Escape to Olympia: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Olympia: More Than Just a La Quinta - A Review (with a Side of Rambles!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. We're talking about La Quinta Inn & Suites in Olympia, folks, and I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little coffee – more on that later). This isn't just a review; it's a vibe.
SEO & Metadata (Gotta get those Google juice flowing!):
- Keywords: La Quinta Olympia, Olympia Hotels, Washington State Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Pet-Friendly Hotels, Swimming Pool Olympia, Free Wi-Fi Olympia, Hotel Review, Spa Hotels Olympia, Business Hotels Olympia, La Quinta Review, Things to do Olympia, Restaurants near La Quinta Olympia
- Meta Description: Honest & detailed review of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Olympia, WA. Accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and more! Find out if this hotel is the perfect escape for you! (Spoiler: it’s complicated).
First Impressions & The Front Desk Fiasco (My Personal Hell)
Okay, the first thing you see isn't always everything, but it sets the tone, right? Pulling up, the exterior… well, it’s a La Quinta. You know the drill. Clean, functional… not exactly “wow.” Inside, though, things got a little… interesting. Check-in? Let's just say the person was…occupied, shall we? I swear, I stood there for what felt like an eternity while they juggled phone calls, paperwork, and a VERY grumpy-looking chihuahua. Honestly, I’d have preferred a dog checking us in. (Sorry, just a thought. Maybe they should consider that, La Quinta!). Eventually, the check-in happened. Room key acquired! Success! Kinda.
Accessibility (A Mixed Bag, Honestly)
Now, being mindful of accessibility is always a plus, and I appreciate that La Quinta tries. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after the check-in marathon). The wheelchair accessibility seemed decent enough in the common areas. The facilities for disabled guests are… listed. But, and this is a big but, I didn't experience it firsthand, so I can't give a fully informed opinion. I'd need to stay in an accessible room to really tell you about the real experience. This is important because, like, I'm not even in a wheelchair, but I see the important things to state for others sake! So, maybe ask for more context.
Rooms: Clean Enough, But…
My room? Okay, so the Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane. Blackout curtains saved me from the morning sun, which was nice. Internet access – wireless was a blessing, especially when desperate to get back to my work. The Bed was fine for a couple of nights. Clean bathroom, clean towels. Standard stuff really. But… and here's where the imperfections come in… you know, in that space to be a human with.
There's always *something*, right? The carpet felt kind of… dated. Like it had seen some things. And the desk? Don't even get me started. I was trying to work and it was the worst desk ever I've ever sat at. I mean, it was small, wobbly, and the lighting was atrocious. But, the coffee machine was a mini-god. I love coffee. I need coffee. And La Quinta had it for me. (If you are like me, bring those coffee pods, people!)
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief
This is where La Quinta shines. During Covid the world was a mess. And these guys, they GET it. The anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the little signs about rooms sanitized between stays, all gave me peace of mind. The staff trained in safety protocol. And, the best part? Room sanitization opt-out available! What a good decision! The smoke alarms were also present and visible. The fire extinguisher made me feel at ease, too.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Breakfast Saga (And the Almost-Happy Hour)
Alright, let's get to the juice. The breakfast buffet… It had the basics. Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Cereal, the usual pastries, the ever-disappointing "scrambled" eggs (that tasted suspiciously like they came from a carton). The coffee/tea in restaurant, was my highlight, again! (I can’t stress this enough: coffee is the lifeblood.) Coffee was hot, strong, and got me up and moving. Now, the happy hour… well, technically, they had a “socializing” bar. But it was…closed. I’m still a little bitter, mostly because I was looking forward to a pre-dinner cocktail. (I’d give this a ‘Meh.’)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Pool Perplex Okay, the pool was an outdoor experience. The swimming pool [outdoor] was inviting, the pool with view made it special. But… it was a bit chilly. The water wasn't as warm as it should have been, and I quickly retreated to my room, shivering.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
The daily housekeeping was spot on. The concierge was generally helpful when I could track them down. The convenience store carried the essentials (snacks, overpriced drinks). Food delivery was easy (thank you, DoorDash!). But… the elevator… well, it was occasionally slow, but at least it worked! Car park [free of charge] was a massive plus.
For the Kids: Barely a Blip
From what I could tell, there weren't many kids facilities in this hotel. There was a babysitting service listed, but I did not see anything for them. If you're traveling with little ones, maybe look elsewhere.
Getting Around: No Surprise Here
Car park [free of charge]. Boom. I didn’t need an airport transfer or taxi service.
The Verdict (My Emotional Rollercoaster Conclusion)
La Quinta Inn & Suites in Olympia? It's…fine. It's a perfectly acceptable place to rest your weary head. It's clean, reasonably safe, and has the basics. The staff is friendly, if a little overwhelmed at times. But it's not exactly a destination. It isn't a memory-maker. It's a decent option if you're on a budget or need a place to crash. (And if you like coffee, REALLY like coffee, and are willing to overlook a few minor foibles).
Would I Stay Again?
Maybe. If I needed a place in Olympia, and the price was right. But I'd definitely be packing my own coffee pods and mentally preparing for the check-in. And maybe a pre-emptive cocktail. Now, where did I put that bar…
Rochester's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Suites South!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation itinerary. This is a La Quinta romp through Tumwater and Olympia, Washington, brought to you by yours truly, a travel writer with a questionable sense of direction and a deep, unyielding love for lukewarm coffee. Prepare for emotional whiplash. And maybe pack some extra socks. You'll probably need them.
Hotel: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tumwater - Olympia (WA)
Day 1: Arrival, Revelation, and the Case of the Missing Remote (and My Sanity)
1:00 PM: Landed at SeaTac, managed to navigate the rental car chaos (a miracle in itself, honestly). My GPS, bless her heart, decided to take me on a scenic tour of Tacoma before finally depositing me at the promised land of La Quinta. Whew.
2:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy was… well, he was there. Efficient enough, but definitely not brimming with joyous enthusiasm. Honestly, after the drive, I just wanted the key and a portal to my room.
3:00 PM: Holy carpet, Batman! My room. It's…clean. Relatively. The air conditioner is a monster, roaring like a jet engine preparing for takeoff. Found the remote (miraculously!) but alas… the dreaded "click click click" and nothing. Ugh. Already craving room service (that doesn't exist) and a vat of coffee.
3:30 PM: The struggle is real. Trying to work the TV (I am not a tech person), finally give up, and sulk on the bed like a grumpy toddler. Decide that a walk is needed, and some fresh, real air - because the jet-engine A/C, really, is it necessary?.
4:00 PM: I wander out of La Quinta.
- Observation: Tumwater is…green. Very, very green. The trees are massive, the air smells faintly of, well, nature, and the river is just…there. Beautiful, I guess, if you’re into that sort of thing.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Head toward the downtown area.
- Anecdote: I was driving by and I spotted a restaurant named "The Old Mill Cafe". I didn't even know it was a restaurant, I just pulled over and walked in. I found out it was. I ordered a classic burger, and I'm not even joking, it was the best burger I've ever had. If you're reading this, please, go and eat it.
6:00 PM: Back at La Quinta. The TV situation remains a disaster. Decide to embrace the quiet. Read a book. Contemplate the meaning of life. Okay, maybe just the meaning of the channel lineup.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Ordered takeout from a nearby diner (they have decent ratings, I think), and am now regretting not bringing a spork. Paper plates are a thing.
9:00 PM: Trying to sleep. The jet engine…still going. Vow to complain in the morning. And maybe duct tape it shut.
Day 2: Brewery Bliss (and Beer-Induced Silliness)
8:00 AM: Breakfast. The free La Quinta breakfast buffet. Let's just say, I've experienced better. The coffee is, as predicted, lukewarm. But hey, at least they have a waffle maker. Waffles are a win, always.
9:00 AM: Finally got the TV working! A miracle. Or maybe someone fiddled with the cable box. Either way, I'm watching a documentary about sloths. Life is good. (Well, kind of)
10:00 AM: Checking out. Vowed to come back.
10:30 AM: The Olympia Brewery. This is the big one, the real reason I'm here. I'm a local in Germany, but I love beer.
- Anecdote: Okay, so I'm not a beer snob, but I do appreciate a good brew. And, wow, the Olympia Brewery tour was actually pretty cool. Not exactly the world-class experience I thought I know, but definitely good. The tour guide guy was a bit of a character.
- Reaction: I was grinning like a loon the whole time, soaking up the history, the science, and the all-important smell of hops.
12:30 PM: A quick trip to downtown Olympia.
- Observation: Olympia has a certain…charm. A bit quirky, a bit historic, and definitely not trying to be anything it isn't. I like it.
- Imperfection: Parking was a nightmare. Seriously, who designs these downtown grids?
2:00 PM: Ate a sandwich. Ate the best sandwich of my life. Don't even ask me where it was, I have no idea.
3:00 PM: Back to La Quinta for the night. TV. Coffee. Contemplation. Repeat.
7:00 PM: Dinner. More takeout. Seriously considering buying a hot plate for my next trip. And maybe a proper coffee maker.
9:00 PM: The Jet Engine Strikes Back!
- Emotional Reaction: Screaming internally.
Day 3: Farewell, Tumwater (and a Prayer for My Liver)
7:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is shining. The Jet Engine is still roaring. Decide to focus on the positives. Like the fact that I'm leaving today!
8:00 AM: Breakfast at La Quinta again. Same lukewarm coffee, same passable waffles. Pretend to enjoy it.
9:00 AM: One last walk around the area.
10:00 AM: Pack. Check out. Head to Seattle Airport. Bye Tumwater. Bye La Quinta. Bye jet engine.
11:00 AM: Driving away from La Quinta.
- Quirky Observation: Spotted a squirrel chasing a pigeon. The circle of life, I guess.
End Result: This trip was…an experience. A messy, imperfect, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately enjoyable experience. Would I go back to La Quinta? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Depends. If you're looking for luxury, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a clean (ish) room, a decent base of operations, and a chance to explore Tumwater and Olympia, then yeah, it'll do. The coffee is still lukewarm, the TV might still be a pain, and the A/C might still sound like a jumbo jet, BUT I came back and said the experience was worth it. And that's about as good as it gets.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a stiff drink. Or two.
Toronto Markham Marriott: Luxury Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Olympia: Your Perfectly Messy Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites! - The Unofficial FAQs
Okay, so... Olympia? Like, Washington? And La Quinta? Is this some kind of joke?
Look, let's be honest. Olympia, Washington is a quirky place. And La Quinta, well, it's La Quinta. But sometimes, those two things, in a moment of travel exhaustion, just... *work*. Okay, maybe not ALWAYS work. One time, I arrived after a five-hour drive, ravenous and desperate for a shower. The key card? Nope. Didn't work. Stood there, grumpy and hangry, watching a family of five merrily unload their minivan like it was a circus act. Eventually, a frazzled young man with a nametag that looked slightly askew fixed it. So, is it a joke? Sometimes. Is it life? Also, yes.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Free waffles? Is that a lie?
The breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. It's…predictable. Yes, there are waffles. They're…well, they're waffles. That's the beauty of it, really. You have your waffle, you douse it in syrup, the hot dogs that look a little too bright pink. The usual. Don't expect gourmet. I once saw a guy try to make a "waffle sandwich" with a hard-boiled egg and what appeared to be a slightly-wilted sausage. Bless his heart. But yeah, free breakfast. Fuel for the day, at least until you stumble upon a decent coffee shop. And yes, it's a LOT better than the sad, pre-packaged muffins I've encountered in other places. The orange juice sometimes tastes faintly...plastic-y. But again. It's *there*.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Do they smell like… anything ominous?
Okay, let's be real. Clean is subjective. "Ominous" is also subjective, but there *was* that one unsettling experience... but let's not get ahead of ourselves, let's stick to facts! Generally, the rooms are… decent. I've seen worse. I've also seen better (at places that cost approximately three times as much, naturally). The linens are usually clean, the towels are fluffy-ish. The air conditioning works (a HUGE win in the Pacific Northwest, trust me). The smell? Sometimes it's a faint whiff of cleaning product, sometimes it's…well, sometimes it's just the smell of "hotel," you know? That slightly mildewy, generic aroma that clings to everything. Mostly unoffensive, honestly.
BUT! There was *that one time*. The room I got, it smelled faintly of… something. Like old cigarettes that had been unsuccessfully covered up with air freshener and despair. I'm not a heavy smoker, but the fact that I could still *smell* it felt like… a personal affront.
Is there a pool? Because, pool.
Yes! There *is* a pool. I can't promise the water's crystal clear - I'd have to consult with whatever passed for an Olympic-level swimming pool inspector, and that's more commitment than I can manage. My experience with pools at La Quinta's, I think it's fair to say, can vary. You could get lucky and find a clean, well-maintained oasis of chlorine-infused joy. Or, you could find yourself sharing the space with small children, a horde of pool toys, and maybe a stray pool noodle or two. Bring your own towel. Always bring your own towel.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know... the internet. Important travel stuff.
The Wi-Fi? Again, "it is what it is." Usually, it's…functional. You can check your emails, look up directions, maybe even stream that show you've been meaning to watch. Don't expect blazing speeds. Remember, you're in Olympia. Olympia is a wonderful place, yes, but it is... not known for its cutting-edge technology. There might be a lag or two. I remember one time, desperately trying to finish a crucial work email while battling a truly abysmal connection. Lost my temper a little bit. Accidentally sent a half-finished email with the subject line "urgent" to my entire team. Embarrassing. But, hey, at least I could eventually watch 'The Bear' to calm down. So, you know, a mixed blessing really.
Is it pet-friendly? Because, my adorable, perfectly behaved (cough) Fluffy needs to come.
Yes! La Quinta *generally* welcomes pets, which is fantastic! I have not personally experienced being at La Quinta with an "adorable, perfectly behaved" (heh) pet, but I have seen other people and their pet. Just be sure to call your hotel! Check their pet policy beforehand, and know that most of them probably have some extra fees if you bring the furry member of the family along. I'm all for it! It is so cute!
Really, though... is it a good choice? Would you stay again?
Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not meant to be. But if you're looking for a clean (ish), reasonably priced place to crash for a night or two while exploring Olympia, then, yeah, I would. The location is generally pretty good, too – you can get to most places fairly easily. And hey, sometimes a little bit of imperfect charm is exactly what you need. I'm not saying it's perfect, but sometimes, after a long day, a warm (ish) waffle, and a semi-clean bed is all you need. And if you get a good room, it's almost pleasant. And sometimes, that's enough. You know? Just don't expect miracles. Then, you'll be fine.
What if something goes wrong? Can I get help? What about the front desk?
Oh, the front desk. The unsung heroes (or, sometimes, the harried victims) of the hotel world. Yes, there's a front desk. They're there. They're usually staffed, which is a plus! In my experience, they're generally… trying. They'll try to help. They'll try to fix whatever's broken, whether it's the TV remote or the leaky faucet (which, by the way, I've encountered both). Keep in mind, they're dealing with a constant stream of people, complaints, and demands. Be polite. Be patient. And *try* to avoid arriving at 3The Stay Journey
Post a Comment for "Escape to Olympia: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!"