Escape to New Orleans: Luxurious Airport Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to New Orleans: La Quinta Inn & Suites - Airport Edition! (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review that’s less polished travel brochure and more "guy-who-just-survived-a-delayed-flight-and-needs-a-nap". We're talking about the La Quinta Inn & Suites near the New Orleans airport. And let me tell you, after the travel debacles I’ve seen, a clean bed and a functioning shower are practically a religious experience.
The Setup (or, Why Am I Here?)
So, here's the deal. I’m not exactly thrilled to be reviewing an airport hotel. Airport hotels scream “forced stopover," "emergency layover," or, in my case, "flight got canceled and now I’m stranded with a screaming toddler and a suitcase full of questionable snacks." But hey, gotta make the best of it, right? And for what it is, this La Quinta delivered a surprisingly decent stay.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Holy Grail in the Age of Germs.
This section gets a HUGE high-five. Look, I'm no germaphobe, but even I was impressed. The Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly getting a workout. I'm talking serious gleaming surfaces. And the commitment to cleanliness? Top notch. They weren’t just saying they were sanitizing; you could feel it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE? Praise be! They even had individually-wrapped food options which, let's be honest, is a small detail but really ups the "peace of mind" factor. The Staff trained in safety protocol was a noticeable fact. You could see it in their interactions. They were not only friendly but they were genuinely concerned. And it wasn’t just for show; it felt like they actually cared.
Accessibility: Because Everyone Deserves a Good Stay.
Now, I didn’t personally need any specialized accommodations, but I did take a peek. Facilities for disabled guests were definitely present, including elevators, and the general layout seemed incredibly accessible. I feel like this category is often overlooked, but here, it seemed well thought out. Bravo!
The Room: My Temporary Fortress.
My room was… well, it was a room. Functional. Clean. Air-conditioned (thank GOD). The air conditioning was a lifesaver. After the heat and humidity of the tarmac, it was a welcome embrace. Found myself really appreciating the blackout curtains, which blocked out the harsh airport lighting, letting me get some much-needed sleep. It had the basics: a comfortable bed, a desk (for pretending to work, of course), and a coffee/tea maker (essential for surviving early mornings). The Wi-Fi [free] was easy to access and surprisingly fast. I even found myself really enjoying the extra long bed. Like, really enjoying it. It's the little things, you know?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Journey.
Okay, so, airport hotels aren't exactly known for their Michelin-star dining experiences. BUT, La Quinta actually had a few decent options. They offered Breakfast [buffet] which, honestly, was pretty standard but perfectly passable. They had the usual suspects: eggs, toast, the questionable breakfast sausage everyone secretly loves. I may have even snuck a second helping. Coffee/tea in restaurant was essential, of course. There was also something called a poolside bar! I didn't check it out, but the idea of one in an airport hotel is a bit… surreal. But hey, if you're into that, go for it. I'm more of a "room service and Netflix" kind of guy.
Things to Do (or, How to Kill Time Before Your Flight).
Let's be real. This isn’t exactly a destination spa resort. There definitely wasn't much in the form of things to do. BUT, they did have a Fitness center. I didn't go, because, well, I'd rather eat questionable breakfast sausage, but I saw one. It looked…adequate. Internet access was easy to access and worked quickly.
Services and Conveniences: The Hidden Perks.
This is where La Quinta actually surprised me. They offered a surprising number of small conveniences that made the stay a lot smoother. Room service [24-hour] saved my bacon (literally, probably). Daily housekeeping was spotless. The concierge was incredibly friendly and helpful. Contactless check-in/out was appreciated. Also I found there was a car park [free of charge] and the front desk was available 24-hours.
A Moment of Honesty: The Imperfections.
Look, it's not all sunshine and roses. It's an airport hotel. There was a bit of noise from the planes, and for a second I was almost convinced that there werent soundproof rooms but there were. And while the Wi-Fi was good, the Internet [LAN] option felt a little… last century. Plus, I suspect the food delivery options were limited, though I didn’t venture out to confirm. These are all minor quibbles, though.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
Honestly? Yeah. If I was stuck at the New Orleans airport again, and looking for a clean, comfortable, convenient place to crash, I would definitely consider La Quinta Inn & Suites. They get major points for cleanliness, accessibility, and generally making a stressful situation a little less awful. It's not a luxury resort, but it's a solid choice for a weary traveler. This place will easily give you safe dining setup. This review is based off of my own experience. And if you're reading this, and you're also stuck at the airport? Happy travels!
Escape to Stoughton, WI: Your Perfect Days Inn Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Airport Kenner (LA). We're living it. And trust me, with me in charge, it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess.
The La Quinta Lament & Louisiana Lunacy: A Whirlwind Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and Airport Anxiety (Oh God, the Airport)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Deep breath. Okay, remember the mantra: "Airports are temporary. This too shall pass." Which is easy to say when you're not the one wrestling a suitcase that seems to be actively fighting for its freedom.
- 1:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Pray to the gods of car rentals that the line isn't longer than the Nile. Last time, I swear I saw a family age a decade in Hertz's purgatory.
- 2:30 PM: Finally escape the clutches of the airport. Head to the La Quinta. Navigation is a suggestion at this point. Pray for a straight shot on the highway.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at La Quinta. Oh, the sweet, sweet relief. Hopefully, the room isn't next to the ice machine. Heard stories there.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack, assess the damage (both to my luggage and my sanity), and flop on the bed. Seriously, I'm going to live in this bed for at least an hour. This is known as the "decompression" phase. Mandatory.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm thinking something low-key. Maybe that little diner I read about near the hotel. Fingers crossed it's not a greasy spoon where the only option is heart attack on a bun. Also, note to self: pack a few Tums.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Evening exploration if I feel up to it. Maybe a quick drive around Kenner. Or maybe I stay put and watch some awful late-night TV. The allure of being a couch potato is strong, ya know?
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Wind down, read, and maybe try to plan the next day, though let's be honest, that's a fool's errand.
Day 2: Diving Deep (or maybe just dipping a toe) in New Orleans
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Start the day with La Quinta’s complimentary breakfast that will either be amazing or I'll need all the Tums.
- 8:30 AM: Drive into New Orleans. The actual New Orleans. The one with the magic and the music.
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: French Quarter Frenzy: Oh man, the French Quarter! I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing, but I'm doing it.
- The Plan: Seriously, this is the vaguest plan ever: wander around, absorb the atmosphere. People-watch. Take a photograph. Maybe pop into a small art gallery or a quirky shop.
- The Twist: I’m on the lookout for street performers and if I hear live jazz music, I'm going to follow it. That is a non-negotiable. Also, I am definitely falling for a cheap souvenir. I’m talking a t-shirt with a questionable slogan or a blinking plastic something-or-other.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Okay, I'm gonna be honest, this is where I'm the most excited, and also the most anxious. The crowds! The noise! The potential for sensory overload! But I'm going to embrace it. I'm going to be a sweaty, happy tourist.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. Oh, The Food.
- The Mission: Find a local place, not a chain. Gumbo? Jambalaya? Po'boy? I'm willing to try anything at least once, and maybe twice if it’s delicious.
- The Big Question: Where do I find authentic local food? I will, like the tourist I am, ask the hotel staff for recommendations. Trust their knowledge, and their instincts.
- Emotional State: Hungry. Very, very hungry.
- 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore. Whatever the hell that means?
- The Choice: Maybe a walking tour? A swamp tour feels incredibly touristy, but I can see myself doing it.
- The Reality: Probably get lost. I’m directionally challenged. End up somewhere weird and wonderful.
- Overthinking: Am I really touristy?
- Self-discovery: I embrace it! I love food! I love culture! I will be a tourist!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel to try and relax. This is what’s known as the “debrief” because the French Quarter can be a lot.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: I will decide if I'm feeling brave enough to try venturing out again.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Kenner Kraziness and Departure Dread
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast, hopefully with more success than yesterday.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Maybe a visit to the Kenner City Park. It's close, and even a small dose of nature could be a good thing before heading out. Also, look for gators.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping, because, let's be honest, I forgot to buy anything.
- 12:00 PM: Departure: Time to face my demons. The airport. The rental car return. The security lines. The whole shebang. Just remind myself about that mantra: " Air travel is temporary."
Messy, Imperfect, and Absolutely Me!
This itinerary isn't perfect. It's not going to be the picture-perfect trip you see on Instagram. There will be delays, wrong turns, and moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. Because those imperfections? They're what make for the best stories. They're what make a trip real.
So, here's to Louisiana, laughter, and a whole lot of unexpected adventures! May your own travel experiences be just as wonderfully messy.
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Escape to NOLA – La Quinta & Surviving the Airport: A Messy FAQ
Okay, Seriously, Is This 'Luxurious' La Quinta Real? I've Seen Some Things...
Alright, let's be real. "Luxurious" and "La Quinta" in the same sentence used to make me snort. My expectations? Low. Like, strategically placed luggage low. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, this one at the New Orleans airport actually surprised me. They've clearly done a recent glow-up. The lobby wasn't a depressing beige cavern of questionable carpet (phew!), but actually... kinda stylish? Like, if a hotel could wear a fedora and a jazz shirt, this one would. It's not the Ritz, people. Let’s be clear. But for an airport hotel, especially after a hellish travel day? *Chef's kiss* Surprising. Surprisingly good. Don't go expecting a Michelin star…expect a comfy bed and a *usable* coffee machine. That's the real luxury after a delayed flight.
The Free Breakfast. Dish the Dirt. Is it Bagels and Regret?
The breakfast situation… okay. It's not *bad*. Look, I'm a breakfast snob. I *judge.* And I've seen some… things. Here, though? It's alright. They're serving the usual suspects: the pre-packaged muffins (always a gamble - some are rock hard, some are depressingly squishy), the (occasionally) decent scrambled eggs, the (often) rubbery sausage. The waffle maker is the star of the show, though. And the juice machine? I suspect it’s actually just water with a *hint* of orange (kidding… maybe). The coffee is… well, it's coffee. It'll get you going. Honestly, after the sheer *ordeal* of getting through security, I was just grateful to be upright and have something vaguely edible. My advice? Lower your expectations, grab a waffle, and call it a win. Especially if you had a particularly awful flight delay, anything edible is a win.
Okay, But What About the Pool and/or Gym? Do They Exist? And Are They Cleanish?
Oh, the amenities game. Yes, there's *a* pool. I'm not a pool person, per se. But it looked… refreshing. I peeped through the glass one time and some people *were* actually enjoying it. The gym? Yep, it exists too. Again, I am not a gym goer by any stretch of the imagination. I'm more the "walk approximately zero steps, and eat all the snacks in the room" type of traveler. But it had treadmills and weights and stuff. I'm *pretty* sure it was clean. I'm also *pretty* sure I saw nobody in it, which is kinda my ideal gym scenario. So, yay for amenities, even if I barely use them!
The Noise… I'm a Light Sleeper. Should I Bring Earplugs *AND* a White Noise Machine?
Okay, noise. This is a *crucial* question for anyone who values sleep, which is basically everyone after a flight. It's an airport hotel, so, y'know, planes. Duh. But the soundproofing at this La Quinta is actually pretty decent. I had a room facing the…ish. I could still hear a faint hum, like a low, persistent bee trying to get in, but it wasn't a full-blown jet engine in my ear. My advice? Earplugs are probably a good idea, just in case. A white noise machine? Depends on how sensitive you are. I’m a light sleeper, and I usually use my phone (the ‘rain’ setting always saves me). You’re not in a soundproof vault, but it's better than some other airport hotels I've endured. Embrace the faint hum - it's the sound of freedom *and* a (relatively) good night's sleep.
The Shuttle! Tell Me About the Airport Shuttle. Is it Reliable (and Does it Stink)?
The shuttle. Ah, the shuttle. This is usually where things unravel. I've had shuttle experiences that involved questionable smells, drivers who seemed to hate humanity, and waits that felt like an eternity. This La Quinta *generally* has a decent shuttle service. It's frequent enough, and the drivers… okay, some are better than others. But most are just doing their job and trying not to encounter any more luggage calamities. The important thing? It *works*. I've never had to wait an agonizing amount of time. And the smell? Usually… acceptable. Sometimes a faint whiff of cleaning product (a good sign!), sometimes a whiff of… well, let’s just say “airport ambiance.” But nothing truly offensive. Key tip: Call the front desk when you're ready to leave to make sure it's running and on-time. Nothing worse than waiting for a ghost shuttle!
Parking? It's Always a Nightmare. What's the Deal Here?
Parking… ugh. The bane of my existence, seriously. Here? Relatively painless. There's enough parking. I didn't circle endlessly like a lost vulture searching for a spot. Free parking is a huge bonus! It's close. It’s well-lit (a definite plus). It’s… unremarkable, which is the highest praise I can give a parking situation. You won't be stressing about your car getting towed to the moon and back while you're fighting for a croissant. It's just… there. Peaceful. Parking *can* be stressful, and this avoids that particular pitfall - thank goodness!
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually *Near* the Airport? And… anything else nearby?
Location, location, location! Okay, it’s *right* there. Like, you can practically roll out of the terminal and into the lobby. Convenient? Absolutely. (Especially after a flight from hell with a toddler throwing a tantrum.) Anything else nearby? Um, yeah. The airport. And… a couple of fast-food restaurants. And that's about it. Don't expect to stroll to Bourbon Street. You're here for airport convenience, not for sightseeing. However, the proximity to the airport is an absolute *godsend.* Trust me on this one. After a long flight and an even longer day, the idea of a short shuttle ride beats the hell out of a 30-minute taxi ride. It’s all about priorities, right? And after being crammed into a tin can in the sky for an extended period of time, priority number one is sleep.
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Ah, theStay Collective
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