Hot Springs Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Hot Springs Getaway: La Quinta & The Quirks of Paradise (and a Maybe-Moldy Coffee Maker?)
Alright, let me tell you about this "Unbelievable Deals" getaway at La Quinta Inn & Suites. I went, I saw, I experienced. And honestly, it wasn't all roses and hot springs. But hey, where's the fun in perfection, right? This is my honest, unfiltered, and slightly-scatterbrained report. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility: The Good & The (Slightly) Less Good
Okay, first off, accessibility. This is important, and I'm happy to say La Quinta seemed to make an effort. They do advertise wheelchair accessibility, and I saw ramps and elevators. That's a HUGE plus. I didn't personally need those features, but it's reassuring to know they're there. The website mentioned facilities for disabled guests, which, again, good. Now, I didn't see any push-button doors (a small gripe, but it makes a difference), but overall? Thumbs up.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germs Be Gone (Mostly)
This is where things got interesting. La Quinta talks a BIG game about cleanliness. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," “Professional-grade sanitizing services” – they sound impressive. And I wanted to believe them. They did have hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff were (ostensibly) trained in safety protocols. I saw them wiping down tables, which was reassuring.
The Big Question: Did I Feel Safe?
Yes. And no. The rooms were supposedly sanitized between stays, but I’m going to be brutally honest – I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). I always carry my own wipes, and I did a quick wipe-down before touching anything. I even peeked under the bed just to be SURE. I felt a little paranoid at first, but honestly, the more I traveled, the better I felt.
The food, though… more on that later. Let's just say I was VERY happy with the "Individual-wrapped food options" at breakfast.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of… Ambivalence?
Breakfast, my friends. That was the crucial test. I love breakfast. And La Quinta boasts "Breakfast [buffet]." Now, a buffet during a global pandemic? Okay… Let’s go in. I remember the first day, tentatively approaching the buffet, tongs in hand, a little like a nervous astronaut. The food was…well, it was hotel buffet food. Standard fare. Eggs, sausage, pastries. Not exactly Michelin star material. The "buffet in restaurant" was a lot to do with your own cautiousness. On a positive note, there were “Individually-wrapped food options.” I took full advantage of those. That's a BIG deal.
I also grabbed a coffee. Now the coffee. Where do I even BEGIN? The coffee maker in my room…it looked a little…used. And I swear, I thought I saw something growing in the crevices. Maybe mold. It could have been, and maybe I am exaggerating. It was the first thing I tried to use, and it was my first bad experience of the trip. I tried to stay positive, but it did set a slightly nervous tone for the rest of my room experience.
On a brighter note, they did have a "Coffee shop". And the coffee there was drinkable!
Things To Do (Or Not Do): Relax, Rejuvenate, & Maybe Hide From the World?
Okay, so the "Hot Springs Getaway" was supposed to be the highlight. This is where I should be bursting with excitement, right? Well… it was…nice. They had a "Swimming pool [outdoor]," which was a small thing to relax beside, and I did take advantage of that a few times.
The gym was… a gym. I have no need for such things.
My honest opinion on the Spa:
There was a spa. I peered in. It looked…calm. Too calm, for me. My idea of relaxation involves copious amounts of reality television and a questionable snack, so I sadly did not take advantage of the “Spa”. The fact that they offered "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" and "Massage" did sound nice, though… I mean, who wouldn’t want a massage? But I'm too chickensh*t, so I didn't book a session.
Rooms That Are (Mostly) Rooms
The “Available in all rooms” list is comprehensive - 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.
Okay, so the room itself? Pretty standard. “Air conditioning” worked well, thank goodness. “Blackout curtains” were a lifesaver (I like to sleep in). The “Coffee/tea maker”, as mentioned, had me a bit suspicious, but it did have a complimentary tea. The “Free bottled water” was a nice touch. I enjoyed the “Internet access – wireless”.
Services & Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
The “Services and conveniences” were pretty standard. "Daily housekeeping" (when you want it), luggage storage, "Concierge" if you wanted one, and “Laundry service”. Basically, everything you'd expect. The "CCTV in common areas" and "security" made me feel pretty safe.
For the Kids: I'm a Kid at Heart, So I'll Say…
"Family/child friendly" – well, it looked it. I didn't see any screaming toddlers, but I'm assuming the kids would be fine there.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Unless You Hate Parking)
“Car park [free of charge]” YES! HUGE plus! I hate paying for parking. They also had "Taxi service".
In Summary: A Mixed Bag, But Definitely a "Getaway"
So, La Quinta Inn & Suites? Not perfect. But you know what? Life isn't perfect. The cleanliness was a bit of a worry, and the coffee maker situation was… unforgettable. But the staff were friendly, the rooms were comfortable, and the hot springs… well, they were a nice escape. It wasn’t a five-star experience, and I was a bit let down by the quality of food.
Would I go back? Maybe. If the price was right and they promised to replace that coffee maker. I'd definitely bring my own wipes, and I'd probably avoid the buffet. But for a quick "getaway," it’s definitely a viable option. Just remember, a little bit of skepticism can go a long way, especially when it comes to hotel coffee machines!
Escape to Six Flags: Your Days Inn Castaic Adventure Awaits!
Alright, here we GO. My La Quinta in Hot Springs, Arkansas itinerary. Buckle up, buttercups, because this might get a little… well, me.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Awkward Poolside Encounters
- Time: 2:00 PM (ish) - Arrival. Let's be honest, getting here was a saga. Traffic on I-30 was, and I quote, "a parking lot." I swear, every single RV in Texas decided to head to Arkansas the same day I did. Already considering renaming my trip to "The Great RV Obstacle Course."
- Event: Check-in. The lobby? Clean enough. The lady at the desk? bless her heart, she looked about as enthused as I felt about unpacking. Gave me a room key and pointed me toward the elevator. The air conditioning was a bit too aggressive – instant goosebumps. Is that a sign? Oh God, is this a sign of things to come? I am, despite my best efforts, a worrier.
- Time: 3:00 PM - The Room. Okay, it’s… standard. Two queen beds, a slightly suspect view of the parking lot, and a TV the size of a postage stamp. (But hey, at least it has a fridge! Necessary for storing my precious bottled water and emergency snacks.)
- Event: The Pool! I was so excited for the pool, and I was not disappointed (mostly). Well, I WAS disappointed when I realized my bathing suit bottoms had apparently become one with my washing machine. So, I had to make an emergency purchase at the gas station across the street. Never thought I'd rock a flamingo-print swimsuit. But here we are! The pool itself was decent, though the shrieking of the kids was almost enough to send me running back to the air-conditioned safety of my room. Made awkward small talk with a couple who looked like they'd been married since the dawn of time (they were VERY tan), and then, in my haste to escape, I nearly tripped over a rogue pool noodle. Mortifying. My dignity, it's a fragile thing.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner. Pizza! From the "fastest pizza delivery" place. (Insert side eye). But honestly, after the day I've had, pizza slices were exactly what I needed. Ate while watching a terrible action movie on that tiny TV, and by the end, I was surprisingly content. Needed to get some good sleep to continue enjoying Hot Springs.
Day 2: Bathhouses, Regrets, and a Whole Lot of Water
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast. The La Quinta free breakfast! Generally, I'm a fan of hotel breakfast. The waffles are usually amazing. However, the waffle maker was broken. Cue internal scream. Settled for (slightly stale) coffee, a mediocre muffin, and an unhealthy dose of disappointment.
- Event: Hot Springs National Park! Okay, this is what the trip is about. Spent the morning exploring Bathhouse Row. The architecture is gorgeous, and the history is fascinating. Did a self-guided tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse - which was a bit of a sensory overload, in a good way, the vintage everything had me imagining the people coming through Hot Springs back in the day. It's so much different.
- Event: Okay, here's where things got messy. Decided to actually try the thermal water experience. I went to Quapaw Baths & Spa. Sounds heavenly, right? And it was, momentarily. The pools were different temperatures, ranging from "slightly warm" to "literal inferno." I jumped in the hottest one first. Big mistake. Nearly boiled myself alive. Had to do a quick rescue, and hopped into the cooler pool - nearly froze myself to death. After that, I kind of just floated moodily in the pool. I'm pretty sure I heard someone gossiping about me in the locker room. Did the "massages" help? I don't think I could tell. All I remember is water, water everywhere.
- Time: 3:00 PM - Trying to process. After the thermal bath incident, I retreated to my room. I needed to just, I don't know, exist. The water had me totally tired. Thought about the past, what, why, and how.
- Event: Strolling through the shops. Bought a "Keep Hot Springs Weird" t-shirt. Of course - you know there's a story there. I thought I was cool. Guess not.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner – found a local dive bar. The food was surprisingly good (burger, fries, the usual!), and the beer was cold - an absolute necessity after the day's water-related shenanigans. The bar itself had seen better days… but it was the perfect vibe after a day of being totally out of my depth.
Day 3: Goodbye (and a hint of optimism, maybe?)
- Time: 9:00 AM - Breakfast. Back to La Quinta breakfast. This time, the waffle maker was working! See, maybe things ARE turning around! Made myself two perfect waffles and savored every bite. Small victories, people, small victories.
- Event: Checking Out! The lady at the front desk was different today. Maybe she had a good night's sleep too. She smiled, said, "Have a nice day," and it almost felt genuine. Almost.
- Event: Departed. It was a messy trip. A lot of things went wrong, but here I am. Ready for more!
Final Thoughts:
La Quinta in Hot Springs? It's no five-star resort, but it was my home base. There were ups and downs, there was water, there was pizza, there was me being a hot mess. But that's life, isn't it? And maybe, just maybe, that's the whole point of travel. To get out there, make a fool of yourself, and discover that you're still here. And next time, I'm bringing two bathing suits. Because, lessons learned, people. Lessons learned.
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The Hot Springs Themselves – What's the Vibe? (Are We Talking Natural Bliss or Tourist Trap Hell?)
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