Orlando's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Orlando's BEST Kept Secret? Hold Your Horses… A La Quinta Inn Review (Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Okay, folks, you’ve clicked, you’ve seen the clickbait title, and you're here. Do I have a "best kept secret" for you? Maybe. It's the La Quinta Inn in Orlando, and let me tell you, after dodging gators and Disney crowds for a week, I had some STRONG opinions by the time I checked in.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta do it, right?):
- Keywords: La Quinta Inn Orlando, Orlando Hotels, Budget Hotels Orlando, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Orlando, Free Wi-Fi Orlando, Pool Orlando, Clean Hotels Orlando, Family-Friendly Orlando, Pet-Friendly Orlando (kind of… keep reading!), Breakfast Included Orlando.
- Description: A brutally honest review of the La Quinta Inn in Orlando. We dissect everything: Cleanliness, amenities, accessibility, the free breakfast chaos, and whether it's REALLY the budget-friendly paradise you crave after a day at the parks. Prepare for unfiltered observations and the occasional rant.
Let's Get Messy…
Right, before we dive in, let me preface this: I’m a hot mess. I travel like a whirlwind, armed with a messy bun and a caffeine addiction. My reviews are the same – a jumbled rollercoaster of first impressions, minor inconveniences, and the occasional moment of pure, blissful surprise.
Accessibility & The First Impression (A Bit of a Rant Coming…)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. My friend, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible hotels in Orlando… well, it's a contact sport. The La Quinta mostly gets it right. They do offer wheelchair accessible rooms, which is fantastic. The hallways are wide enough, and there are elevators. But here's where Mr. Sunshine gives way to a sudden cloudburst: the ramp to the main entrance was a hair steep, making for a slightly awkward entrance. Minor detail - but still.
I’m talking about things like:
- Elevator: Check! (THANK GOD, because stairs are my enemy)
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms: Yes, but I strongly suggest you call ahead about the specific configuration if you are particular as the bathrooms may not be as spacious in some.
- Ramps: The general entrance and ramp accessibility was decent, but watch out for potential glitches.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Available, but be sure to call ahead and verify details. You see, not all "accessible" features are created equal, and sometimes I feel like hotels just tick a box without thinking about the actual experience.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Tango
The pandemic has changed us all. Let's be honest, I'm now slightly obsessed with cleanliness. At La Quinta, I was cautiously optimistic. They do advertise anti-viral cleaning products (phew!), daily disinfection of common areas, and the rooms are sanitized between stays. Rooms are sanitized between stays. They also seem to have staff trained in safety protocols.
Okay, okay, I'm going to be real: the room looked clean. The bathroom gleamed (important!), and there was a definite "freshly-cleaned" scent. I didn't see any dust bunnies planning a coup d'état, which earns them serious points. They also provide hand sanitizer everywhere. They also had individually-wrapped food options at breakfast, which is a nice touch.
But here's the slightly paranoid part of me: how thorough is the sanitizing? I didn't peel the sheets back to investigate, but I did give the remote control a good wipe-down anyway. Room sanitization opt-out available? Never. I'm not sure I'd trust a hotel offering that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet of the Damned (and the Delightful)
Breakfast: This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet is free, which, let’s be clear, is a major win for a budget hotel. They have the usual suspects: bagels (mediocre, I'm sorry), cereal, yogurt, fruit (the bananas were brown, sadly), and… (drumroll please)… waffles. Oh, the waffles!
The Waffles: This is my single-handed highlight of the experience. I am a simple woman. I have a waffle craving and a need for excessive syrup. The waffle machines are fast, the waffles are fluffy, and you can put as many toppings on them as your heart desires. I ate way too many waffles, I don't regret it.
Other Dining Options: There's a coffee shop in the lobby, and some restaurants nearby (like a 5-minute walk, but really the whole area had a lot to offer). There's no room service [24-hour] but that's to be expected!
Everything Else in the Dining Category:
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, and chaotic fun!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, but I stuck to the lobby (see waffle obsession above).
- Restaurants: Within reasonable walking or driving distance.
- Snack Bar: Nope
- Bottle of water: Available.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Probably available, and they may have "Alternative meal arrangement" but it wasn't really the focus.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Laundry
Let's be honest, the La Quinta is not the Ritz. But the services and conveniences are pretty darn decent for the price point.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: This is a HUGE win. Excellent speed.
- Daily housekeeping: Yep, and the staff are genuinely lovely. The cleaning of the room was excellent, and the team was super polite.
- Laundry service: Available, which is perfect after a sweaty day at the parks.
- Concierge: Not exactly. The front desk staff were helpful, but there's no dedicated concierge service.
- Cash withdrawal: Near the front desk.
- Convenience store: Not on-site.
- Elevator: Check, very important.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Free parking is always a bonus.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Not applicable to my stay.
- Luggage Storage: Check.
- Dry cleaning: Yep.
- Airport Transfer: No, but the taxi rank is close by.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Poolside Bliss (and No Spa?)
This is where La Quinta shines, for a budget hotel.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes, and it's a decent size, nice and cool, and clean. There is Pool with view.
- Fitness center: Yes, but small.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna: Nope! This is a budget hotel. I did miss a spa.
- Things to do: This is Orlando! You are close to everything.
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Essentials (and a few surprises)
Okay, let's talk about what's actually in the rooms.
- Free Wi-Fi: Duh.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Florida.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Desk: Yes, perfect for planning your next Disney adventure.
- TV with Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- (Optional) Microwave: Yes, available on request in some rooms.
The Minor Annoyances:
- Soundproofing: It's okay. I could hear the occasional car door slamming, but it wasn't terrible.
- Pets allowed: Not really. I didn't see any.
- Pets Allowed (Unavailable): The hotel says that it is a pet-friendly hotel, but they do have restrictions.
- Slippers, Bathrobes: Seriously, this is a budget hotel. Dream on!
- No spa or in-room massage: Again, budget hotel. Get over it.
- The mattress: It's perfectly fine, but not the most luxurious.
The Verdict: Is La Quinta Orlando a "Best Kept Secret?"
Look, it's not a luxury resort. It's not winning any awards for elegance. But for a budget-friendly option in Orlando, La Quinta is damn good.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Free breakfast with waffles!
- Clean and well-maintained rooms.
- Generally helpful and friendly staff.
- Good location with easy access to attractions.
- Free Parking.
- Free Wi-Fi.
Cons:
- The "accessible" features could be improved.
- No spa.
- Waffles can become a dangerous obsession.
- **Soundproofing not perfect
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to be strapped into my brain as I navigate a stay at the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North. Prepare yourselves, it's gonna be a wild ride. This isn't a polished brochure, this is me in a hotel room near Mickey freaking Mouse.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Judgment (aka “The Great Room Search")
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Orlando. Whew, the humidity hits you like a warm, damp blanket. And the airport… don't even get me started. It's a glorious, sprawling beast. Found my ride-share pretty quickly though, considering. Success!
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at La Quinta. First impressions? The lobby is… functional. Not exactly dripping with "Disney Magic," but, hey, I'm not paying for the Ritz, am I? There's a faint whiff of cleaning products and maybe… a hint of chlorine? I hope that's the pool, and not… elsewhere.
- 2:15 PM: The room hunt begins! (My biggest fear is a room with a view of the parking lot. Okay, maybe a ghost. Okay, both.) Got the key, found room… Nope. Wrong room. Repeat. "Oops, my key doesn't work here." You'd think I'd learn after the first time I did this. I’m gonna say this is the third time I've done this.
- 2:45 PM: SUCCESS! Room acquired. The bedspread? A bit on the… floral side. But the air conditioning is blasting, and that's all that matters right now. Okay, the view is… a little parking lot-adjacent, but at least I'm not actively fearing anything to do with the room.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack, mostly. Let's be honest, living out of a suitcase is practically my brand. I'm more of a "pile things on a surface until I need them" kind of packer.
- 3:30 PM: Quick dip in the pool. Okay, so that chlorine smell was definitely the pool. Good sign! Nothing like lukewarm water and overly-loud kids to make you feel like you're on vacation. I swear, I saw one kid try to drink the pool water. Bless their little, chlorinated hearts.
- 4:30 PM: Snack attack! Found a vending machine down the hall. Chips and soda. Fueling up for the theme park assault! (Gotta love the hotel vending machine strategy to try and get every last cent out of you)
- 5:00 PM: Decide to walk down the street to get some food. "International Drive" isn't kidding about 'drive.' I'm exhausted, and I've walked, like, two blocks.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at some chain restaurant I can't even remember the name of. Probably not the best food I've ever eaten, but at this point, I'll eat cardboard as long as it's not gluten-free, (I swear, gluten-free places can't cook worth a damn.)
- 7:00 PM: Crawl back to the hotel. The exhaustion hits like a freight train. I'm gonna collapse.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV. Struggle futilely with the remote control. Sigh.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsed into bed. Amen to air conditioning and a comfy pillow.
Day 2: Theme Park Trauma (aka "Why Did I Do This?")
Okay, so the plan was to go to one of the theme parks today. The stress. The early wake-up, the crowds, the lines… I swear, I might be too old for this.
- 7:00 AM: Wake up before my alarm. This is a sign. A sign that I'm either incredibly excited or profoundly terrified. Probably both.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental" breakfast is… well, it's there. Waffles, questionable pastries, and coffee so weak it’s practically colored water. Fueling up.
- 8:00 AM: Theme Park Bound! The traffic is insane. Honking, weaving… it's like a demolition derby on wheels.
- 8:45 AM: Find parking. $30, paid. I’ve got a feeling I'm going to hate this part of the day.
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: THEME PARK CHAOS. I don't even want to name the park because it's all the same. Lines. Screaming children. Sunburn. Overpriced souvenirs. The rides were good, I'll give them that. But the sheer volume of people… it's a sensory overload. Seriously consider my life choices while waiting in line. I saw a teenager wearing a t-shirt that said, "Keep your damn hands off me." I feel you, kid. I feel you.
- 5:00 PM: Make the escape. Managed to avoid a total meltdown by the skin of my teeth.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Collapse on the bed. My feet hurt. My soul hurts.
- 7:00 PM: Order pizza. Because comfort food is a must. The delivery guy was super friendly though, so…win?
- 8:00 PM: Watch mindless TV, and fall into a deep, exhausted sleep.
Day 3: Recovery and Rediscovery (aka "I Actually Might Enjoy Orlando")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling slightly less like a dried-up prune. Shower.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The waffles are surprisingly edible, today. Score!
- 10:00 AM: I decided to go back to that chain restaurant from day one, but this time, I took my time to walk down there. I took an interest in the people around me. I saw a family, all with matching shirts with an uninteresting logo on it. I saw a lone business man, probably checking emails. I saw teenagers, probably on TikTok. It was strange.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the hotel. The sun is hitting my face. I realize I'm not that far from the pool. I take a quick dip. I feel more relaxed than I thought I would.
- 12:00 AM: I head back to the room. Check out. It's over. Goodbye La Quinta by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North Orlando (FL) United States. You were…interesting.
Overall Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was tiring. But it was mine. La Quinta? It's a decent place to crash, especially if you're just using it as a base camp for theme park mayhem. Just bring your own coffee, maybe a better remote control, and a healthy dose of patience. And remember, even in the chaos of Orlando, there are moments of pure, unadulterated joy (and maybe a decent waffle).
Now, to plan the next trip… maybe somewhere less… crowded. Just kidding. Probably not.
Sedona's Hidden Gem: Poco Diablo Resort's Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, spill. What's *supposedly* the "Best Kept Secret" about Orlando's La Quinta? Is this even *real*?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Best Kept Secret" might be overselling it a *little*. It's not like a portal to Narnia, or a room filled with free chocolate fountains (though, wouldn't *that* be nice?). What I'm hinting at is a surprisingly decent – maybe even *good* – experience at a La Quinta in Orlando that consistently punches above its weight class. I’m talking clean rooms, decent breakfast, sometimes even a pool that isn't overrun with screaming kids (though, let's be honest, it's Orlando, so…), and all without breaking the bank. It's a haven, *maybe*, for the budget-conscious traveler who wants a decent night's sleep. But look, don't go expecting the Ritz. This is La Quinta, people! Expect imperfections. You’ll probably have to adjust your expectations.
You’re saying it’s *clean*? Because…motel cleanliness is a *thing*, you know?
Okay, this is where things get a little…complicated. "Clean" is relative, right? I have seriously high standards (and maybe mild OCD, don't judge!). So, *generally*, yes. The rooms I've stayed in have been…acceptably clean. No mysterious stains I could find immediately (though, I always bring my own Lysol wipes, just in case). I once found a rogue Cheerio under the bed, which, okay, fine, not perfect, but a small price to pay for… well, it's cheap. Plus, they usually smell freshly cleaned, which is a win. It's not the gleaming perfection of a brand-new hotel, but it's usually far better than some of the… *other* places I’ve stayed in the Orlando area. You know, the ones that charge you an arm and a leg and still manage to have questionable things stuck to the bathroom wall?
What about the breakfast? Is it that sad continental breakfast special?
Alright, here's the truth about La Quinta breakfasts. It *is* continental, yes. But…they often have waffles! And while the pre-made scrambled eggs might resemble something vaguely edible, and the sausage links probably came from a box, the waffles. Oh, the waffles! They’re warm, they’re crispy, and you can load them up with syrup and whipped cream (if they have that). Look, I’m a simple man, you know? A good waffle conquers all. They occasionally have fruit too, and some kind of cereal, and the coffee isn't *terrible*. But focus on those waffles. *That's* the secret weapon. It's a reliable, easy start to your day before you hit the parks and have your soul crushed by screaming children and astronomical prices.
Okay, let’s say I *do* book this "secret" La Quinta. What are the *downsides* I should be prepared for? Be honest!
Oh, honey, buckle up. This isn't a fairy tale, it's Orlando, where the magic comes with a side of chaos. First of all, it's a gamble. Which La Quinta in Orlando are we talking about? Because they’re not all created equal. Do your research. Read reviews. Look at photos (but don’t trust them *completely*). Some locations are definitely better than others. Location, location, location! You'll want one that's relatively close to the parks, or at least has easy access to good roads. Traffic can be a beast. And remember that pool I mentioned? Yeah, it's often crowded. Expect kids. Lots of them. They are relentless. And, of course, the prices fluctuate wildly. Book in advance, especially during peak season. And then there's the *noise*. Thin walls are a La Quinta staple! You can hear everything. And I mean *everything*! So, bring earplugs. Seriously. You're going to need them.
I'm obsessed with the pool. Tell me more about the pool experience (warts and all!)
Oh, the pool. Let me tell you a story. I once booked a La Quinta for a conference. I needed to de-stress after a particularly brutal presentation. I envisioned myself lounging by the pool, reading a book, sipping a fruity drink (virgin, of course, gotta be responsible). The reality? Pure, unadulterated pandemonium. Kids were cannonballing into the water, screaming, splashing. A rogue pool noodle smacked me in the face. The parents? They were… well, they were in their own world. One guy was grilling (with the hotel's tiny grill, mind you!), and then the aroma of burnt burgers filled the air. Forget reading. I grabbed my towel and just went back to my room. I was so defeated. The pool is a gamble, folks. If you're after tranquility, maybe bring a book and headphones that actually work. Because you'll need them. Oh, and a LOT of patience.
What's the *absolute worst* thing I should expect?
Honestly? The *worst* thing is probably the inconsistent service. Some staff are AMAZING. Super helpful, friendly, really try to make your stay pleasant. Others...well, let's just say customer service isn't always their strong suit. Expect some delays, especially during check-in and check-out. Prepare for some possible communication issues. (Sometimes it takes a while just to understand what someone is saying!) The inconsistency is the killer. One time, I had a fantastic stay. The next? The elevator was broken, they ran out of towels, and my room key didn’t work. It all depends on the particular staff person on duty. Manage your expectations. And smile. It often helps. Even when the elevator is broken. (And the coffee is cold.)
So, with all the caveats… would you recommend this “secret” La Quinta? Be brutally honest!
Alright, here's the bottom line. If you're on a tight budget, and you *don’t* mind some minor inconveniences, and need a basic, clean place to crash after a day of theme park madness that’s *actually* in a decent location, then yes. Yes, I *would* recommend it. But with a HUGE asterisk. Manage your expectations! Accept the imperfections. Embrace the waffles. Think of it as a practical, affordable base camp for your Orlando adventure, not a luxurious escape. It's a solid *option*. Not a miracle. And remember those earplugs. Seriously. You. Will. Need. Them.
Is there anything else I should know? Like, *any* secret, extra tips?
Okay, one last thing. The loyalty program! Sign up! You can sometimes get free upgrades, discounts,Hotel Adventure
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