Escape to Garden of the Gods: Your La Quinta Inn Awaits!
Escape to Garden of the Gods: Your La Quinta Inn Awaits! - A Review That's Seen Some Things (and Maybe Had Too Much Coffee)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's polite hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the La Quinta Inn near Garden of the Gods, and folks, it's been a journey. Prepare for a review as unpredictable as that rogue tumbleweed you might encounter in the Colorado Springs… let's just say, it's gonna be honest.
Metadata (Because SEO, Baby!):
- Title: Escape to Garden of the Gods: La Quinta Inn Review - Accessibility, Spa, Dining & More! (Honest & Unfiltered)
- Keywords: La Quinta Inn, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly (sort of!), Cleanliness, Safety, Business Facilities.
- Meta Description: Thinking about a trip to Garden of the Gods? This brutally honest review of the La Quinta Inn details EVERYTHING - accessibility, spa, dining, and the, um, unique charm. Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions!
Let's Get This Show on the Road (or the Elevator): Accessibility & Getting In There
Okay, so if you're rolling in with a wheelchair, you're not completely screwed. The elevator is a lifesaver (literally, sometimes). They've got facilities for disabled guests, which seems to mean accessible rooms are available… though I didn't personally test one. Whispers Remember to call ahead and make sure you get one. And seriously, folks, if you need it, advocate for yourself! This isn't the Ritz, but they do try. The exterior corridor situation is…well, it depends. It's the classic motel setup, which means potentially noisy neighbors and a walk in the elements. Bring a jacket.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: Praying for a Signal (and Your Sanity)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! But hold your horses. It was… spotty. Let's just say I spent more time trying to connect than actually connected. I did manage to get some work done (hallelujah again!), but it was, like, more of a "stop-and-start" kind of productivity. Luckily, there's Wi-Fi in public areas, which might be your best bet, but good luck finding a comfy chair that isn't already occupied by someone glued to their phone. I swear, I think I saw someone move into the lobby just to get a decent signal. Internet [LAN] – nope, didn’t see it. That tech is ancient.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Elusive Spa…
This is where things get… interesting. Fitness center? Yep, it exists. I glanced at it. It appeared to have some machines that looked like fitness equipment. I didn't go in. The thought of battling a treadmill in the heat of a Colorado summer, after a long day, plus the already mentioned spotty wifi, made me retreat back to the cool of my room. Pool with a view? Okay, that's good. I did see the pool (it's swimming pool [outdoor] after all!). It looked inviting. People seemed to be enjoying it. And… that's about it. Forget the spa, my friends. The words "spa" and "La Quinta" don't even really seem to belong in the same sentence. The spa menu probably consists of two choices: "Relax" and "Get Ready to Relax." Nope. We’re here for the Garden of the Gods, not a full-on luxury spa experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Safe, or Just… Clean?
Okay, this is a HUGE one these days. They seemed to be trying. Anti-viral cleaning products mentioned, so that's good! Daily disinfection in common areas, more good. Professional-grade sanitizing services? I saw housekeeping, so probably. My room felt clean. Rooms sanitized between stays feels like a good thing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. But honestly? The lingering scent of cleaning products was STRONG. Like, “I’m pretty sure my lungs are now sanitized” kind of strong. They also had fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, which is always a good thing. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour] – all giving me the feeling I didn't need to worry.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Breakfast. It's Breakfast [buffet] and… well, don't expect gourmet. Asian Breakfast? Nope. It was… generic. Let's just say I grabbed the “essential condiments” and made my own culinary adventure. Breakfast takeaway service? Yeah, probably. I saw a lot of people grabbing stuff to go. There's a Coffee shop. It had coffee. I think. Snackbar? Possibly a vending machine but don't quote me on that. Restaurants in the hotel? Nope. But hey, there’s a ton of options outside the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (or Don't)
Air conditioning in public area, thankfully. Concierge? Hmmm. I didn’t notice one, although I could have missed it. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they did a good job, I will say. Elevator? As previously discussed, yes. Laundry service? Probably! Not sure I saw it, but I believe it does exist. Luggage storage? I'm pretty sure they have a closet. Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars? Likely, but I didn’t see a big conference going on, thank goodness. Cash withdrawal? Nope, you're on your own. Gift/souvenir shop? Absolutely not. Terrace? No. And the most disappointing thing? Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed. But they're usually allowed - in fact, I read it as one of the key perks of a La Quinta.
I have to also discuss:
- Hotel chain - Yep, a branded one to give you the peace of mind only a known provider can give.
- Facilities for disabled guests - always important.
- non-smoking rooms - another positive sign to those more sensitve to smoke
Getting Around: Freedom on Four Wheels (or Maybe Two)
Car park [free of charge]. YES. Bless the free parking gods. You’ll NEED a car in Colorado Springs. Taxi service? Probably. I didn’t try it. Airport transfer? I don’t think so. Bicycle parking? Maybe. Probably leans against the building.
Inside Your Room: Living the Dream (or At Least Surviving)
Air conditioning: Crucial in summer. Alarm clock: Check. Bathtub: Check. Blackout curtains: Thank goodness, because that Colorado sun is a beast. Bed: Comfy enough. Coffee/tea maker: Yes! Crucial for survival. Desk: Present. Free bottled water: Bonus points! Hair dryer: Yes. Non-smoking room: Excellent. Refrigerator: Perfect for leftovers. Shower: Functional. Slippers: Nope. Sofa: There was a chair that maybe looked like a sofa. Wake-up service: Probably. Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
For the Kids: The Tiny Humans' Take Family/child friendly Kids meal Babysitting service Although I don't have kids, I bet the kids would've at least enjoyed the pool.
The Verdict (Drumroll Please…)
Look, this ain’t the Four Seasons. It’s a La Quinta Inn near Garden of the Gods. It's clean, it's functional, and it’s perfectly adequate for a base of operations while you explore the freaking amazing Garden of the Gods. Is it luxurious? Nope. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Is it a decent place to crash after a long day of hiking, seeing the amazing views, or whatever else you get up to? Yeah, probably.
Emotional Reaction: I’m not mad. I’m just… realistic. The Wi-Fi was a pain. The breakfast was forgettable. But the room was clean, the staff were friendly enough, and the location is perfect for exploring Garden of the Gods. Plus, free parking! Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 tumbleweeds (and that’s a generous rating, folks). Would I stay here again? Maybe. Depends on the Wi-Fi. And if they upgrade the coffee situation. And if they can promise me a spa day. (Kidding, kidding). Just go, and enjoy the
Charleston Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned TripAdvisor itinerary. This is my attempt at conquering Colorado Springs, starting from… well, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods. Let's be honest, not the Four Seasons, but hey, it's a bed, right? And close to the stuff, supposedly.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and an Awkward Encounter with a Rock
14:00 - Arrival/Check-in at La Quinta (fingers crossed): Okay, so the flight was a disaster. Delayed, cramped, and I swear the guy in the back was practicing for a competitive snoring championship. Honestly, I feel like I aged a decade on that plane. Fingers crossed my room isn't a dungeon. Update: Not a dungeon, but the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus. Gonna have to get that sorted. Oh, and there's a weird stain on the carpet. Charming.
14:30 - Mild Inventory & Reconnaissance: Okay, unpacked, bathroom inspected (clean!), mentally preparing for the day. Google Maps… where to even begin?! The whole Garden of the Gods thing looks… intense. I’m a city person, I like my nature pre-paved and with a coffee shop nearby. Wish me luck.
15:00 - Garden of the Gods (Attempt 1): Holy mother of red rocks! This place is…well, it's amazing. Like, seriously. Instagram photos don't even begin to do it justice. I grabbed the brochure, expecting to leisurely stroll, maybe snap a few pics. Nope. This is hiking. Actual hiking. I am not a hiker. I'm a person who considers walking to the fridge a major exercise. I opted for the "easier" trail. I sweat. A lot. And I almost tripped over a rock. In my defense, it was a particularly treacherous rock. I swear it was judging me.
- Anecdote: I actually saw a couple making out on top of a rock. Like, on top of a giant, precarious rock. My first thought: "Good for them!" My second thought: "I hope they have good health insurance." Romantic, sure, but one wrong move and you're writing a 'how I met my demise' memoir.
17:00 - Quick Grocery Run & Pre-dinner Prep: OK, back at the hotel, absolutely shattered. Found a little grocery store, grabbed the essentials (water, snacks, wine – vital for recovery). The fridge at La Quinta is, as expected from such accommodations, about the same size as my shoebox, so I will just have to be innovative.
18:00 - Dinner: Attempt at Self-Catering So, I'm a disaster in the kitchen. I'm hoping for the best with the grocery run in the fridge. Maybe I should have just got delivery? No, I can do this! Let's see… microwave lasagna, a sad-looking apple, and a glass of wine. Perfect. Actually, not perfect, but I'm too tired to care.
19:00 – Evening/Wind Down: Watching TV, feeling all the aches in my body after the hike today. I'm not sure what's worse: the actual hike or my own stupidity in thinking I could handle it. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse, I think I've seen the schedule…
Day 2: The Manitou Springs Mystery and the Quest for a Decent Burger
08:00 - Wake Up, Groan, Evaluate: Yep, still alive. My muscles are screaming a protest. The walrus in the A/C is still at it. Coffee is essential. (And painkillers. Definitely painkillers.)
09:00 - Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast thing at La Quinta… well, it's complimentary. And it's… something. Questionable pastries, rubbery eggs, and lukewarm coffee. I will survive and eat.
10:00 - Manitou Springs & Pikes Peak (Attempt 1, Again): Okay, so the plan was to take the cog railway up Pikes Peak. Brilliant, right? Nope. Turns out, the tickets are like gold dust and sold out weeks in advance. (Note to self: do research before you arrive.) So, scrapped that plan. Instead, decided to explore Manitou Springs. It's this quirky little town with art galleries and shops. I'm really hoping for some nice architecture.
- Quirky observation: The whole town smells faintly of… mineral water? They have those natural mineral springs, right? I tried one. Tasted like someone had dropped a penny in a rusty bucket. Twice.
12:00 – Lunch (The Burger Quest Begins): I'm on a quest for a damn good burger. Reviews online are a minefield. Finally, I'm heading to a place called "The Broadmoor Burger Bar". Fingers crossed it's actually good (and not some pretentious, dry-as-dust burger). This better not be a bust, I need some comfort food!
- Emotional Reaction: Oh. My. God. That burger. It was… everything. Juicy, delicious, perfect. The fries were crispy. I may have shed a single tear of burger-joy. I could have eaten two, but I restrained myself. (Mostly.)
14:00 - Back to the Garden of the Gods (Attempt 2, Redemption Quest): I'm determined to conquer that damn red rock. I've got my hiking boots (bought them, in a moment of optimism, before the trip), water, and an emergency stash of chocolate. I got to the Garden of the Gods, still not ready to ascend, so I tried to take a different trail, further away from the main attractions. All I wanted was a quiet place for some solace. I found a cute little hill for a picnic, and while sitting, the sky opened up. The sudden downpour caught me off guard. I had to run for cover, but the beauty of it all was something to write home about. I'll admit, it was a moment.
17:00 - Prepping for Evening/Relaxing: Back at the hotel with my wet clothes and a whole new appreciation for waterproof mascara. I'm gonna need to recharge for tomorrow. I should plan tomorrow's adventures. I don't even want to think about it honestly.
19:00 - Dinner & Wallowing: Back to microwaved food? Maybe. Actually, I found some good food online, and thought I'd get it delivered. I will eat, and watch some good old TV.
Day 3: Abandonment, Departure, and a Burning Question
08:00 - Goodbye/Check Out: Alright, final day. Goodbye La Quinta, and goodbye, colorado springs! I will never see you again (hopefully)
09:00 - Abandoned Plans: I'm supposed to see this Air Force Academy thing. It just seems like a lot. I'm a little burnt out. I'm really just ready to go home and sleep in my own bed. So, I'm skipping it. (I'm a rebel!)
12:00 - Heading to the airport: Goodbye Colorado! It was… eventful.
14:00 - On Plane On the plane, going home. I'm exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and my legs are still protesting. But you know what? It was worth it. Okay, and the burger! I got to experience a whole new world and had the time of my life.
16:00 - Thinking about my own life: I'll probably come back here. I feel like… I did something, right?
16:30 - Arrivial home: Ahhh, sweet home. I should have more adventures.
Escape to Garden of the Gods: Your La Quinta Inn Awaits! (FAQ - Yeah, Right!)
So, *why* the La Quinta? Isn't that, like, budget-friendly?
Is the free breakfast *actually* worth getting up for? My internal debate is strong.
The description says "close proximity" to Garden of the Gods. How close are we talking? Because my legs are already screaming just *thinking* about hiking.
What's the vibe like at the La Quinta? Is it… family-friendly? Rowdy? Quiet enough to actually *sleep*?
Are there any hidden fees I need to be aware of? The fine print always gets me.
Okay, let's talk rooms. Are they actually clean? Because I have standards! (Kind of.)
My biggest fear, honestly: The Bed Bugs. How's it at the La Quinta for these buggers?
Okay, fine, let's say I survive the La Quinta AND the hike. What's nearby food-wise? I'm gonna be ravenous.
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