Escape to St. Louis: Your Westport Oasis Awaits! (La Quinta Inn)
Escape to St. Louis: Your Westport Oasis Awaits! (La Quinta Inn) - A Review That's More Real Than a Brochure
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, punctuated by the occasional sigh and probably a few typos. We're talking about the La Quinta Inn in Westport, St. Louis, the Escape to St. Louis: Your Westport Oasis, as they so grandly put it. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like Life Itself)
Right off the bat: accessibility. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't personally test this with a wheelchair, but the website boasts accessible rooms. That's a good start, but the devil, as always, is in the details. Hopefully, these rooms actually are accessible and not just checked a box somewhere. Check those specifics before you book.
The Good Stuff: Relaxation and Entertainment (Or at Least, the Idea of it)
Let's talk about the potential for chill vibes. The promise of a swimming pool [outdoor] is a siren song on a hot St. Louis day. Though, I'm a bit skeptical about the Pool with view description – is that a really nice view, or just… a view? I need to see it myself. And a Fitness center? Yes, to counteract all the delicious things I’m about to eat.
Now, about the "Spa" offerings… Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom… Whoa, slow down there, La Quinta. Are these actual, fully-fledged spa experiences, or just a wish whispered on the wind? My imagination is running wild, picturing myself lounging in a robe with cucumbers on my eyes. Reality might be a different story. I will say, though, for serious relaxation, the ability to melt in a Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom is a huge bonus.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Dining, drinking, and snacking: The Stomach's Perspective
So, how's the food situation? The review mentions several possibilities. Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Coffee shop. Honestly, the thought of a Poolside bar is already selling me. You know, after a swim, a cold drink, just… ahhhhh. And the Breakfast [buffet] is a MUST. I'm all about that breakfast buffet life. Especially if there's Asian breakfast or Asian cuisine in restaurant. I am not sure what to expect but the thought of trying something new is always welcome. They also promote Vegetarian restaurant.
I'm also intrigued by the presence of Coffee/tea in restaurant. That's like a little hug in a cup. And Happy hour? Well, that’s just good marketing, isn’t it? Bonus points for offering Room service [24-hour]. Because sometimes, you just need a burger at 2 AM.
Cleanliness and safety: The Post-COVID Anxiety Guide
Okay, let’s get serious for a minute. Cleanliness and safety are HUGE. And let me tell you, I’m a bit of a germaphobe now. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. That’s a LOT. Makes me feel a bit more at ease, honestly. I truly hope they deliver on this. The thought of getting sick while traveling is enough to send me over the edge. Here's hoping they genuinely care about this.
Services and Conveniences: The Fine Print of Staying
Let’s talk about the extras. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace. Standard stuff, but useful. Air conditioning? Air conditioning in public area. Thank the Lord. St. Louis summers are brutal.
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters Entertained
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal. Good for the parents, not so good for me, possibly. I imagine things can get loud. But hey, family-friendly is a plus in my book.
Rooms: The In-Room Experience - The real core of the experience
Now, for the heart of the matter: the rooms. They are promising Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Whew! That's a comprehensive list.
My "Perfect" Room (A Wishful Thinking Stream of Consciousness)
Okay, let's build my ideal room. First, definitely Non-smoking. Unless they are trying to kill me. I need a High floor, for the view (hopefully a good one, as the review eludes to). Blackout curtains are ESSENTIAL for sleeping in. A bathtub is a must-have; after a long day of "escaping," I'd love a soak. Free Wi-Fi. Obviously. A Coffee/tea maker for the morning, a Refrigerator for late-night snacks (and maybe a bottle of wine). Laptop workspace for… you know, pretending to work. And a Sofa for sprawling out and watching one of those On-demand movies. Is that too much to ask?
Getting Around: Getting Out and About
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They have it all! Getting around should be pretty painless, which is good. No one wants to spend half their vacation wrestling with traffic.
The Big Question: Would I Recommend It?
Look, I haven’t actually stayed here yet. But based on the promises, the potential for relaxation, and the emphasis on cleanliness, I’m cautiously optimistic. It sounds appealing. But let’s see if the reality matches the glossy brochure. I’ll be sure to update this review after my actual stay, and let you know if the Westport Oasis is truly worth escaping to!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Louis Westport, through the filter of me, post-coffee (and pre-meltdown, hopefully). Let's see if we can survive this St. Louis adventure, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & Questionable Bedding Choices
- 1:00 PM: Landed in St. Louis. First thought: "Wow, the air is thick." Second thought: "Did I pack enough snacks?" (The answer is no, probably not.) The usual airport chaos. Luggage carousel? More like luggage-that-wants-to-kill-you carousel. Thankfully, Uber was seamless.
- 2:00 PM: Arrived at La Quinta. Okay, not gonna lie, the lobby smelled vaguely of chlorine and… optimistic dreams? Check-in was smooth. The front desk dude was either perpetually thrilled to be alive or incredibly well-practiced. Either way, I appreciate the enthusiasm.
- 2:30 PM: Room! Praise the heavens. First impressions? Clean-ish. The carpet is a questionable shade of beige that has seen things. The bed… oh the bed. Let's just say, I'm praying it's not haunted. After all, Missouri is a hotbed of paranormal activity. (Okay, maybe I read too much on the plane…)
- 3:00 PM: Okay, unpacking. And realizing I forgot my phone charger. Fantastic. Back to the front desk to beg for help. Luckily, the Enthusiastic Dude saved the day. He pointed me to a convenience store down the street. That’s a win.
- 4:00 PM: Snack Run. The convenience store was a treasure trove of questionable processed foods. Grabbed chips, some mysterious chocolate bar, and a Diet Coke (because balance, right?). The chips, by the way, were the best part of my day.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to read a book but kept getting distracted by the… noises. The distant hum of the HVAC system, the occasional door slam, someone inexplicably singing opera in the hallway. It's a symphony of the mundane. I think I'm starting to like it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby chain restaurant. Not gonna lie, I'm too tired to be adventurous. The food was… fine. The company (myself) was infinitely more interesting. I people-watched, judged the decor (beige, again!), and secretly planned my grand escape to a better restaurant tomorrow. (I'm already mentally composing my Yelp review.)
- 8:00 PM: Back at the room. Netflix and chill… with a questionable bed. Fingers crossed for a peaceful night.
Day 2: A Day of the Arch and Existential Dread
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard continental fare. The waffles were… well, let's just say they were a testament to the human spirit. They were there, and I ate them.
- 10:00 AM: The Gateway Arch! I mean, you have to, right? The elevator ride was… intimate. The view from the top? Stunning. Seriously breathtaking. Until you start thinking about all the people who built that thing and how tall it really is (which may or may not have triggered a mild anxiety attack).
- 11:00 AM: The Arch Museum. Learned a lot about the history of the area and Lewis and Clark. Honestly, it was a bit dry, but the exhibits did a good job of showcasing the history and innovation of St. Louis.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Decided to try a local place. Okay, now this is more like it! I had a delicious burger and fries. Food is good, really good.
- 1:30 PM: After lunch, drove around to a local park that I'd read about. It was nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of downtown.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room for a needed nap. The bed, again, was… there.
- 4:00 PM: Woke up and decided to take a walk. I started going down to a shopping center I was told was nearby.
- 5:00 PM: Arrived at the shopping center and was overwhelmed. I was not in the mood to socialize so I just headed back.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I was too lazy and I went back to the chain restaurant. I had a salad this time. It was bad.
- 8:00 PM: Room. Thinking about going home.
Day 3: The End is Nye
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. I tried the waffle again. Nope.
- 9:00 AM: The end. I am checking out. Goodbye, La Quinta. Goodbye, St. Louis.
Reflections:
Look, this trip wasn't perfect. There were questionable meals, questionable beds, and moments of sheer existential dread. But it was real. And hey, that’s what travel should be about, right? Embracing the mess, laughing at the imperfections, and maybe, just maybe, finding a good burger along the way. As for returning to La Quinta? Maybe. But if I do, I'm bringing my own sheets. And a really good phone charger.
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Okay, Spill the Beans: Is La Quinta in Westport Actually a Good Idea? I'm Overthinking This!
Alright, alright! Deep breaths. Look, 'good' is subjective, right? It depends on what your definition of 'good' is. Are you picturing a five-star luxury haven with butlers and diamond-encrusted toothpicks? Then, NO, darling, La Quinta in Westport probably ain't it. But if you're looking for a relatively clean, comfortable, and *convenient* basecamp for exploring St. Louis – and you aren't trying to break the bank? Then yeah, it could be. I went in with low expectations (because, let's be real, my track record with budget hotels is... spotty), and honestly? It wasn't *terrible*. The pool was… well, it existed. Don't expect Olympic gold-medal training sessions, but it was… there. And after a long day of driving, did I jump for joy? No, I cautiously dipped a toe in, but it was a refreshing surprise.
One morning, though... I'm not going to lie. I was a bit *hangry*. (You know how it is, pre-coffee, post-late night snacks? Ugh.) Went down to the breakfast buffet, visions of fluffy waffles dancing in my head. Found a stale bagel that resembled a hockey puck and a lukewarm, rubbery scrambled egg. I legit took a deep breath and thought, "Alright, Karen, time to channel your inner zen." But the coffee, thankfully, was strong enough to at least *pretend* it was a good day. So, yeah, it's a mixed bag, folks. Be prepared for the occasional "meh" moment.
What’s the Westport Vibe Like? Is It Worth Leaving My Couch For?
Westport is… interesting. It’s got this kind of… preppy-meets-dive-bar thing going on. Think upscale restaurants rubbing elbows with grungy live music venues. There's a lot happening there. It's walkable, which is a huge plus. I mean, seriously, after stuffing yourself with ribs at a local BBQ joint (which, by the way, is a *must*), the ability to stumble back to your, ahem, *comfortable* bed is a godsend.
The area felt pretty safe, but you know, always be aware of your surroundings. I wandered around past a few bars and the feeling was fine. I wasn't there late, but it felt like it could get rowdy after dark. If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful retreat, Westport might not be your jam. It’s a scene. A *lively* scene. So, if you're up for a little excitement, some good eats, and are prepared to navigate a crowd, get ready for some fun.
Is the La Quinta *Actually* Clean? Tell Me the Truth! (I'm a Germaphobe.)
Okay, *deep breath*. I am not a germaphobe, but I do appreciate clean. And, honestly? It *was* cleaner than I feared. The rooms weren't gleaming, magazine-worthy, but the bed looked freshly made, the bathroom was… adequately clean (you know, the usual suspects – no visible mold, no mystery stains, the important stuff).
I did my usual inspection upon arrival (you know – the sniff test, the peek under the bed, the obligatory UV flashlight scan...kidding! Kinda.). And I survived. You can make of that what you will. Was it pristine? No. Was it disgusting? Also no. I did, however, bring my own Lysol wipes, because, well, just in case. And I'm glad I did.
I've stayed in worse. Much, much worse. Let's just say, I once saw a room in Vegas where a spider was a permanent resident. Let's not speak of it. So, overall, the La Quinta in Westport? It passed the "survivable with minimal emotional scarring" test. It helped it was cheap, and the area it was in made it worth it.
The Continental Breakfast! Tell me everything! Is it worth waking up for?
Oh, the continental breakfast. This is where my enthusiasm takes a bit of a nosedive. Okay, let's be real: it's the usual suspects. Think bagels (see previous rant), muffins, maybe some sad-looking fruit, and the aforementioned lukewarm scrambled eggs. The coffee, as I said, is the MVP. It gets the job done.
Is it worth waking up early for? Probably not unless you're on a tight budget and absolutely need to consume some calories before hitting the road. I’d say, if you're staying there, and you also aren't wanting to spend money on breakfast. Go for it. Bring something to add to it, you'll be fine.
One morning, I saw a kid try and dip a waffle into the syrup dispenser (and the syrup dispenser was a mess). That was… a sight.
My advice? Lower your expectations, grab a bagel (or two), and load up on that coffee. And then, maybe, just maybe, hit up a real breakfast place down the street. Your stomach (and your sanity) will thank you.
Parking! What's the deal with parking? Stressful? Easy Peasy?
Parking was… fine. Not a nightmare. There was a lot. Free. Yes! It's a significant win. Now, I'm not sure if it gets completely insane during peak season, but during my stay in the fall, it was perfectly manageable. Always a relief to avoid the parking meters and the dreaded parking garage shuffle. Really, the parking saved my sanity.
Okay, Let's Talk About the Pool. Truth? Is it Swimmable?
The pool… it was… there. It was an outdoor pool. I repeat: an OUTDOOR pool. And the weather made for a good swim on the first day. The water was… *clearish*. I wouldn't go so far as to call it crystal clear. But I didn't see any rogue leaves or questionable floating objects of unknown origin, so that's a win, right?
I did see a kid with a bright orange floatie, having an absolute blast, which warmed my cynical heart a little. He was having the adventure and I was stuck at the hotel.
If you dream of Olympic training, this is *not* the pool for you. It's functional. A place to cool off, wade a little, and pretend you're not utterly exhausted from sightseeing. And, you know what? Sometimes, that's enough.
Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest!
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