Escape to Mesilla Valley: Your Perfect Las Cruces Getaway at La Quinta Inn
Escape to Mesilla Valley: My (Unfiltered) Las Cruces Getaway at La Quinta Inn - Let's Unpack This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the literal tea (and probably some coffee, considering all those coffee makers they mention). This La Quinta Inn in Las Cruces, New Mexico – the "Escape to Mesilla Valley" they tout – is where I just spent a few days. And folks, it was a trip. A messy, wonderful, occasionally bewildering trip. I’m talking warts-and-all, because let’s be honest, perfection is boring.
First Impressions and Accessibility (The Good, The Bad, and the "Meh")
Right off the bat, the ramp up to the main entrance? Yes! Accessible, check. I saw a few folks using wheelchairs while I was there, and the general vibe was pretty chill about it. Accessibility seems genuinely considered, thank goodness. Now, the exterior corridors… they’re, well, exterior. Meaning sunshine, wind, and the occasional rogue tumbleweed action. Not a huge deal, but if you're sensitive to the elements (or, you know, have accessibility needs), just be aware.
The elevator? Thank heavens for the elevator! Seriously. Because with all those mentioned high floor rooms, I was already envisioning some seriously sweaty treks. 😅 They also had facilities for disabled guests, which is awesome and important, but I didn’t need to utilize them personally, so I can’t give firsthand specifics on the specifics.
Internet? (The Wi-Fi Saga)
Okay, let's talk about the internet. This is a biggie for me. Work doesn’t stop just because I’m on a getaway, despite how desperately I want it to. They shout "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" from the rooftops. And they are right! The Wi-Fi in all rooms was generally stable, even if my phone did occasionally decide to drop the connection and make me reload everything. You've been warned. The Internet [LAN] and Internet services were there, too, if I needed them, but I don't know anyone who really uses that anymore.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did They Actually Give a… Well, You Know?
Alright, this is the part where I put on my semi-paranoid hat. The world is a little… unsettling these days, right? So, I was relieved to see the effort. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff being trained in safety protocol – thumbs up! They had hand sanitizer everywhere, like it was a new form of interior design. Not complaining.
The room itself? Pretty darn clean, actually. They sanitized rooms between stays, which is good. The room sanitization opt-out available option made me smile a little, like they were giving you permission to be a slob. 🤣 And the promise of professional-grade sanitizing services made me feel a little more at ease, although I didn't witness them firsthand (thankfully!).
The Food & Drink Scene (Warning: May Contain Rambling)
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. Let's just say, the "culinary adventure" wasn't exactly Michelin-star caliber.
Breakfast [buffet]: It was a breakfast buffet, plain and simple. Don't go expecting fancy pastries. They had the basics, and it did the job. The breakfast takeaway service was pretty handy for early mornings.
Restaurants: The on-site dining situation was… well, let's just say it was limited. I did not eat at any of the restaurants myself.
Coffee shop: They had a coffee shop, and thankfully, I survived off the caffeine.
Snack bar: A snack bar for quick bites, but I was not impressed.
I did, however, enjoy the bottle of water they gave me upon check-in. That was a nice touch!
Amenities and "Things to Do" (Trying to Relax, Failing Gloriously)
Alright, this is where the "Escape" part comes in. Let's see how it worked out for me.
Sweaty Center: Ah, the Fitness center. Yep, it was there. I swear I intended to use it. I did not. Blame the New Mexican sunshine and the allure of… well, nothing more exciting.
Pool with View: The swimming pool [outdoor] did look inviting, and according to the description I saw, the view was lovely. I did not take a dip but did sit at the poolside bar, soaking up the sun with a beer and people-watching. (Pure bliss, honestly.)
Spa/Sauna: No firsthand experience here, alas.
Other things: I did not indulge in the spa, sauna, or steam room; still, the option was there, which is lovely.
The Room (My Sanctuary, or Just Another Room?)
My room? It was… fine. Clean, comfy enough, and thankfully non-smoking. I'm all about the air conditioning, and it worked like a champ. Had a refrigerator, so I could keep my snacks cold (essential). And a coffee/tea maker – vital for those early starts.
Here's where I get a little nitpicky. The blackout curtains were almost perfect, but some light still snuck in at the edges. The seating area was comfy for reading, but I mostly used it to dump my luggage. And the socks near the bed? No. Too many stray hotel socks. The desk was fine. The Wi-Fi [free] worked. The hair dryer saved my life. Solid B+.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why Are You Even Mentioning This?"
Business Facilities: They have all kinds of amenities, like the business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, and seminars.
Conveniences: Cash withdrawal, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and a Convenience store.
Other stuff The concierge was friendly and the team was very helpful when I needed assistance.
For the Kids (Because, Apparently, I'm Thinking About That Now)
They mention family/child friendly and kids meal. While I didn't bring my little ones, I did see some families enjoying the pool.
Getting Around and other bits and bobs
Car park [free of charge]? YES! Always a win. They had a car park [on-site], too, just in case. And a taxi service if you're not driving.
In conclusion…
So, would I escape to this La Quinta again? Yeah, probably. Especially if I wanted a chill vacation, with a few things to see. It was a decent, functional, and generally pleasant stay. It wasn't perfect, but hey, nothing ever is, right?
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- Keywords: La Quinta, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mesilla Valley, hotel review, accessibility, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, fitness center, breakfast, clean hotel, safe hotel, family-friendly, affordable lodging.
- Description: A candid and in-depth review of the La Quinta Inn in Las Cruces, New Mexico, focusing on accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience. Includes both positive and critical observations with a touch of humor.
- Tags: #LaQuinta #LasCruces #NewMexico #HotelReview #Accessibility #Wifi #Pool #FitnessCenter #Travel #Vacation #Cleanliness #Safety #FamilyFriendly #Affordable
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to get REAL with a trip to… wait for it… La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Las Cruces Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, New Mexico. You know, the kind of place you end up because… well, because LIFE. Let's go down this rabbit hole, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Curious Case of the Stale Donut (and Exhaustion)
- 1:00 PM - Arrive, Check-in, and the Existential Dread: Okay, the drive down from wherever involved a screaming toddler, the inevitable wrong turn, and the creeping feeling that you’ve REALLY let yourself go. Finally, the promise of a fluffy bed! Check-in was… fine. Standard hotel pleasantries. The lobby smelled vaguely of chlorine and… hope? Maybe. (Mostly chlorine).
- 1:30 PM - The Room Revelation: And there it is. Not THAT bad. Two double beds. Clean-ish. The air conditioning whirred like a particularly grumpy robot. Found the free Wi-Fi password taped to the desk and it felt like a victory.
- 2:00 PM - The Complimentary Breakfast Debacle: Breakfast! Glory be! Except… the "fresh" donuts? Looked like they'd been around since the Jurassic period. Seriously. I mean, I poked one. It crumbled. Like, into dust. This led to a philosophical debate with myself over whether a slightly stale donut was worth the calories. Ultimately, I snagged a sad-looking banana and a yogurt.
- 2:30 PM - The Nap of Despair (and Glorious Renewal): Jet lag, the long drive, and the existential donut crisis finally caught up to me. Flopped on the bed and passed out for two glorious hours. Seriously, best two hours of the trip. Woke up feeling… human. Mostly.
- 4:30 PM - Exploring the Area (Sort Of): Okay, so, the area is… Las Cruces. Lots of, well, space. And strip malls. Wandered, eventually, to a cute gift shop a few blocks away, and bought some turquoise earrings I didn't need. Impulse buy comfort purchases are a must on a trip.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (Trying to be adventurous): Found a highly-rated Mexican restaurant near the hotel. It was crowded and loud – a good sign, right? Ordered the enchiladas. They were… fine. Not the enchilada experience of legend. The red chile sauce tasted like a slightly spicy ketchup and a weirdly salty, almost as if it was made of tears. I’m still on the fence about it. I left feeling slightly underwhelmed and maybe a little sad about the ketchup-ness of the enchiladas.
- 8:00 PM - Room and Reflections: Back in the room. Watched some truly terrible TV. The world felt slightly less chaotic. The hum of the air conditioner was almost soothing. Contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and stale donuts.
Day 2: Mesilla and the Unexpected Encounter (and the Persistent Donut Memory)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Redux (And the Ghosts of Donuts Past): I skipped the donut this morning. Learned my lesson. Opted for the fruit and yogurt again. Not much better.
- 10:00 AM - Mesilla Exploration: Decided to head over to Mesilla, an historic town nearby. Picturesque! Cobblestone streets! Cute shops! Briefly considered opening a quirky antique store, but then remembered I have zero experience and even less money.
- 11:30 AM - Mesilla Plaza and the "OMG This is Touristy, But…" Okay, the plaza was… crowded. Lots of tourists taking selfies. I’m not immune, admittedly. Bought a little metal art thingy because, "why not?"
- 12:30 PM - Lunch in Mesilla - El Patio: Ate at El Patio. Authentic Mexican food. Delicious chili and the best tacos of the day. The atmosphere felt authentic and I’m a very happy person. The server smiled, and everything felt good.
- 2:00 PM - Return to the La Quinta (And the Unseen Hotel Room): The journey back to the hotel was uneventful. The air-con in the room felt good. Rest up, ready for another day.
- 6:00 PM - Unplanned Adventure: The Laundry Room and the Unexpected Friendship. Needed to do laundry. The hotel laundry room was the usual depressing affair. But! While I was waiting for my clothes to dry, I ended up chatting with a very kind woman who was also doing laundry. Shared travel stories. It was a small connection, but those little moments make these trips valuable. Laundry room awkwardness transformed into actual human conversation. It's amazing.
Day 3: Departure (And the lingering scent of… possibilities?)
- 8:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast and the Great Donut Debate Continues: The morning came around. Left the hotel. Before leaving, I had one last moment of weakness and stared at the donuts. Still crumbling. I had to let go.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out and a Sigh of… Contentment?: Check-out was easy. The lady at the front desk asked if I enjoyed my stay. "It was… a stay," I replied, slightly vague. But I meant it in the best way.
- 9:30 AM - The Road Ahead and the Aftertaste of a Trip: Back on the road. Driving away from La Quinta, and Las Cruces, and the lingering question of how to make a better donut. The trip wasn’t perfect, far from it. But it was mine. And sometimes, those are the best trips of all.
And now, back to real life. Until the next adventure!
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Escape to Mesilla Valley: Your Las Cruces Adventure (Maybe?) – FAQs With a Side of Honesty
Okay, so La Quinta in Las Cruces... is it *really* an "escape"? I mean, it's not the Ritz, right?
Alright, let's be real. "Escape" might be a *touch* hyperbolic. Think "vacation on a budget" rather than "luxe desert oasis." La Quinta in Las Cruces is... consistent. You know what you're getting! It's clean, the staff is generally friendly (though sometimes you catch them mid-break, which is fine, we've all been there), and the free breakfast... well, let's just say it's a good starting point. Don't expect artisanal croissants, mostly that weird, slightly rubbery scrambled egg situation. BUT, and this is key, it's a perfectly decent basecamp for exploring the *actual* escape – the Mesilla Valley. So yes, technically, an escape... a slightly-less-glamorous, but definitely-more-affordable escape.
And I’ve totally been that person, rushing for the breakfast and grabbing all the waffles before the other guests. It just adds to the "fun" right?
What's the *actual* point of going to Las Cruces then? What's so special about Mesilla Valley?
Oh, *that's* the good stuff. Las Cruces itself is a pretty typical Southwestern city – a bit spread out, with a mix of new developments and classic charm. The *real* treasure is the Mesilla Valley, especially Old Mesilla. Think a historical plaza with shops, restaurants, and churches that ooze atmosphere. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, the smell of chili peppers in the air, and the sound of mariachi music drifting from a cantina. It's the kind of place where you can actually *feel* the history.
On my trip, I got a little lost in the backstreets; a delightful mix of ancient and modern. It was quiet and felt like stepping back in time. It was so calming compared to the everyday hustle. Also, the chili-infused everything! My taste buds wept with happiness. You *have* to try the red chile at La Posta – be warned, it’s a *serious* kick. Go easy on the margaritas or you'll be seeing double.
Is the La Quinta breakfast *really* as bad as everyone says? What are my options?
Alright, hold the horses, let's discuss the breakfast. It's... serviceable. Think pre-packaged pastries, instant oatmeal (which, let's be honest, I usually devour), and those aforementioned, slightly suspect, scrambled eggs. There’s usually some fruit, a waffle maker (a lifeline, honestly), and maybe some cereal.
For the *real* breakfast experience? Skip the free grub and head to a local spot. There are plenty of Mexican restaurants that serve up epic breakfast burritos. Seriously, the *best* burritos you've ever had. Ask the front desk for recommendations – they usually know the hidden gems. I once found an amazing little place just a few blocks away, a total hole-in-the-wall. Their huevos rancheros? Heavenly. Perfectly fried eggs, delicious salsa, and enough to fuel any day of exploring. Remember to tip the waitress!
What about the rooms at La Quinta? Cleanliness is a priority, right?
Yes, cleanliness is a priority. And, generally, La Quinta does a pretty good job. The rooms are clean, the beds are comfy (and, for me, important after a day hiking around), and the bathrooms are… functional. Don't expect spa-level luxury, but you won't be horrified. I’ve never encountered anything truly appalling. Just the usual hotel wear and tear.
I'm not going to lie, on one trip the towels were a little… thin. But honestly, I usually bring my own super-plush ones anyway. It's the little things, right? Anyway, I am happy to have a clean bathroom. Just don't forget your own shampoo – hotel shampoo is the devil!
I want to explore! What's a must-do outside of Old Mesilla?
Oh, there are so many things! Do some hiking in the nearby Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The views from up there are breathtaking. Prepare for it! The desert landscape is stunning. Then, go explore the shops and art galleries. Do a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards. Visit White Sands National Park if you have some time. It's truly a magical place.
I did a stargazing tour with a local guide once, the sky is incredible. I even saw the Milky Way with my own eyes! I will never forget it. Seriously, put it on your list. It's an amazing feeling. Just remember layers; the desert nights can be surprisingly chilly.
What's the deal with parking and Wi-Fi at La Quinta?
Parking? Generally, it's *free* and plentiful. They usually have a decent-sized lot, so you shouldn't have any issues. Unless you arrive late at night during a busy season, then park and start praying.
Wi-Fi? Well, the Wi-Fi can be a bit… unreliable. Let's just say it’s not always the fastest. I usually end up using my phone’s hotspot for any serious work or streaming. Plan accordingly. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds; that can be a definite downside to staying at a more budget-friendly hotel.
Okay, so I have a problem. I have to take my dog along. Is La Quinta dog friendly?
La Quinta is *usually* dog-friendly! But double-check their specific pet policy when booking. There may be size restrictions or extra fees. (And honestly, if you have a particularly… *enthusiastic* dog, maybe consider a room away from the elevators. For everyone's sanity.)
Remember those little baggies for the dog poop? I would recommend you bring your own, the supply is often very low. I once forgot them and had to make a mad dash to the nearest store, mortified. Also, be prepared for a LOT of sniffing! My own dog loves exploring outside the hotel and gets really, really excited about his new surroundings. It's a dog's paradise.
So, would you recommend staying at La Quinta in Las Cruces? Be honest!
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