Escape to Sarasota: Luxury & Comfort Await at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Sarasota: La Quinta Inn & Suites - My Reality Check (and Maybe Yours?)
Okay, so I just hauled my weary self back from a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Sarasota, and honestly? My expectations were… well, let's just say I was hoping for a little more "luxury" and slightly less "budget-friendly practicality." But hey, life's all about adaptability, right? And after a few hiccups, and a whole lotta pool time, I actually found myself… dare I say… slightly charmed.
Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a messy recap, complete with my unfiltered thoughts. I'm talking full-on honesty here. This isn't your glossy travel brochure review.
The Nitty Gritty (and the Slightly Annoying Stuff)
First things first: Accessibility. This is obviously important to me. La Quinta definitely tries. They've got facilities for disabled guests, and I did spot an elevator. The rooms themselves seem pretty accessible, BUT I didn't personally test them. I'd recommend calling ahead and getting super specific if that's a crucial need. They also have Family/child friendly amenities.
Cleanliness & Safety: Slightly Obsessive, But I’m Here For It
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the pandemic stuff really matters. And La Quinta, good job. They're taking this seriously, thank goodness. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the holy grail: Rooms sanitized between stays. Huge, massive thumbs up. They even have a room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They have all the basics down as well, hand sanitizers, hand sanitizers, physical distancing. The staff appeared to have been trained in safety protocol and I saw the daily disinfection.
The Room: My Humble Abode (and Some Mild Panic)
Alright, let's talk rooms. Mine offered a wi-fi [free]. But let's be honest, it sometimes felt like the internet was running on dial-up. There were non-smoking rooms. The air conditioning was a godsend in the Florida heat. The blackout curtains helped me sleep in at least once. And they provided free bottled water, which is always welcome because you never know when you're going to run out, and you'll have to search. In my room, along with all the standard fixtures, I got a desk (which I barely used), an ironing facilities (needed!), and a refrigerator, which was surprisingly handy. It had a private bathroom, and a shower with a bathtub (which I needed after all this time, I had to find some time to relax after all this hustle). The bed was comfortable (they provided extra long bed), even if the decor was a little… beige. I did appreciate the soundproofing.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Buffet Blues and Poolside Bliss
Okay, the breakfast [buffet]. I'm a buffet person! But this one… well, let's just say it leaned towards the "functional" end of the spectrum. It was included (yay!), featuring the usual suspects. I've had worse, I've had MUCH better. The Asian breakfast was interesting. I was hoping for a bit more excitement. They had a coffee shop, and a poolside bar, which became my sanctuary. Sipping a questionable Mai Tai by the pool while watching the sun set – that was pure bliss. They have a restaurant, a snack bar. They even have vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding My Happy Place (Eventually)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was the star of the show. It has a pool with view - okay, it's a view of the parking lot, but still… water! Relaxation achieved. I spent hours there, just floating and staring up at the sky. They also have a fitness center, which I bravely tried to use once. Let's just say I'm not exactly gym material. Shrugs. They have gym/fitness and spa, if you need a break.
Services and Conventions: Mostly Adequate
They have a 24-hour front desk. I interacted with the staff a few times, and they were always pleasant and helpful, even when I was being a bit of a pain (sorry, front desk person!). The daily housekeeping was top-notch. And they had a luggage storage. I did notice the concierge. They have business facilities, including meeting/banquet facilities (whatever those are). They have car park [on-site]. They had smoking area. They also provided daily housekeeping and ironing service.
Getting Around: Not Exactly a Stroll in the Park
They offer airport transfer (didn’t use it). They have a car park [free of charge], which is essential in Sarasota. No real complaints here, except maybe the general lack of walkability from the hotel. You'll need a car to properly explore.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and The Bottom Line
Okay, so La Quinta Inn & Suites Sarasota isn’t the lap of luxury. It’s got its flaws – the slightly dated decor, the spotty internet, the hit-or-miss breakfast. But here’s the thing: It offers a clean, safe, and reasonably priced base for exploring Sarasota. The pool is definitely worth the price of admission, and the staff, overall, are genuinely helpful and friendly.
My Emotional Reaction? It's a solid, dependable option. Did I get a perfect vacation? No. Did I have a relaxing one? Yes. Would I stay again? Probably. It's a good option, especially if you're budgeting or just looking for a place to crash after a day of exploring.
Final Score: 7 out of 10. Could be improved with a better coffee machine and maybe a few more strategically placed palm trees.
Metadata & SEO Optimization (Because Apparently, We Need That Too):
Keywords: Sarasota hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites review, Sarasota lodging, Florida hotels, accessible hotel Sarasota, family-friendly hotels Sarasota, pool hotel Sarasota, clean hotels Sarasota, free wifi Sarasota, budget hotels Sarasota, things to do Sarasota, hotel review.
Title: Escape to Sarasota: La Quinta Inn & Suites - My Honest Review! (Plus, Pool Time!)
Meta Description: Unfiltered review of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Sarasota, Florida. Learn about accessibility, cleanliness, rooms, dining, relaxation, and the pros and cons of this popular hotel.
SEO Breakdown:
- Keyword Density: The review naturally includes target keywords like "Sarasota hotel," "La Quinta Inn," and related terms throughout the text.
- Header Tags (H1 already done in the title): Other headers used within the text to organize information for search engines.
- Image Alt Text: (If images were included, alt text would describe them using keywords.)
- Internal Linking: If I were writing a blog, I would include links to other relevant Sarasota articles.
- Mobile Optimization: Since the review is written in a style that would be effective on mobile devices, it will provide a great user experience.
I hope you enjoyed my slightly chaotic, hopefully informative, review of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Sarasota! Happy travels!
Columbus, NE Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is… my survival guide for a few days in Sarasota, Florida, fueled by lukewarm coffee from the La Quinta and a desperate need to escape the soul-crushing monotony of… well, you get it.
Day 1: Sarasota Awakening (and the Existential Dread of Hotel Breakfast)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh. Already regretting my life choices. Drag myself out of the comfy La Quinta bed (surprisingly decent mattress, props to Wyndham).
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. The promised land of… pre-packaged waffles? Sigh. And the coffee… it smells like sadness and regret. Ate a waffle with a plastic fork. Definitely considering a second.
- 8:00 AM: Stumbled outside. Sarasota sunshine! Okay, okay, maybe this won't be a complete disaster. Checked the map, trying to figure out where the heck I'm going.
- 9:00 AM: First stop: The Ringling (Museum of Art and… stuff). Look, I wanted to be all cultured and sophisticated, but let's be real, I was mainly hoping to avoid the aforementioned existential dread. The art itself… well, I'm no art critic. Some looked like squiggles, some looked like fancy people doing fancy things. The circus museum (Ringling's legacy) was kinda cool though, especially the tiny circus! Imagined little clowns and elephants for a while.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little cafe downtown, "The Rosemary Bistro." The food was delish, if a little too "organic" for my taste. I just wanted a burger, people! Still, the iced latte was good, and watching the ridiculously tan locals was entertaining. Is it just me, or does everyone in Florida look like they're auditioning for a tanning bed commercial?
- 2:00 PM: Strolled around the bayfront. People were lounging, boats bobbed, and pigeons were… well, being pigeons. It was all very… idyllic. Too idyllic. Starting to feel a little… empty. Like, what is the meaning of life, anyway? Seriously, should I have gone to the aquarium instead? The existential dread is back.
- 4:00 PM: Back to La Quinta for a "quick nap." Woke up three hours later, disoriented and convinced I'd aged a decade.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Some greasy pizza place across from the hotel. Needed carbs, needed grease, needed something to ground me back to reality (or at least distract me from my problems). I am nothing if not a connoisseur of fast food.
- 8:30 PM: Watched mindless television in the hotel room. Found myself deeply engrossed in a show about… competitive dog grooming. Don't judge me!
- 9:30 PM: Lights out. Hoping to dream of anything other than lukewarm breakfast waffles.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Sunburn Catastrophes)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Repeat: Ugh. Breakfast: the same sad spread. Decided to go full rebel and skip the waffle today.
- 9:00 AM: Beach Time! Drove to Siesta Key (a recommendation). The sand was ridiculously fine and, yes, feels like powdered sugar. This time, I'm prepared! Sunscreen, oversized hat, water. I get to the beach, set up my towel. . . and realize I forgot my sunglasses. Damn it!
- 9:15 AM: I decide to take a dip in the water. It's a tiny bit cold. I keep my head above the water.
- 9:30 AM: I'm sitting on the beach. It's starting to get really hot.
- 10:00 AM: I am now completely and utterly burnt. My shoulders feel like they're on fire. I am now wearing a t-shirt on the beach. I look awesome.
- 11:00 AM: Retreat. Find a beachside cafe… order a giant, refreshing iced tea. Watch everyone else frolic in the sun, and think about how I should have brought my sunglasses in the first place.
- 1:00 PM: A little more beach time! This time it's better. I'm still burnt, but somewhat more functional. I'm very close to actually enjoying myself.
- 3:00 PM: Back to La Quinta. Now I'm applying aloe vera like it's my job. Wondering if I can get away with wearing a hat and a t-shirt to the hotel pool later.
- 5:00 PM: Pool time! (Hat and t-shirt successfully deployed). Surprisingly relaxing. I even managed to read a little of my book (until the sun started reflecting off the pool and making me cross-eyed).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Decided to be adventurous. Walked to a Mexican restaurant. Ordered tacos and margaritas. The margaritas were strong… and the tacos, bland. I think I prefer fast food.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the room. Another episode of dog grooming, more existential pondering, and an earnest prayer for the sunburn to disappear.
Day 3: Last Day (and the Desperate Pursuit of Happiness)
- 7:00 AM: Okay, I'm officially over the La Quinta breakfast situation. Just coffee today.
- 9:00 AM: Attempted some retail therapy: Went to a mall. It was crowded, stressful, and I walked out empty-handed and feeling even emptier inside. Shopping is clearly not going to solve my problems. Maybe I just need a therapist. Or a really, really good burger.
- 11:00 AM: Back to The Ringling! Decided to give the art another shot. This time, I kinda got it. Or maybe it was the air conditioning. Either way, less squiggly, more thought-provoking.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Managed to track down a decent burger place. Success.
- 2:00 PM: One last stroll along the bayfront. Seriously contemplating just moving here. Everyone looks relaxed, the sun is shining, and maybe, just maybe, I could actually be happy here.
- 4:00 PM: Packed up my things. Feeling a strange mix of relief and melancholy. This trip was a mess, I was burnt, I ate too many carbs, and I spent way too much time pondering the meaning of life. But… it was also mine.
- 5:00 PM: Checked out. Said a silent goodbye to the La Quinta and its questionable waffles.
- 6:00 PM: Headed to the airport.
- 7:00 PM: Sat on the plane. Feeling tired, slightly sunburned, and vaguely hopeful.
- 7:30 PM: Plane is taking off. Back to the real world. Back to my life. Back to… well, I don't know. But at least I got a break. And, let's be honest, that burger was amazing.
- End
And there you have it. My Sarasota experience. A messy, imperfect, and ultimately, kinda wonderful trip. I hope you enjoyed the chaos.
Hotel Nelligan Montreal: Old Montreal Charm You Won't Forget!
Okay, so, La Quinta in Sarasota... Is it *really* 'luxury & comfort,' or is that just marketing fluff? Because I've stayed in *some* La Quintas...
Alright, spill the beans, right? Look, I get it. "Luxury" and "La Quinta" don't always feel like they belong in the same sentence. But honestly? This one in Sarasota kinda surprised me. It's not like, *actual* luxury, with butlers and caviar. But the comfort? Yeah, that's there. The beds? Cloud nine material. I actually slept through the sunrise one morning, which… is a first for me, and I attribute it to the glorious mattress. And the pool? Sparkling and clean. I spent a solid three hours just floating, pretending I was a millionaire having a mid-day crisis and needing to unwind.
So, the long and short of it? Manage your expectations – it's not the Ritz. But the comfort factor is definitely legit. Consider it… enhanced La Quinta, if that makes sense? Definitely a step up from the La Quanta down the road where the wifi barely worked and the continental breakfast looked like it had been sitting out since the invention of sliced bread.
What's the parking situation like? Because I *hate* circling the block for 20 minutes after a long drive.
Oh. My. GOODNESS. Parking! I am right there with you. Nothing, and I mean *nothing*, ruins the initial hotel vibe quicker than a hellish parking situation. Good news here: The parking at La Quinta Sarasota wasn't a nightmare. I mean, it's no valet-only situation, but you're not going to be stuck circling like a vulture looking for roadkill. They seemed to have plenty of spaces, so rejoice, fellow travelers! You can actually *get* out of the car within a reasonable timeframe and collapse in your room.
I will say this, though: one night I got back pretty late, and it was a *little* tighter. But even then, I found a spot. So, overall, a win. Just be aware, if you're a chronic late-nighter, be prepared to flex your parking game a little. But it's totally manageable.
Tell me about the breakfast. Because a sad continental breakfast can make or break a stay for me, honestly.
Okay. Deep breaths. Breakfast. The most important meal of the day, especially when you're trying to avoid hangriness on vacation. So, La Quinta's breakfast situation... it's... decent! Don't expect a gourmet buffet, but it's definitely a step up above the stale bagels of doom I've experienced elsewhere. They had waffles! Real, honest-to-goodness waffles you could make yourself. And I, being the champion I am, made myself a waffle so over the top with syrup and whipped cream that I almost couldn't see straight. Coffee was plentiful, which is a huge plus. Fruit was available, not the overripe kind, which is a miracle, I swear.
It wasn't life-altering, mind you. But it was a solid, get-you-going, no-need-to-leave-the-hotel-feeling-hangry breakfast. And honestly, that's sometimes all the magic I need in the world. It's like, a little burst of joy before you hit the beach or the, uh, the shops. I mean, my brain functions best when fueled by carbs and copious amounts of caffeine, you know?
Is there a fitness center? I'm trying to be *that* person who works out on vacation… (though I probably won't).
Yes! There's a fitness center! I peeked in. And, okay, full disclosure: I am *not* that person who works out on vacation. I'm more the "look at the elliptical machines and then go back to bed" type. BUT, the fitness center seemed decent. Clean, with the usual equipment. Treadmills, elliptical machines, weights... the whole shebang. I'm not a fitness expert, but it looked functional. So, if you're feeling motivated – go for it! If you're like me, you can admire it from afar while plotting your next waffle conquest.
Honestly, the biggest accomplishment I had fitness-wise at La Quinta was walking to the pool and back. And that still felt like a real stretch, since I mostly walked back to the pool to grab more snacks.
And the pool? I NEED details about the pool. Pool vibes are crucial.
Oh, the pool... Okay, so, picture this: you wake up, the Florida sun is already blasting through the blinds, you stumble to the window, see the blue promise of a pool calling your name... and *that's* exactly what happened. The pool was really good. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. Clean, sparkling, and inviting. I spent a glorious afternoon just floating around, soaking up the sun. I even managed to read a book (a novel, naturally). The water was the perfect temperature – a real godsend after a morning of walking around and getting my daily dose of Vitamin D, which I, admittedly, needed.
I do have to confess, there was one moment… a small, but very REAL moment of panic. I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep in the pool. I did my best to doggy-paddle a little, to not drown myself, but I was so close to just letting go and taking a nap in the water. It was a near-death experience, but I survived. And the pool… was definitely the highlight of the stay.
Is it kid-friendly? Because I have a small army…
I’m guessing it's kid-friendly, since this IS a hotel that caters to families. I saw a couple of little ones running around, but it honestly didn't scream "chaos" to me. The pool looked perfect for splashing, and there was enough space to let the kids burn off some energy. I can't vouch for every parent's experience, but it seemed manageable.
If you're traveling with a small army, it's probably a good choice. Just maybe bring earplugs if the kids are the type to wake up at 5 AM. I'm not a parent, but I am a light sleeper, so you know! But overall, I’d wager you’d be alright.
What's the location like? Close to the beach? Restaurants? Anything interesting?
The location is pretty good. It's not *right* on the beach, but it's a reasonable drive. You're going to need a car to get around Sarasota anyway, unless you're uber-enthusiastic about biking everywhere. There are restaurants nearby, a variety, from casual to slightly-less-casual. I am totally blanking on the name of the awesome Italian place I went to, but it was… good. And there were shops! Places to buy souvenirs (or more realistically, things you never knew you needed).
It's not dead-center, so you won't be overwhelmed by crowds. But it's close enough to everything that you won't be stuck driving for an hour to get somewhere.Hotels Blog Guide
Post a Comment for "Escape to Sarasota: Luxury & Comfort Await at La Quinta Inn & Suites!"