texas Hill Country.
The Fine Print & Random Musings
Services and conveniences: The daily housekeeping kept things shipshape. I could also cash withdrawal and there was a convenience store, but I didn't really use either.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: There was a bar, but I didn't try it. The same with the Restaurants, I didn't try them.
For the kids: I didn't see that many tiny humans, but there were Family/child friendly options.
Safety/security feature: The CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, and Front desk [24-hour] gave me peace of mind.
Getting Around: I didn’t need Airport transfer, but I did see the Car park [free of charge].
Available in all rooms: The Air conditioning was crucial, as was the Hair dryer.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yes. Despite the minor hiccups, I had a really good time. It's clean, the pool is amazing, the location is great, and the price was fair. It’s not a five-star luxury experience, but it is a solid, comfortable base camp for exploring Texas Hill Country. I give it a solid 4 stars, with a recommendation to bring your own coffee, and maybe a helpful guidebook. I definitely felt refreshed coming out of my stay!
Final Thoughts & Pro-Tips:
- Pack accordingly: If you're a coffee snob, bring your own.
- Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations and directions.
- Embrace the chaos: Texas Hill Country is full of surprises, so just go with the flow! And sometimes, that flow leads to a slightly wonky, but undeniably memorable La Quinta experience.
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a La Quinta in New Braunfels, TX, adventure, with all the delightful chaos that implies. And let me tell you, after the drive, I'm already needing a serious dose of "treat yo' self."
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Battle for the Remote)
- 3:00 PM (Give or Take an Hour, Traffic Was a BEAST): Arrive at the La Quinta Inn & Suites. Okay, first impressions? Clean. REALLY clean. Which is a win after the dusty car ride from… well, let's just say it was a long drive. Grab the key, haul the luggage (which, as always, is way too much) and make a beeline for the promised land: the AC-blasted hotel room.
- Anecdote: While unpacking, I inevitably discovered I’d forgotten something vital. (Spoiler alert: It was deodorant. Don’t judge). Cue the pre-dinner panic and a frantic phone call to the front desk about the nearest convenience store.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Settle in. Mandatory room inspection (I'm looking for bed bugs, people, I've seen too much horror on the internet!) and remote control battle. Always the first challenge! This time, I won. Barely.
- Quirky Observation: The TV is already tuned to some local news channel reporting on a squirrel that stole donuts. Seriously, Texas, what is happening?
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside relaxation? If I can find a spot. The pool area looks inviting, but I'm also a bit of a germaphobe, so…let's say 'consider' it. I wander around and decide I can't. I'll be honest, the chlorine smell is already burning my nose a little. So, a book in the room it is… Until I can find a pool cleaner that smells fresh.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial excitement for a break is immediately replaced by a touch of "ugh, I'm going to get sunburned for sure."
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner! (And the quest for food, as always). Head out to find some local grub. Considering trying a place that doesn't look like a chain. Wish me luck.
- More Opinionated Language: My god, Texas restaurants, you are HUGE. Like, everything is bigger here, including the portions. I'm pretty sure I could share a meal with a small army.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Post-dinner walk. Stroll around the hotel, soak up the atmosphere.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so the walk was…brief. It's hot and I've got a slight food coma. Back to the AC it is.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: More TV, maybe a little late-night snack from the vending machine (a bag of chips is required by law, I think).
- Emotional Reaction: The relief of being in a cool, quiet, clean space is almost overwhelming at this point.
Day 2: River Rage (and the Truth About Watersports)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast! The free hotel breakfast, a staple of any budget traveler's life.
- Rambles: I hope they have waffles. Because, truthfully, waffles are my favorite food group. I've been known to eat them for dinner.
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Gear up for tubing on the Guadalupe River (which, after a few hours of research, sounds amazing). Apply sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen. Apply sunscreen again.
- Anecdote: The last time I went tubing, I ended up capsized and covered in mud. This time, I will not be doing that. I swear.
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: RIVER TIME! Get the tube rentals, get on the water, and… well, let's just say the Guadalupe is living up to the hype. The water is cold and the sun is brutal, but it's the perfect kind of miserable.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Okay, so the tubing was amazing. Seriously, pure bliss. Floating down the river, the Texas sun beating down, the water freezing cold. It was epic. It was also…a lesson in hydrodynamics. Turns out, I'm not the most graceful tubist. There were some near-collisions, a few unintentional dips under the water and lots of laughing.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Post-tubing recovery. Shower, change clothes, and find something to eat. In my case, a gigantic burger.
- Emotional Reaction: The after-tubing exhaustion is hitting HARD. I feel like a wet noodle. Plus, sunburn!
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Nap! Sweet, restorative sleep.
- Quirky Observation: Hotel naps are the best naps. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner again. This time, I'm aiming for Tex-Mex. I can't leave Texas without indulging.
- Opinionated Language: If the margaritas aren't strong, I'm walking out. No time for weak cocktails!
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Relaxation, maybe a movie.
- Messier Structure: Seriously, I might just collapse in a heap on the bed, wake up at 3 AM, and watch infomercials.
Day 3: Departure (and the Promise of More Waffles)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Another breakfast run. Waffles are on my mind.
- Rambles: Wonder if they have chocolate chips? Nutella? My stomach rumbles just at the thought.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack! The dreaded task. But, I’m getting really good at it.
- Anecdote: I'm always convinced I will have left something behind, but this time I hope I don't.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the La Quinta. It's been real, hotel room.
- Emotional Reaction: A tinge of sadness? My cozy little haven.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: Head to the car.
- Messier Structure: Realize the drive home will take a while and start planning the next vacation!!
So there you have it. My decidedly imperfect, honest, and messy adventure in New Braunfels. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe some waffles. Don't judge.
Kingston's BEST Waterfront Escape: Bayside Inn & Suites!
Escape to Texas Hill Country: Your Unforgettable Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites! (Or, You Know, Maybe)
Alright, alright, settle in! We're talking about that whole "Texas Hill Country getaway" thing, specifically the La Quinta Inn & Suites. Let's dive in, shall we? Expect a little chaos, a dash of honesty, and maybe a whole lot of "been there, done that, and here's what REALLY happened."
So, "Unforgettable" Stay... Really? What's the Buzz About La Quinta in the Hill Country?
"Unforgettable" is a BIG word, isn't it? Look, let's be real. It's not the Four Seasons. (Or, for that matter, my memory of what I had for breakfast yesterday. Seriously.) But La Quinta? In the Hill Country? It's... a solid choice. A dependable ally against the scorching Texas sun. It's where you park your weary bones after a day of wine tasting (or maybe just stumbling over a really big rock). The buzz? Well, it's a comfortable, clean basecamp. Think of it as the launchpad for your Hill Country adventures. Just don't expect rose petals on the bed unless you're REALLY lucky. (And if you are, let me in on that secret!)
Okay, Let's Talk About the Breakfast. Is It Actually Edible?
Ah, the breakfast... the breakfast of champions! (Or at least, the breakfast you grab before you realize you ran out of coffee filters.) Here's the deal: It's a **breakfast buffet**. You know the drill. Expect your standard fare: waffles that may or may not taste like cardboard (it's a gamble!), questionable sausages, and a whole lot of sugary cereal. BUT... the coffee *usually* hits the spot! It's hot, it's caffeinated, and it gets you through the morning. That, my friends, is the miracle. And if you’re lucky, they have those little yogurt parfaits with granola and maybe a tiny dollop of fruit. Score! Honestly, don’t go in expecting gourmet, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just avoid the scrambled eggs. Seriously.
Pool Time! Is the Pool as Refreshing as the Website Makes It Look?
Okay, the pool… Ah, the pool. Now we're talking! Picture this: it's a sweltering Texas afternoon. You've spent the day hiking Enchanted Rock, your feet are screaming, and you’re covered in, well, you know...Texas dust. The website shows a sparkling, turquoise oasis, sun-drenched and beckoning. Realistically? The pool *is* usually pretty nice. It's clean (usually), and it *is* a blessed relief from the heat. The kids will be there, splashing around in bliss, and you'll probably find yourself wishing you had a giant pool floaty. You might even strike up a conversation with Brenda from accounting, who’s visiting from out of state. Poolside camaraderie at its finest! Just remember the sunscreen. I learned that lesson the hard way (lobster alert!). Oh, and watch out for the occasional rogue pool noodle assault. Those things are weapons, I tell you!
Tell Me About the Rooms! Are they actually… clean?
Alright, the rooms. This is important. Generally, yes! They *are* clean. (Cross my heart!) They’re your standard hotel room, but in a good way. Comfortable beds, the air conditioning works (a *must* in Texas!), and the bathrooms are up to snuff. I’ve stayed in worse (think: a questionable motel room in the middle of nowhere that I *swear* had a resident cockroach). So, La Quinta rooms are a definite win. Clean sheets, a decent TV, and enough space to spread out your stuff. That's all I really need. Just… maybe don’t go looking under the bed. Ignorance is bliss, sometimes. And bring your own pillow if you're picky. (I am VERY picky.)
Location, Location, Location! How's the La Quinta Situated in Relation to All the Fun Stuff?
Location! Ah, the heart of the matter. The La Quinta's location... Well, it often depends on the specific town you're staying in. Generally, they're well-situated. Close enough to the main attractions (wine trails, cute little towns, those darned Buc-ee's!) without being right in the middle of the chaos. Think: a convenient base of operations. You're not going to be stranded, and you're not going to be fighting crowds just to get to your hotel. Google Maps is your friend here. Check the specific location for your chosen La Quinta against the things you want to do. Easy peasy!
Alright, Spill the Tea: Any Deal-Breakers or Unexpected Quirks I Should Know About?
Okay, so the "tea." Let's get real. First, noise. Hotels, in general, aren't exactly known for their peace and quiet. You might get some neighborly chatter through the walls, the occasional slamming door, or maybe, just maybe, a small child having a full-blown meltdown at 6 AM (it's happened to me, folks. Miserable, miserable times). Earplugs are your friend. Pack 'em. Second, the Wi-Fi. Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s… less than stellar. So, if you *need* to work, plan accordingly. And third, be prepared for the occasional (and I do mean occasional) "issues". Things break, things get misplaced. The staff, in my experience, generally tries to be helpful. Just…keep your expectations in check.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing: They Are Pet Friendly!!!
OMG YES! The dogs. The furry children. Bless them, because they are a pain, but so amazing. The hotel staff is always super friendly toward them and always seems to play with them. (Maybe that is why I'm always happy) I once stayed in a hotel that let my dog get right on the bed. AND IT WAS AMAZING!
Overall, is La Quinta in the Hill Country a Good Choice?
Look, it's a solid, reliable option. It's not the lap of luxury, but it's comfortable, clean, and generally a good value. If you're looking for a place to rest your head after a day of exploring, it's a great choice. It's definitely NOT a romantic getaway if that’s what you are looking for. It is a fun, accessible place to go for a relaxing vacation. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, your sense of humor, and maybe a pair of earplugs. And for heaven's sakeBest Hotels Blog
Post a Comment for "Escape to Texas Hill Country: Unforgettable Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites!"