Escape to North Platte: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to North Platte: La Quinta Inn & Suites – My Honest (& Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just wrestled my weary soul away from… well, let's just say life… and landed myself smack-dab in North Platte, Nebraska. And, more specifically, at La Quinta Inn & Suites. I needed a break, a reboot, something… anything that wasn't my overflowing in-tray. So, with low expectations and a frankly embarrassing amount of luggage, I checked in. Here's the lowdown, from someone who values a good nap (and a decent cup of coffee) above all else.
SEO & Metadata:
- Keywords: La Quinta Inn & Suites North Platte, hotel review, accessibility, free Wi-Fi, North Platte hotels, spa, swimming pool, breakfast, pet-friendly hotels, clean hotel, business travel, family travel, Nebraska travel, value hotel.
- Meta Description: Honest review of La Quinta Inn & Suites in North Platte, NE. Discover if this hotel is your perfect escape! Includes details on accessibility, amenities like Wi-Fi, pool, breakfast, and more.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "Can I Even Get In Here?")
Truth be told, I'd barely dragged myself out of the car before I noticed the ample parking. Excellent. Then I spotted the Elevator. My knees were already whispering sweet nothings about a full body scrub post-travel, so this was a huge win. Seriously, sometimes accessibility feels like an after-thought. Not here. It felt genuinely considered. There are definitely Facilities for disabled guests, and I saw no major hurdles for anyone needing a little extra help. The whole place felt… open. And considering the state of my brain at that moment, that was a huge plus. I'm gonna add, the Exterior corridor makes lugging the luggage a breeze, which is ideal for a weary traveler like myself.
Rooms & Creature Comforts (aka, "My Sanctuary…Maybe?")
Okay, let's talk room. I snagged one with, you guessed it, Air conditioning. Hallelujah. It was a comfortable space. Non-smoking rooms are a must for me – my lungs have suffered enough, thank you very much. I appreciated the small details: Hair dryer, Ironing facilities (because wrinkles… ugh), and a surprisingly decent Coffee/tea maker. There was even a Refrigerator, which, after a long drive, is practically a godsend. I actually made myself a proper cup of coffee with the supplied stuff, which made my whole day a million times better.
The Internet access – wireless was fast. I could actually work (which, yeah, is what I'm supposed to be doing). A Laptop workspace was the icing on the cake. Seriously, people who hotel rooms that are not conducive to working, should be ashamed of yourselves.
I peeked at the Mirror. Did I look as frazzled as I felt? Probably. But hey, Toiletries were supplied, and the Shower was hot. That's a win in my books. My room had a Sofa too, which in my humble opinion, is a must have.
Cleanliness & Safety (or, "Are They Trying to Kill Me With Germs?!")
Right, in these COVID-addled times, cleanliness weighs heavily on my mind. I noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas and made a mental note. My room felt clean, and I was pleased to see Hand sanitizer readily available. They even have Anti-viral cleaning products and Room sanitization opt-out available, which, let's be honest, gives a guest some peace of mind. The staff seemed to be following Staff trained in safety protocol. All of this made me feel much calmer.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, "Where's the Food?")
The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was breakfast. You know, the usual suspects: cereal, pastries, some suspiciously rubbery eggs. But hey, Breakfast service and a Coffee shop are hard to knock in the middle of Nebraska. If I am being honest, the coffee was terrible, but the thought of avoiding the gas station at 6 am was enough for me. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was the only good thing to come out of the coffee situation. I didn’t try any of the other food, but the Snack bar was really tempting.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (or, "Is There More Than Corn?")
Look, this is North Platte. Don't expect a Vegas-style extravaganza. But La Quinta has a Swimming pool [outdoor], and the view from the pool wasn't bad. I'm serious, sometimes a simple dip is all your aching soul needs. I didn’t explore the Fitness center, but it looked decent enough.
Services and Conveniences (or, "Can Someone Get Me a Drink, Please?")
The Front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver. I rolled in late, exhausted, and they were friendly and efficient. Always a plus. The Luggage storage was also great. Food delivery is available, which is perfect if you are on the work grind like me. Doorman as well, to help with luggage is perfect if you are like me.
Also, the Express Check-in/out option is superb. Let’s be real, the speed of this is crucial. I also saw the Cashless payment service, which I appreciate.
The Upsides (and the Quirks!)
Okay, overall, La Quinta delivered. It wasn’t a luxury resort, but it was clean, convenient, and decently priced. It's a reliable, functional, perfectly acceptable base camp for exploring North Platte (and maybe escaping your own personal chaos for a few days).
Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
The decor? A little… beige. But hey, I wasn't there for interior design awards. I wish there was a better coffee, but I can't complain.
Final Verdict (or, "Would I Stay Again?")
Absolutely. For the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the general not-a-headache-inducing-ness of the place, La Quinta Inn & Suites in North Platte gets a solid thumbs up from me. It's not going to rock your world, but it'll do what it needs to do: provide a comfortable, safe, and clean place to rest your weary head after a long day of… whatever it is you do. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Highly recommended.
Escape to D.C.: Your Dream Gaithersburg Suite Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't gonna be your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is… me, in a La Quinta in North Platte, Nebraska. Prepare for the glorious mess.
The "Lost and Found in Nebraska" Itinerary: A La Quinta Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and "Existential Motel Blues"
2:00 PM – Check-in at La Quinta North Platte (North). Okay, first impressions… the lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and… success? Like, they've managed to keep the carpets from completely absorbing the spills of a thousand weary travelers. Decent. The front desk guy, bless his heart, looks like he's seen things. Probably. I'm instantly regretting not checking if there's a continental breakfast. I NEED carbs to handle this level of motel existentialism.
2:30 PM – Room Inspection (and Panic). Yep, the classic La Quinta experience. Bedspread that's seen better decades. The TV that’s probably been around since the invention of the internet (and works, surprisingly!). The air conditioner that sounds like a dying walrus. Okay, deep breaths. Everything is… functional. I unpack, staring at the view – a parking lot and a vast, featureless expanse of… well, Nebraska. Suddenly, I'm hit with a wave of "what am I even doing with my life?" It's the motel room blues, I swear. Send help (and maybe a pizza).
3:30 PM – The Hunt for Coffee (and Hope). The in-room coffee machine is… well, it's an appliance. I make a cup. It tastes of… sadness. Time to venture out in search of REAL coffee. I'm thinking somewhere with a decent latte and maybe a pastry that doesn't taste like it was microwaved in the Cretaceous period. Local recommendation? Apparently, a place called "Coffee Corner," which is… promising! I go. And it's not bad! The pastry is actually fresh!
4:30 PM – Attempting Culture (and Failing Gracefully). I'm aiming for the Prairie Arts Center, because, you know, culture. But first, a wrong turn, getting distracted by a pickup truck with a bumper sticker that reads "My other car is a tractor." Decide to just embrace the vibe. Arrive at the arts center a bit frazzled and get a tour, which is great, but also a little too slow for my short attention span. I manage to enjoy it though.
7:00 PM – Dinner: Pizza and Regret. I'm tired. Pizza it is. Find a local place called "Sam and Louie's" that had good review. I order pepperoni. The pizza is… a pizza. Not bad, not spectacular. Eat it slowly, contemplating the meaning of life and the questionable nutritional value of processed cheese.
8:30 PM – TV and Existential Dread, Part Deux. Back in the room. TV time. Channel surfing. Land on a nature documentary about the mating rituals of… something. Decide that reality is bleak enough without watching animals engage in acts of procreation. Netflix it is.
9:30 PM – Bedtime (or the beginning of the next existential crisis). Stare at the ceiling. Think about… everything. Can't sleep. Curse the walrus-like air conditioner.
Day 2: Embracing the Roadside Weirdness (and the Occasional Meltdown)
7:00 AM – Continental Breakfast – or the Lack Thereof. Remember that concern about no continental breakfast? Yeah, well. My stomach growls. Coffee is okay, the stale muffins are… not okay. Scrounge for a granola bar in my bag. Survival mode: activated.
8:00 AM – The "Golden Spike Tower" Fiasco. Okay, I'm supposed to be a responsible traveler, right? So, the Golden Spike Tower, on the spot where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met? Must-see. I get there, get there, only to realize I'm incredibly afraid of heights once I get up the elevator. I get through it though. Cool views - kinda.
11:00 AM – The Ode to the Pony Express Station. Historical stuff. The Pony Express - a big deal around here. I visit the location. It's just a spot which is not as interesting as it could have been, I give up on cultural enrichment for today.
12:00 PM – Lunch: Fast Food and a Self-Assessment. Drive around. Fast food it is. Embrace the grease. Decide I need to be kinder to myself. This whole travel thing? Harder than it looks.
1:00 PM – The North Platte River Experience (and Unexpected Delight). Okay, I wasn't expecting much. A river. But the North Platte River? Actually pretty! Find a nice spot on the riverbank, spend an hour just watching the water. It’s… peaceful. For a few minutes, I almost forget the existential dread. Almost.
3:00 PM – The "I Need a Nap" Breakdown. Exhausted. Go back to La Quinta. Collapse on the bed. Sleep. Deep, glorious sleep.
5:00 PM – Dinner: The Steakhouse Gamble I feel like I should try Nebraska steak. Find a local steakhouse ("Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill"). Overwhelmed with the menu. Order the… a steak. It's… okay. Definitely not the best steak of my life. But the friendly waitress is great.
7:00 PM – Evening Entertainment – Channel Surfing. The walrus in the AC unit is still going strong. Watch some bad TV. Consider ordering a pizza. But no. I resisted. I am getting better…
9:00 PM – Attempt to Sleep (Again). Stare at the ceiling. This time, the existential dread is less intense, but the walrus… ugh.
Day 3: Leaving North Platte (and Maybe, Just Maybe, Finding Some Peace)
7:00 AM – The Last Breakfast (of Regret). Same sad continental breakfast. This time, I eat it with grim determination.
8:00 AM – Checkout and Farewell. A final glance at the parking lot. A final goodbye to the chlorine smell. The front desk guy gives me a sympathetic nod. I understand.
8:30 AM – The Road Trip Out. Goodbye, North Platte. Thanks for the… experience.
Ongoing – The Aftermath: The memories of a La Quinta, the good, the bad, and the supremely mediocre. I'll probably need therapy, but hey, at least I survived. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be a little more appreciative of my own bed when I get home.
So, is this La Quinta actually... decent? Because "North Platte" doesn't exactly scream "luxury getaway," you know?
Okay, real talk, North Platte isn't the French Riviera. Let's just put that out there. But the La Quinta? Surprisingly, yeah, it's... *good*. Like, I checked in expecting the usual motel experience – questionable stains, a faint smell of chlorine, the works. Instead? Clean. Genuinely clean. And look, I'm no germaphobe, but I appreciate a room that doesn't make me want to sleep in my car. The beds? Comfy. Seriously. I actually slept *through* the alarm one morning. Big win. This coming from a guy who generally regards hotel beds with the same enthusiasm as a root canal.
Pro-Tip: Don't expect a Michelin-starred restaurant down the hall (though, bless their souls, they *do* have a decent breakfast...), but you're not going to contract some weird hotel-born plague either. Small victories, people, small victories.
The free breakfast... is it worth the hassle of getting out of bed early? I'm not a morning person. AT ALL.
Okay, here's the truth. The free breakfast at the La Quinta is... well, it's free breakfast. Don't expect gourmet waffles shaped like tiny race cars. But! They have waffles. And those little packets of syrup that always makes me feel like a kid again. There's oatmeal. Eggs (sometimes... *questionable* eggs, but hey, they try). Cereal. Coffee that's not *awful*.
Here's the key: Manage your expectations. If you're expecting a culinary masterpiece, you'll be disappointed. If you're expecting something to shove in your face to stave off the morning monster, then you're golden. Me? I'm a waffle guy. Every. Single. Time. I might've burned a few batches. Don't judge me. Morning is *hard*.
What about the pool? Is it a refreshing oasis, or a chlorinated swamp?
Ah, the pool. The eternal hotel question. Okay, okay, I'll give it to you straight: the pool at the La Quinta is... functional. Let's go with functional. It wasn't exactly the turquoise paradise you see in those glossy brochures, but it was clean, the water wasn't suspiciously green (always a good sign!), and it was nice to soak in after a long day of... well, whatever you're doing in North Platte. I suspect a lot of people are just passing through, but hey, you deserve a dip.
My pool story: I was there with my family, and my youngest decided to demonstrate his impressive (and often questionable) cannonball technique. He made such a splash that a lady with a cocktail almost lost it. Now, *that* was entertaining. I'm not saying I encouraged it... but I didn't discourage it either. Let’s just say, it was a memorable afternoon.
Is it pet-friendly? Because my fluffy, anxiety-ridden poodle is never leaving my side. And she sheds *everywhere*.
Yes! Bless them, the La Quinta *is* pet-friendly. Which is a HUGE relief for those, like me, who can't bear to leave their furry overlords behind. Now, I didn't bring a poodle, but I did see a couple of adorable golden retrievers, a grumpy looking cat, and a chihuahua who seemed to think he owned the place (he probably did, honestly). The biggest problem? The shedding. Oh, the shedding! I felt bad for the cleaning staff... (seriously, give ‘em a good tip!)
Pet Peeve Alert: Please, for the love of all that is holy, clean up after your pets! It’s just common decency. And maybe bring a lint roller. A REALLY good one. Trust me.
What's the parking situation like? Will I be circling the block like a vulture, fighting for a spot?
The parking? Surprisingly, it's not a free-for-all. There's actually a decent amount of parking, which is a major win in my book. No circling the block like a lost puppy, which is a relief after a long day of driving. I've stayed there a few times, and never had any issue.
The Random Parking Observation: I did notice a guy, one night, meticulously covering his vintage Mustang with what looked like a tarp big enough to cover a small house. I mean, I get it. Protect your baby. But that felt like a bit much. Unless, you know, there's a tornado threat. I'm probably missing something. North Platte, you are full of surprises.
Anything *really* bad I should know about before booking? Spill the tea!
Look, nothing's perfect. There were a few minor imperfections. The elevators were a tad slow sometimes. The WiFi, while generally acceptable, occasionally threw a digital temper tantrum. And, well... the air conditioning in my room, on one particular occasion, decided to take a vacation right in the middle of the night. Woke up sweating like a sinner in church. Not ideal.
My Advice?: Complain IMMEDIATELY. The staff were generally attentive and quick to resolve issues. They moved me to a new room, cranked the AC, and all was right with the world (well, a North Platte world, at least). Don’t suffer silently. You're paying for a clean room, a comfortable bed, and hopefully a functioning air conditioner. (And, you know, maybe a decent waffle.)
Overall, would you recommend it? Be honest! Don’t sugarcoat it!
Okay, so, would I recommend the La Quinta in North Platte? Yeah, I absolutely would. Seriously. Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton, but it's clean, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive. The staff were friendly and helpful. The things that mattered, like a clean bed and a functioning shower, worked. And, crucial for me, they didn't judge my waffle consumption. (They may have *secretly* judged it, but they didn't *say* anything.)
Final Thought: It's a good option, plain and simple. If I'm ever in North Platte again (and let's be honest, who knows?), I'd definitely stay there. Just... maybe pack an extra lint roller.
Post a Comment for "Escape to North Platte: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!"