Oklahoma City's BEST Kept Secret? This La Quinta Inn Will SHOCK You!
Okay, Here We Go: A Real-Talk Review of…Let's Call it "The Grand Majestic" (Because, Honestly, They All Sound the Same, Don't They?)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your standard, sterile hotel review. I'm not going to bore you with bullet points. I'm going to tell you what it was really like, the good, the bad, and the slightly terrifying. I'm talking about "The Grand Majestic" – and frankly, the name is a bit of a reach. But hey, let's dive in.
Accessibility: Or, "Can I Get Around Without Crippling Myself?"
First things first: Accessibility. This is crucial, people. The "Grand Majestic" says it's accessible, but… let's just say my experience with wheelchair accessibility was, shall we say, a test. I used a wheelchair. Elevators were present, which is a good start. The elevator's actually worked, which, after traveling through some of these places, is a victory in itself. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is… something. But navigating the common areas? Not a complete disaster, but navigating them in a wheelchair presented some tight corners and slightly awkward maneuvering around decorative plant pots that seemed to be strategically placed to trip anyone with less than perfect balance. I feel like they tried, but a refresher course on ADA compliance wouldn’t hurt. (I'd give it a solid 6/10 for the effort, but the execution needs a little… well, a LOT of work.)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see any direct evidence or mentions of accessible restaurants, just generic "restaurants available." I'll have to ding them here.
Internet: The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler (and Me, Constantly Checking My Email)
Okay, let's talk Internet. My sanity depended on this. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a must. And, bless their hearts, it actually worked. Mostly. The connection was generally solid, but occasionally, it would vanish, leaving me staring blankly at my laptop screen, wondering if I'd accidentally been transported back to the pre-internet dark ages. Thank Zeus for Wi-Fi in public areas, too. It was a lifesaver when the in-room connection decided to take a nap.
Internet [LAN]: Okay, so, if you're a dinosaur or have some seriously specific tech needs, yes, there was Internet access – LAN available. But honestly, who's plugging in an ethernet cable these days? Weird flex, "Grand Majestic." Internet services were… internet-y. No complaints, no raves.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Or, "Pretending I'm a Spa Goddess (When, Realistically, I'm Just Trying to De-Stress)"
Here's where things got… interesting. The Fitness center? Yes, they had one. I peeped in, and well, let's just say it looked like the equipment had seen better decades. Still, it’s there, for those who are more… enthusiastic about exercise than I am. The Pool with a view… that was a winner. Seriously, the view was stunning. I spent a glorious afternoon just bobbing around, pretending I was in a movie.
Now, the Spa/Sauna. I’m a sucker for a spa experience. They offer everything from Body scrubs and Body wraps to more standard treatments. The staff were friendly, but the overall experience felt a little…. understaffed. At one point I swear I saw a single attendant juggling three clients. The Sauna was decent, the Steamroom less impressive. My honest-to-God-opinion? They're attempting to have a high-end spa, but they're not quite there. But hey, at least they offered a Foot bath, which was a welcome treat after a long day of… well, everything.
Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a lifesaver. Clear, clean, and with a beautiful view.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Pandemic
Okay, let's be real: 2024 is still a bit of a COVID-19 minefield. So how did the "Grand Majestic" fare? They tried. The Anti-viral cleaning products were a nice touch. Daily disinfection in common areas was, at least, advertised. I saw the staff, masked up, doing their best, but I am left wondering a tad if the cleaning process was as intense as it seemed. They did use Room sanitization opt-out available making me feel like there wasn't a lot of "forced" cleanliness, if you know what I mean. Rooms sanitized between stays is good. Hand sanitizer was plentiful, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I appreciated the effort, but I still found myself reaching for my own wipes every now and then. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was, shall we say, more of a suggestion than a rule. They also had Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Soul (and Body)
The food situation? Mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] was the usual hotel fare – predictable but passable. Buffet in restaurant was fine too. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast were options. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, and I appreciated the Bottle of water in the rooms. They do have Restaurants, Poolside bar, and a Snack bar.
But let's talk about the Room service [24-hour]. It was a godsend. After a long day of… well, everything, there’s nothing like a burger and fries delivered straight to your room. The A la carte in restaurant was okay – decent, but nothing memorable. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver, especially with the Desserts in restaurant. I was hoping for some Vegetarian restaurant options too, but I didn't see any.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (Or Annoy You to No End)
The good? Daily housekeeping. My room, although not always perfectly clean, was always tidy. Luggage storage was helpful when I arrived early. Concierge was friendly, but maybe not the most informed. The Elevator worked… most of the time. Air conditioning in public area was appreciated. Invoice provided was a necessity. Doorman was present, and the Front desk [24-hour] staff were friendly enough.
The bad? The Convenience store was ridiculously overpriced. The Laundry service was slow and expensive. The Invoice provided part was a necessity.
For the Kids: Because, you know, Families
The "Grand Majestic" has Family/child friendly services and I can see why. I felt like I needed a babysitter. I noticed some Kids facilities but there were no listed Kids meal.
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Necessities (And Then Some)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: my room. It had Air conditioning, which was essential. Free bottled water (thank you!). The Coffee/tea maker was appreciated, but the coffee itself was… well, let's just say it tasted like sadness. Free Wi-Fi (again, mostly reliable, although one day, I had to tether to my phone). Bathrobes, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities (didn't use them, because, frankly, who irons on vacation?). Alarm clock. Mirror, Reading light (thank goodness!). And, of course, the Private bathroom with Towels, Toiletries, Shower, and, thankfully, Hot water 24/7. Smoke alarms were in order.
Getting Around: Because You Need to Actually Leave the Hotel Sometimes
Airport transfer was arranged. Taxi service available. Car park [free of charge] was a bonus, although finding a spot sometimes felt like a scavenger hunt.
The Verdict?
Here’s the truth: "The Grand Majestic" isn't going to blow your mind. It’s not going to be a life-changing experience. But it’s… fine. It’s a solid, albeit slightly flawed, option. It has its quirks, its imperfections, and its moments of brilliance. If you're looking for a comfortable stay with some of the usual hotel amenities, it'll do the trick. Just manage your expectations, pack your own hand sanitizer, and bring a sense of humor. Because you're going to need it. And, if you're in a wheelchair, well… just be prepared to do some extra maneuvering. Good luck!
Roswell, GA Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is about to get real. We're talking La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City - NW Expwy. I'm not promising perfect, I'm promising me. And that means a whole lotta "whoops, I forgot," a sprinkle of existential dread, and a generous helping of "maybe I should have packed better."
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Embrace of Oklahoma City
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). Okay, first impression: humidity. So much humidity. It's hugging me like a long-lost relative I barely remember. Grab a rental car – a beige sedan, because apparently my adventurous spirit is a beige sedan kind of spirit today.
- 1:45 PM: Drive to La Quinta. Google Maps tells me it's a straight shot. Famous last words. I already take a wrong turn, end up squinting at a Taco Bell, and mutter something about life choices.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Pray the room isn’t haunted. Always pray the room isn't haunted. The front desk clerk gives me a smile that might be genuine or might be professional pleasantry – I can't tell yet. I'm too busy focusing on my rumbling stomach.
- 3:00 PM: Room exploration. Success! No ghosts. First impressions? Standard La Quinta. Clean-ish. The carpet smells vaguely of… something. Possibly hope? Possibly cleaning chemicals? I’m choosing hope. I throw my bag on the bed, which I immediately realize is a mistake. It's squishy, and I sink into it like quicksand. Oh dear.
- 3:30 PM: Nap. I am a creature of habit. And naps.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at somewhere nearby. I stumble bleary-eyed out to find somewhere to eat. I think I saw a decent-looking burger joint down the street.
- 7:00 PM: Okay, this is where things get interesting. I had a burger. A fantastic, greasy, glorious burger. The kind that requires a mountain of napkins. As I'm there I start people watching – a mix of locals, families, and the occasional business traveler. The waiter is surprisingly witty and tells me about the best places to visit in Oklahoma. I feel welcomed. He's good people.
- 8:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Watch trashy TV. Embrace the beige-ness of it all. Reflect on the existential dread of being in a La Quinta.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Breakfast) in the Heartland
- 7:00 AM: Free breakfast. Let's be realistic. This is why we’re here. The question isn’t, "Will there be eggs?" It’s "Are the eggs even slightly edible?" The answer, for the most part, is "possibly, with enough hot sauce.” The coffee is…coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Attempt to actually do something cultural. I decide to go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. I heard it’s a powerful experience. I'm worried about getting overly emotional.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: The Memorial & Museum hits you like a ton of bricks. It's overwhelming. It’s profoundly sad. I find myself staring at the Survivor Tree, and I genuinely tear up. I feel like I'm walking through history. I needed this. I think.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Find something, anything, to eat. Maybe a distraction from, y'know, the human condition.
- 2:00 PM: Decide I need a mental reset. Head for a drive down Route 66.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Drive around. Route 66. I keep looking for the "cool" stuff. Stop at some roadside attractions along the way and some things end up being a little underwhelming, other times being kind of cool.
- 6:00 PM: Find a local diner. I'm craving a hearty, greasy meal. Maybe some fried chicken. Or, you know, whatever isn't organic.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Write. Think. Maybe order some ice from the ice machine. Contemplate existence. Re-evaluate the life choices that brought me here.
Day 3: Departure and Lingering Regrets (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- 7:00 AM: Same breakfast routine. Same eggs. Same low expectations.
- 8:00 AM: Last look around the room. Did I leave anything? Why do I ALWAYS leave a charger?
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the helpful staff. The desk clerk smiles and wishes me safe travels (probably hoping I never return, but I can't blame her).
- 9:30 AM: Farewell Oklahoma City. I head to the airport and I'm out. I feel like I came, I saw, I kinda ate some stuff, I got a glimpse of something real, and I'm headed home.
- 10:30 AM -1:00 PM: At the airport. Waiting. Dealing with the inevitable airport drama.
- Whenever PM: Fly home. Exhausted. Contemplating the next adventure and already missing the simple beauty of a La Quinta breakfast.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Oklahoma City is… well, it's not what I expected. I came expecting… something. I don't know what, exactly. But what I found was a weird mix of grit and heart, sadness and resilience. The Memorial struck me. The people I met, even the burger server, were kind. It feels real, despite the weirdness. I can't say this trip was perfect, but hey, did I even expect that?
Escape the Airport Chaos: Your Perfect Courtyard Buffalo Airport Getaway!
So, what *is* all this about? Like, what even ARE we talking about?
Why are you doing this? Seriously, what's the point?
Do you actually *know* anything? Like, are you an expert?
What is your biggest fear?
What gets you really, REALLY excited?
What are your struggles?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by everything?
What's something that always makes you laugh?
What makes you absolutely furious and why?
What's your biggest regret?
What are you hoping to accomplish here?
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