Springfield's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Springfield's "BEST Kept Secret"? Hold My Beer… and My Luggage: A La Quinta Review (With ALL the Feels)
Alright, people. Buckle up, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea on Springfield's La Quinta Inn & Suites. They call it a "Best Kept Secret." Frankly, after my recent stay… maybe they're right. And maybe, just maybe, that's a good thing. This isn't your sterile, corporate cookie-cutter hotel review. This is a raw, unfiltered, caffeine-fueled dive into the La Quinta experience.
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First Impressions & Accessibility: (Okay, this is important…)
Getting to La Quinta was… well, Springfielld. Easy enough drive. And the exterior? Classic roadside inn vibes. Not exactly the Bellagio, but clean-ish. Important note: Accessibility. They say they have it, and from what I saw, they do! Wheelchair accessible all over the place, from the lobby to the… the pool. (We'll get to that pool. Oh, we will.) Ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. Big plus for that. Even got the facilities for disabled guests checked off. Major kudos.
The Check-In Chaos (and Lack of a Doorman… Sigh.)
Okay, so the "express check-in/out" thing? Maybe… maybe that's what they aim for. My experience was more… a slow shuffle. No real Doorman around - I was on my own. Not a dealbreaker, but a little… lonely. The lovely receptionist helped out with the basics, but the contactless check-in/out? Well, the "contactless" part was more of an arm's-length interaction. But hey, at least there's 24-hour Front Desk - essential for those midnight ice cream runs (a personal requirement).
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and Occasional Drama)
Right, so the room. First, the good: Free Wi-Fi! And it actually worked! Wi-Fi [free] in all the rooms. HUGE win. And hey, they even got Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. (Anyone still using LAN? Kudos to you, you digital dinosaur!) The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after that epic Springfield heatwave. Also, Air conditioning in public area. And a desk! Very important, because, you know, work. There was a mirror too! You know, to admire myself in. Desk and Laptop workspace were awesome, I got some REAL work done there.
But… the window that opens? Barely. And the soundproofing? Let's just say I heard the "delights" of the parking lot at four in the morning. Maybe it's the Exterior corridor, or the sheer volume of… stuff happening. Non-smoking rooms are standard, but I swear I caught the ghost of a cigarette smell occasionally. Also, I was happy to see a Safe box in the room, it really adds to the comfort to know my things are safe.
The Blackout curtains were a godsend. Seriously. Saved my soul. The bed was comfy. Extra long bed! But not TOO comfy. The Bathroom was, well, a bathroom. Functional, in the way a washing machine is functional. The shower was adequate. Water pressure? Acceptable. And, bonus: they have a hair dryer, and a refrigerator. Very useful.
Oh, and let’s discuss the linens, which are ok - but the towels, were ok. The bathroom phone? Still hanging out there.
The Amenities: Pools, and "Pools"
Okay, the pool. This is where things get… interesting. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is, let's say, "enthusiastically maintained." It's not the Four Seasons. Let's be clear. But it's refreshing! And there is a pool with a view. The view of… the parking lot. But hey, at least you can sunbathe! I spent a LOT of time relaxing, I even thought of getting some body scrub or body wrap… But decided to walk to the pool.
I didn't see a Steamroom or Sauna, but hey, you can't have everything. And the Fitness center? I didn’t visit. I’m on vacation!
Food Glorious Food (or, The Breakfast Buffet Saga)
Now, the Breakfast [buffet]. This is crucial. I needed fuel. I needed… sustenance. The buffet situation? Let's be kind and say it was… enthusiastic. They have a Breakfast service. The Asian breakfast was there, as was the Western breakfast. There was Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the usual suspects of a standard hotel. Standard of the breakfast I mean.
Dining, drinking, and snacking I didn't try much else, some Desserts in restaurant, some Salad in restaurant - I wouldn't give it a Michelin star, but it filled a hole. I also saw a Snack bar around.
They also have a Room service [24-hour]. The Bar looked ok, I will def try that next time. There was no Poolside bar.
I didn't see any Vegetarian restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-Conscious Edition
Okay, let’s talk about the “new normal.” They’ve got the sanitizing thing down. Anti-viral cleaning products used – good. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. Hand sanitizer galore. Felt safe enough. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Attempted. People are people!
They had Individually-wrapped food options, a massive plus. The staff seemed to be following pretty strict protocols, the Staff trained in safety protocol. Good job La Quinta.
Services & Conveniences: The Fine Print
They have a few things, you know? Laundry service. Daily housekeeping. Luggage storage. Safe deposit boxes. Standard stuff. But I definitely noticed that there was no Doorman.
They also have a convenience store, which is super handy.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us!)
They have some family/child friendly options, and, surprisingly, a babysitting service. Might be good for some. I didn't check out the Kids facilities.
Getting Around:
They had Airport transfer, which I didn't try, and car park [free of charge], which was a HUGE plus. They also had some bicycle parking
The Verdict: Is La Quinta Springfield Worth It?
Look, La Quinta Springfield isn't perfect. It's got its quirks. It might make you question some design choices. The "Best Kept Secret" phrase is a bit of a stretch. But for the price? It delivers. Especially during the busy season when other hotels are trying to hit your wallet. Plus, there are no Pets allowed, so bonus if you are allergic.
Would I stay again? Probably. It’s clean, relatively safe, and in a good location. And hey, that free Wi-Fi is always a winner. Plus, maybe I'll try the pool again. Maybe I’ll try to find that secret La Quinta Spa. Maybe I’ll finally master the art of the perfect pancake at the breakfast buffet.
So yes, La Quinta Springfield… it’s a secret worth keeping… for now. Go forth and enjoy! Just don’t expect the Ritz. Expect… Springfield. And sometimes, that’s perfectly okay.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (with a slightly sarcastic smile).
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Okay, buckle up Buttercup! This isn't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is real travel, Springfield, Missouri style. And frankly, the "La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield South" is just the starting point, the launchpad for this glorious, messy adventure.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations Shattered (and Pizza Saved!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Springfield. Ugh. The drive from… well, let's just say "not Springfield" was brutal. Kids screaming, podcasts buffering, and the existential dread of "Are we there yet?" Finally, the glorious, beige-brick reality of the La Quinta materialized. It looked… like a La Quinta. You know, clean-ish, slightly generic lobby, the faint scent of chlorine and stale air freshener. My expectations, already low, were further lowered.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk person, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. Like, the end of the world. Or at least, a very long shift. She was friendly enough, though, and managed to get us a room (thank God!).
- 2:00 PM: Room inspection. Surprisingly decent! Clean enough, anyway. The faint hum of the AC unit was a comforting white noise. The kids immediately made themselves at home, flinging themselves onto the beds. Note to self: Invest in more robust bedspreads.
- 3:00 PM: Food emergency. Kids were starving. Google maps led us to a local pizza joint; "Mama Mia's". This was it, the salvation of a long day on the road. Except. They were, and I kid you not, closed for maintenance. My stomach sank. The kids' faces crumpled. I envisioned hangry children, the potential for total meltdown, and the inevitable breakdown of the peace. I considered driving into the next county.
- 3:30 PM: Pizza rescue! Found a Pizza Hut a few blocks away. (Forgive me, taste buds.) It was, as you'd expect, Pizza Hut. The kids attacked it like ravenous wolves. The crisis was averted. Crisis, averted.
- 5:00 PM: Pool time! It was surprisingly refreshing, even if the pool wasn't exactly Olympic-sized. The kids splashed and shrieked and generally acted like, well, kids. I mostly floated, grateful for the temporary silence.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the hotel, where we discovered a "free" breakfast in the morning! Maybe it's not so bad.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to watch a movie. Interrupted by incessant requests for snacks, bathroom breaks, and a sudden and intense fear of the dark. Finally, gave up and put the kids to bed.
- 9:00 PM: Stared at the ceiling. Wondered if I'd remembered to lock the car. Contemplated the meaning of life.
- 10:00 PM: Passed out.
Day 2: Wonders, Woes, and Wild Card Adventures
- 7:00 AM: Free Breakfast… oh boy. It was what it was, mostly things I wouldn't normally eat. But the mini-waffles were okay, and the coffee was hot… A small win.
- 8:00 AM: Headed out to Fantastic Caverns. Yes. A cavern. A cave! I hate caves. Claustrophobia is a real thing; I wasn't entirely looking forward to it. But the kids were excited, and I, of course, will do anything to stay in good graces.
- 9:00 AM: Arrived at Fantastic Caverns. They load you onto these old, open-sided trucks and drive you into the cave, which is pretty cool in a cheesy sort of way. The tour guide was actually quite delightful. She told us stories about how the cave was discovered. As we navigated the cavern, a few things were apparent. First, it was cold. Very cold. Second, the formations were gorgeous. Stalactites, stalagmites, the whole shebang.
- 10:00 AM: The kids: Loved. It. It was a whole different experience than I had envisioned. They were captivated, asking a hundred questions, and genuinely impressed. I will admit, by the time we got to the end, I was starting to enjoy it too. Caves are beautiful, and being below the surface is really an experience.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch: We were near downtown so we had to try it out. Found a cool little local diner, with an amazing burger.
- 1:00 PM: Shopping. Yes, after all the effort and time spent on the cave, the kids wanted to go clothes shopping. I nearly wept. This is not, I repeat, not how I envisioned spending my vacation. But, the kids got what they needed, and I finally get to wear my favorite pair of boots whenever I want!
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I needed a nap. The kids needed… well, more screen time, apparently.
- 5:00 PM: Found a local park with a good playground. Everyone had a blast!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at an unnamed local restaurant, which was… fine. Better than the Pizza Hut, though.
- 8:00 PM: Another failed movie attempt. More snacks. More bathroom breaks. More existential dread.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 3: Departure Day (and Reflections on the Mess)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Same as yesterday. Survived.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Said goodbye to the La Quinta.
- 8:30 AM: Started the drive home. The kids started whining within the first 10 minutes.
- 10:00 AM: Stopped at a gas station. Bought snacks. Bought coffee (for me).
- Afternoon onwards: The long, slow, steady journey home.
Okay, so the "itinerary" was pretty loose. There were tears, meltdowns, and moments where I seriously considered turning around and just going home. But… that's the beauty of it, right? It's messy. It's imperfect. It's real. And in the midst of all the chaos, there were real moments of connection, laughter, and a shared experience that we will never forget. Springfield, Missouri, you were weird, wonderful, and I'm glad we braved you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a vacation from my vacation. And maybe a long, hot bath… and maybe a new book.
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La Quinta Inn & Suites: Springfield's "Best Kept Secret" (Maybe?) - Our Dirty Little Secrets & Yours!
Okay, let's be real. When someone says "best kept secret," my brain immediately screams, "SCAM!" But, a friend, bless her cotton socks, kept raving about the La Quinta & Suites in Springfield. "Cozy," she'd purr, "like a warm hug from a slightly grumpy, but ultimately lovable, motel." So, I dove in. Here's what I *actually* learned, the good, the bad, and the slightly-stained-with-mystery-liquid:
1. Is La Quinta really *that* much better than other hotels in Springfield? (Spoiler: It's complicated...)
Look, "better" is subjective, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza. My friend SWEARS by it. She goes every year for the Route 66 festival and basically calls it her second home. For me though? It depends. I stayed at another place, which was... well, let's just say it involved a questionable smell and a TV that only showed the shopping channel. La Quinta IS cleaner, the breakfast area (more on THAT later) is actually a *pleasant* space, and the staff genuinely seemed to care if you'd had a good day. I'd say... it's a solid, reliable choice. Not a five-star resort. Not a total dive. Definitely *better* than the one with the questionable smell. But the "best"? Jury's still out for me. I'd rate it a strong 7 out of 10, with room for improvement in the coffee department.
2. The Breakfast: Savior or Slayer of Mornings?
Oh, the breakfast. The *glorious* breakfast. Here’s where La Quinta earns some serious points. It’s not the limp, sad continental breakfast of my childhood nightmares. They have waffles! ACTUAL waffles! And not just the sad, pre-made kind. You get to make them yourself! Now, listen, I am NOT a morning person. I'm practically a grumpy badger until I've had caffeine. But the siren song of freshly made waffles coaxed me out of bed every morning of my stay. There's also fruit, yogurt, cereal... the usual suspects, but they were fresh, and the area was well-stocked. The whole breakfast experience wasn't perfect, though. One day, the waffle batter was a bit… clumpy. Another day, the coffee was, shall we say, *optimistic* about its caffeine content. But overall? Breakfast is winning. Definitely a major perk.
3. What about the Rooms? Are they… clean? (This is a big one.)
Okay, breathe. Yes. They are clean. *Mostly*. Look, I'm not going to lie, I'm a germaphobe. I go straight for the Lysol wipes the second I walk in. My first impression? Good! The room was spacious and well-lit. The bed felt comfy. The bathroom was sparkling. But... and there’s always a *but*, right? The first night, there was a tiny, almost imperceptible, stain on the carpet near the window. Not a deal-breaker, but it did make me squint a little. Then, I saw a tiny hair in the corner of the shower. I think I shuddered. I’ve seen my share of… things in hotel bathrooms. But overall, it was definitely cleaner than I expected. And the A/C worked like a dream, which is crucial during a Missouri summer. I do recommend packing your own wipes, just in case. I mean, you can never be too careful. Especially when you're battling the travel fatigue and just want a clean space, and they deliver!
4. The Pool: Kid-Friendly Chaos or Peaceful Oasis?
I am not a pool person. If I wanted to be wet and slightly uncomfortable, I'd stand in the rain. However, I did pop my head in. The pool area *looked* nice. Clean towels, a decent-sized pool, and some lounge chairs. BUT, and this is a big but, there were a LOT of kids. Now, I love kids! Mostly. From afar... and with a noise-canceling headset. So, it was definitely more "kid-friendly chaos". I’m pretty sure I saw a water balloon fight erupt while I was peeking. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, maybe skip the pool. If you like high-energy fun with a side of splashing, go for it! Just bring earplugs.
5. Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient?
Ah, location. Springfield, Missouri, is a sprawling beast. La Quinta's location is... OK. It's not smack-dab in the middle of everything, but it's not a complete no-man's land either. Several chain restaurants and a few local joints are nearby. Easy access to the highway, which is good if you are planning day trips. You'll likely need a car to get around efficiently. I’d say it's a solid, middle-of-the-road location. Nothing spectacular, nothing awful. Just… functional.
6. The Staff: Are They Actually Nice? (Or Just Faking It?)
Okay, this is where La Quinta really shines. The staff were genuinely, consistently nice. The front desk people were friendly, helpful, and seemed to actually *care* that you were having a good stay. They gave recommendations for restaurants and attractions. I even saw them helping an elderly guest carry her bags. It wasn't just superficial pleasantries, either. It felt… authentic. This is a huge plus in my book. Dealing with genuinely kind people goes a long way, especially when you're tired from driving or flying, like I was. Seriously, the staff earns a gold star.
7. Is it Worth the Hype? The Final Verdict.
So, is La Quinta Inn & Suites Springfield a "best kept secret?" Well, maybe. It's a solid, reliable option. Definitely a step up from some of the… less-than-stellar places I've stayed. The breakfast and the friendly staff are major selling points. The rooms are clean enough (bring wipes!), and the location is convenient enough. It's not a luxury resort, but it's comfortable, clean, and reasonably priced. My friend's right, it really is a warm hug from a slightly grumpy motel - just avoid the pool. I'd recommend trying it if you're looking for a decent place to stay in Springfield. And hey, if the waffles are still good, you'll probably be happy. Then again, there is the possibility of a questionable hair in the shower, but, you know, everything has its flaws.
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