Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn & Suites Midtown Review!
Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret? Hold My Green Chile. La Quinta Inn & Suites Midtown Review (The Honest Version)
Okay, folks, let's get real. Reviewing hotels is like reviewing a relationship: it starts with rose-tinted glasses, gets messy in the middle, and hopefully, ends with a slightly cynical but ultimately appreciative assessment. So, here's my unfiltered take on La Quinta Inn & Suites Midtown in Albuquerque, after having spent a good chunk of time there. Forget the perfectly polished PR speak; this is real.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Play the Game, Right?):
- Keywords: Albuquerque Hotels, La Quinta Midtown, Accessible Albuquerque, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels, Free Wi-Fi Albuquerque, Fitness Center Albuquerque, Pool with View Albuquerque, Pet-Friendly Hotels Albuquerque, Business Travel Albuquerque, Family-Friendly Hotels Albuquerque, New Mexico Hotels, Albuquerque Midtown Lodging, Clean Hotels Albuquerque, La Quinta Review, Albuquerque Restaurant, La Quinta Amenities
- Focus: Accessibility, Cleanliness, Comfort, Amenities, Overall Value.
First Impressions (and Slightly Rambling Thoughts):
Finding this place, you see, was a total serendipity. I'd been driving way too long, the sun had fried my brain, and I just needed somewhere. The flashing La Quinta sign – a beacon of hope in the Albuquerque desert – screamed "get outta the car!". Pulled in, the exterior? Okay, not gonna lie, basic. Your standard hotel, functional, nothing earth-shattering. But as I fumbled for my bag, I knew I was going to need the Accessibility check – Wheelchair accessible is massive for me, and thankfully the ramp was smooth and the automated doors worked. Score one for not having to do the awkward door-opening dance!
Accessibility – A Major Win (and a Minor Grumble):
This is where La Quinta Midtown actually shines. The Wheelchair Accessible aspect is seriously solid. Seriously. Wide hallways, easy maneuvering in the room (more on that later), and a bathroom designed for… well, me. The grab bars were where they needed to be, the shower was great, and the sink height was perfect. Finally, a hotel that understands the nuances of accessible design! But, and there's always a "but", the Internet can get a little, shall we say, glitchy in certain areas. Which meant, yes, I had to awkwardly prop my laptop against the bathroom door for a reliable connection. Internet [LAN] was also spotty (again - maybe it was just me?) But ultimately, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver, even if it occasionally tested my patience.
The Room – A Mixed Bag (and Some Hidden Gems):
Alright, the room. The bread and butter. Non-smoking rooms, check! My big worry, were the rooms sanitized between stays, or was I going to be sleeping in someone else’s… well, you know. The room appeared clean; the Room sanitization opt-out available felt kind of weird though. What was that all about? The Anti-viral cleaning products gave a nice sense of security.
The room itself was surprisingly spacious. The bed? Comfortable. Extra long bed? Maybe! I slept like a log. They had Blackout curtains and Soundproofing – a godsend after a long day of driving. Plus, a real desk large enough to actually work on, and a Laptop workspace. So, practical. Essential. The Refrigerator was the perfect size for my road-trip snacks (don't judge my dietary choices). There was a Coffee/tea maker, which kept me sane in the mornings. But, I will admit, I did miss the Additional toilet in the accessible bathroom!
One oddity, my room decorations were strangely absent. Did I mind? Not really! I did think it would be nice if they had a cute picture or painting on the walls. I'd definitely felt more at home, and maybe a little less… hotel-y.
Cleanliness and Safety (My OCD’s Guide):
Listen, I’m a clean freak. The kind who secretly judges the dust bunnies hiding under your sofa. So, I was pleased to see that the Daily disinfection in common areas was actually a thing. The lobby shone. The hallways gleamed. The Professional-grade sanitizing services were noticeable. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property added to the feeling of security. The Fire extinguisher was where it should be, and there were Smoke alarms peppered around. I felt safe and that's a huge win. More importantly, the hotel staff seemed genuinely concerned about cleanliness. It wasn't just for show; it felt genuine. The Hygiene certification gave me peace of mind.
Amenities (The Good, the Meh, and the "Wait, Did They Say That?"):
Okay, let's dive into the fun stuff!
- Pool with View: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was fantastic! Really. The only real problem? I'm not sure I would call it a "view". But the pool was clean, well-maintained and perfect for a quick dip after the long drive.
- Fitness center: Now, I'm no gym rat, but I peeked in. And honestly, it was decent. More than what you'd expect. They had the basics.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oooooh, boy. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was your standard hotel fare, but surprisingly good. They had the usual suspects: pastries (yay!), eggs (sometimes rubbery, other times surprisingly good), sausage, cereal. The Breakfast takeaway service was an excellent option if you were in a hurry. They also offered Asian breakfast, which surprised me (and made me happy). The best part? Coffee/tea in restaurant. That caffeine kick was a lifesaver.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't use them, but they were there to use! Plenty of options.
- Car park [free of charge]: A lovely surprise!
- Pets allowed unavailable: If you're a pet-person, consider this before booking.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling Up):
Restaurants were plentiful in the area. But La Quinta had a Bar, and even had a Poolside bar, for the true experience! The Snack bar was useful for keeping myself going. Everything was easy, simple, and relatively cheap. The Bottle of water was a lifesaver.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Concierge: Never used, but there.
- Daily housekeeping: They actually did a good job!
- Elevator: Crucial for accessibility.
- Laundry service: Convenient.
- Luggage storage: Needed it.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus!
- Contactless check-in/out: Made the whole process so much faster. A godsend.
For the Kids (My Inner Child's Take):
I'm not a parent. But the hotel seemed kid-friendly! The Family/child friendly vibe was definitely there, with ample space for running around and a relaxed atmosphere.
Getting Around (Albuquerque Adventures):
Car park [free of charge]: Huge win. Airport transfer was available, so that was super nice.
The Quirks (The Stuff You Won't Find in the Brochure):
Okay, here's the real tea.
- The staff? Actually nice. No forced smiles, just genuinely helpful people. I asked for extra pillows, no problem. Needed a recommendation for a restaurant? Easy peasy.
- The noise level? Surprisingly quiet.
- The overall vibe? Relaxed and low-key. No pretension.
The Verdict (The Moment of Truth):
La Quinta Inn & Suites Midtown in Albuquerque is a solid choice, especially for those prioritizing accessibility and value. It's not the fanciest hotel in town, but it's clean, comfortable, well-equipped, and the staff makes a real difference. Would I stay again? Absolutely. It's a hidden gem, and I almost want to keep it to myself… almost.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Minus a star for the occasional Wi-Fi hiccups and lack of a proper "view". But overall? Highly recommended. Go forth, and enjoy!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Albuquerque experience, La Quinta style. Forget your pristine itineraries, honey. This is going to be more like a scrapbook exploded in a whirlwind. Let's see if I can even keep up with my own darn self!
Day 1: Arrival and the Albuquerque Embrace (Or, My Luggage Decided to Play Hide-and-Seek)
- 1:00 PM: Airport Arrival & the Great Luggage Mystery: Touchdown! Albuquerque! Sunshine practically smacked me in the face when I stepped off the plane. Already a good sign. Now, I'm staring at the baggage carousel, and… no luggage. Fantastic. This is where I start mentally calculating how many cheap airport t-shirts I can buy before I crack. The airline assures me it's "en route." (Lies. All lies, I tell you.)
- 3:00 PM: Check-in & Room Recon at La Quinta Inn & Suites: Finally, sweet, sweet air conditioning. The La Quinta staff were surprisingly cheerful, considering my apparent state of mild panic. The room? It's… a room. Cleanish. The bed looks inviting, especially since I've been wearing the same travel outfit for, well, let's not say. There's a microwave and a fridge, which is a win. I am a woman who loves a fridge.
- 3:30 PM: The Freebies Blitz: Okay, let's be honest, the free continental breakfast is a huge part of why I pick these places. I'm envisioning a massive spread, but from the look of it, it's the usual suspects. Cereal, bagels (with that plastic-y cream cheese), maybe a sad little waffle maker. But hey, free coffee is free coffee, and I'm a caffeine fiend.
- 4:00 PM: Emergency Shopping (and a Moment of Zen): No luggage = immediate need to rectify the clothing situation with a shopping trip to a nearby convenience store. I'm talking emergency underwear, a toothbrush, and hopefully a hat to cover this frizzy catastrophe that my hair has become. Okay, okay, I'm not exactly in a Zen mood. But I've decided to lean into the chaos. You know, embrace the adventure. (More like survive the adventure.)
- 7:00 PM: Finding Food and Flailing in the Dark (Literally): Okay, I figured I'd be adventurous and try to find a good Mexican restaurant. Google Maps led me down an alley that looked like something out of a Sergio Leone movie; I was certain I was going to be ambushed. Finally, I found a lovely little place called "El Pinto," a local favorite. Holy guacamole, was it good. The margaritas were a necessity at this point, and the chicken enchiladas were perfection. I even ordered a second margarita.
Day 2: Exploring Albuquerque (and Battling My Own Inner Grouch)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (and Despair): The continental breakfast. Reality bites, folks. The same sad bagels and the lukewarm coffee. There's a guy hogging the waffle maker. I might have mumbled under my breath about the sanctity of breakfast. Then I realized I was being that person. Deep breath.
- 9:00 AM: Old Town Albuquerque, the Good, & the Ugly: Okay, Old Town is charming. The adobe buildings, the little shops selling turquoise jewelry, the lingering scent of chili. I'm walking around, trying to feel the history, soaking it all in. Then I walked into a shop full of trinkets. I almost lost it! I had to beat a hasty retreat.
- 11:00 AM: The Sandia Peak Tramway: (A Moment of Awe, Followed by a Touch of Panic): Right, I was going to do this. I had heard good things. The view from the top is supposed to be incredible. I was going to overcome my fear of heights! I stared up at the cables, the metal cage swaying in the wind. Right, where did I leave my tranquilizer? I eventually made it to the top. The view? Spectacular. But the descent? Let's just say I may have gripped the handrail like it was a lifeline.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch & the Quest for Real Hatch Chili: I needed food. Badly. The tramway had shaken me. I'm on a mission to find some authentic Hatch chili. Found a place called "Mary & Tito's Cafe" that had been recommended. Oh. My. Goodness. I had the carne adovada, and it was some of the best food I've ever eaten. The chili was fire (but delicious!).
- 4:00 PM: Back at La Quinta: Poolside Reflections (and a Questionable Choice): After all this adventure, I decided to relax by the pool. The water was surprisingly cool. So refreshing. And relaxing!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a random Chili place: I've got the food bug, and I'm craving some tacos. I found a place that was open, but I'm starting to think I should have gone with a different restaurant. I don't think I enjoyed my dinner.
Day 3: Departure (and Finally My Luggage?!)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (Sort Of): The same sad breakfast. But I didn't notice the coffee tasted better. Maybe I was just used to it.
- 9:00 AM: Checking out and head off: I had to check out of the hotel. Everything was done and I was ready to return home.
Final Thoughts:
Albuquerque, you were a mixed bag. Full of surprise. Full of adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Okay, maybe I would trade it for my luggage. But I would most definitely come back.
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La Quinta Midtown: The Albuquerque Enigma – Unveiled (Maybe?)
Is La Quinta Midtown in Albuquerque actually a "secret"? Like, is it hidden behind a portal to another dimension?
Alright, spill the beans. What's the big deal about this La Quinta? What makes it "best kept"?
The "usually" is making me nervous. What are the caveats? Give me the REAL scoop. The dirt!
Ooooh, the pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it like, a secret oasis of tranquility? Or a chlorinated shark tank?
So, is it worth staying there? Despite the lukewarm pool and the potentially rogue socks?
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems about the place?
Alright, final verdict? Will you go back?
Any final thoughts? Any advice for a first-timer?
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