Escape to Modesto: Your Perfect Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Escape to Modesto: Hold On, Let Me Tell You About La Quinta Inn & Suites (And My Brain!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just wrestled my way back from a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Modesto, and my brain is still trying to sort through the experience. Honestly, reviewing a hotel feels like trying to wrangle a bunch of kittens – adorable, but also a bit chaotic. So, here goes… a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious attempt to tell you about this place.
First Impression: The Modesto Vibe… and the Accessibility
Modesto. Let's be real, it's not Paris. It's a sturdy, practical kind of town, and La Quinta definitely reflects that. It's not trying to be fancy. It's trying to be… well, accessible, and that scores some serious points right off the bat.
Accessibility: HUGE thumbs up here. The hotel felt thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. Wheelchair accessible was a breeze – ramps everywhere, easy maneuvering in the hallways and rooms. They actually thought about it! The elevator was a lifesaver; my knees are perpetually plotting against me. Also, the Facilities for disabled guests weren’t just a checkbox – the room I peeked into (not my room, I’m a snoop!) had a seriously spacious bathroom and grab bars. Chef's kiss for that.
Getting Around: The Car park [free of charge] was clutch. Always appreciate free parking, especially when you’re hauling luggage and a bad attitude (just kidding…mostly). They also offered Airport transfer, but since I drove, I didn’t need it.
Rooms: My Own Little Fortress (and the Minor Annoyances)
My room? Perfectly…adequate. Clean? Mostly. Definitely not the kind of space you'd write a novel in, but hey, I wasn’t there to cure world peace.
- Available in all rooms: Okay, Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check (and thank goodness – more on that later). Coffee/tea maker? Bless up. Seriously, coffee is the lifeblood of any successful trip, and this one came through. Ironing facilities? Needed that after my suitcase explosion. Non-smoking? YES. No smells of lingering cigarettes is a MAJOR win.
- Internet Access: Okay, so, I had a slight internet related meltdown. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – fantastic but it kept dropping on me, at the worst possible times. Yes, I needed to do some work, but the real issue was I was binge-watching Real Housewives and it kept buffering!!! It was a battle of wills, and the Internet won more than once, but hey, at least they had Internet access – wireless!
- Minor Grumbles: The window that opened – great! But the view was… well, let's call it "urban landscape." And the bed? Perfectly acceptable but not the kind you dream of. Some of the towels were starting to show their age. My room had an alarm clock, which woke me up. This, however, was fixed by turning it off.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive?
I am here to tell the story, so yes, I survived.
- Cleanliness and safety; Let's be honest, the world feels kind of germy right now. I was watching for things. There were Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They used Anti-viral cleaning products. My room seemed genuinely Rooms sanitized between stays. I wasn't afraid of germs; that's a win in my book. The Staff trained in safety protocol looked like they knew what they were doing. Plus, the Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher in the hallway were a comfort.
- Cashless payment service, cool.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, good to know.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, fantastic.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Binge-Watching)
Breakfast was included, and honestly, it was better than I expected.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Eggs, some kind of sausage that I think was edible, pastries that looked… questionable, and, of course, coffee. It wasn’t gourmet, but it filled the hole. The Breakfast takeaway service was a plus if you’re in a rush.
- Coffee! I needed a lot of it for my on-demand movies!
- Snack bar: I didn't see this, maybe I missed it, or it wasn't open.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always appreciate that.
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful, but I didn’t need it.
- Laundry service: Meh. Didn’t use it.
- Concierge. Wasn't one, but staff were helpful when I asked questions.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Kinda): The Fitness Center and My Love-Hate Relationship with Exercise
Okay, the Fitness center. I peeked in. It had a gym/fitness area. I did not use it. Let's just say, I’m on vacation, and my idea of fitness involves lifting a coffee cup to my face.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! I didn't get a chance to try it. I was too busy battling the Wi-Fi and Real Housewives.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
Look, La Quinta Inn & Suites in Modesto isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it's clean, accessible, has good internet, and is a perfectly serviceable place to lay your head. I'd go back for sure because it's what I needed, and sometimes, that's enough. This is the place to stay if all you want is a clean bed and easy parking.
Radisson Cedar Rapids: IA's BEST Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my, ahem, highly organized (ahem) travel itinerary for my stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Modesto Salida in… well, Modesto, California. Let's be real, I’m less "organized traveler" and more "chaotic good" when it comes to planning. This is gonna be messy. This is gonna be real.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for Legit Coffee (and maybe a cookie)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the La Quinta. Okay, first impressions. The exterior…well, it's a La Quinta. You know the vibe. Cleanish-looking, the pool looks a little tempting, but I'm already imagining the chlorine smell, and I'm not sure I packed a stylish enough swimsuit for the occasion. Check-in went smoother than I expected. Score!
- 1:15 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, aggressively shove everything out of my suitcase. Seriously, how does anyone fold things neatly on vacation? My method: close the suitcase fast before it explodes.
- Deep Breath. Okay, survival mode engaged. I need COFFEE. REAL coffee. Not that sad, pre-brewed stuff in the lobby. The Yelp reviews hinted at a decent spot nearby. I'm crossing my fingers it's not one of those hipster joints where you're judged for not speaking fluent barista.
- 1:45 PM: Coffee quest in progress. Driving. The town is… Modesto. Not exactly the Amalfi Coast, but hey, maybe it has character. Finding a decent coffee shop is proving harder than I thought. This is the beginning of a journey… or maybe just a really long afternoon.
- 2:30 PM: Found coffee! It's slightly burnt, but the barista is super friendly, so I can't complain. Plus, they have a massive chocolate chip cookie. My inner child is doing a happy dance. Everything is better with chocolate.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Settling in. Work stuff. Maybe a little nap? (Don't judge me, travel is exhausting, even before you start actually traveling.)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at that highly-rated Mexican place I found online. Okay, here's where the fun begins. I am very particular about my salsa. This is going to be the true test of the universe.
Day 2: The Great Modesto Adventure: History, Hitchhiking, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Taco Truck (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. It's free. I'm skeptical. But I'm also hungry. The waffles look suspiciously perfect. Going for it. Crosses fingers for no food poisoning.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Attempt at historical site visit. You know, the stuff you should do, the stuff that's "good for you." It's actually pretty interesting. I discovered Modesto's ties to American Graffiti. Who knew? It actually got me feeling a bit… nostalgic? Wow.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. This is where the plan might go off the rails. I saw a taco truck on the way to the history site. It was calling to me. I was hungry, I wasn't sure what I wanted, but suddenly the siren song of tacos was all I could think about. But the taco truck was gone. I'm pretty sure I went to the wrong place.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Another Attempt at a taco truck. It's supposed to be on the other side of town. This is where I'm truly embracing the "chaotic good" ethos. Did I get turned around? Yes. Is this adventure? Maybe. Am I starting to think that maybe I should just relax and be happy? Yes.
- 3:00 PM: Another nap, probably.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, maybe? I guess. I'm thinking a salad. Gotta balance those tacos, you know?
Day 3: Departure and the bittersweet goodbyes.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (again, free, again, skeptical).
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Pack. This is when it hits me. The magic is over. Reality hits hard when you're packing up.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Smile at the front desk person who has seen me at breakfast every day. Wish them well.
- 11:30 AM: Depart.
Final Thoughts:
Did I stick to the itinerary perfectly? Absolutely not. Did I have fun? Hell yes. This trip was not perfect. It was messy, unplanned. But that's the beauty of it. The freedom to wander, to discover, to stumble. I would come back.
Escape to Texas Hill Country: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fredericksburg Awaits!
Escape to Modesto: Your (Potentially Messy) Guide to La Quinta Inn & Suites
So, is La Quinta Inn & Suites in Modesto... actually *good*? Like, for real?
Alright, let's be honest. "Good" is relative, right? I'm not promising a Four Seasons experience, okay? But for a Modesto-based La Quinta? I've had... experiences. I'll say this: it's consistently *decent*. I've stayed there for business trips (sigh), family visits (double sigh), and a couple of times... just to escape from, uh, *life* (triple sigh).
The rooms are generally clean. Like, I'm not talking hospital-grade, but no obvious dust bunnies or questionable stains. I *did* once find a rogue gummy bear under the bed, a testament to someone else's snack attack, but that's about it. Cleanliness? Solid B minus. You know, room for improvement, but won't make you spontaneously combust with ickiness. (Unless you're *really* picky. Then bring your own hazmat suit.)
Anecdote time: One time, the air conditioner sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously. Each wheeze and groan was a symphony of impending doom. I called the front desk, expecting the usual "we'll send someone up." Instead, this incredibly exhausted-looking guy appeared within minutes, wielding a wrench like a… a tired mechanic. He fiddled, muttered, and eventually *somehow* calmed the walrus down. Bless that man. He deserves a medal for battling the Modesto heat AND grumpy guests.
What's the breakfast situation? Because a bad breakfast can ruin a whole day, am I right?
Ah, breakfast. The Achilles' heel of many a budget hotel. Look, let's manage those expectations, shall we? It's the standard La Quinta continental spread. Think: waffles (you make 'em yourself!), bagels (the kind that are… there), cereal (various boxes of sugary delight), fruit (sometimes overripe, sometimes shockingly good), muffins (the kind that look suspiciously perfect), and yogurt (in tiny, soul-crushing containers).
The coffee? Hit or miss. Sometimes it's strong enough to wake the dead. Other times, it tastes like brownish water with a vague hint of coffee. I'd recommend going for the instant coffee packets in your room if you're a caffeine snob, which, let's be honest, I am. I'm *totally* a caffeine snob.
My strategy: Waffles, always waffles. They're the one constant. Pile 'em high with the (questionable) syrup and try not to think about how many other people have used that waffle iron. And grab a banana. Bananas are always a safe bet.
Is there a pool? And is it… *clean*?
Yes! There IS a pool. Thank goodness – especially in the Modesto heat.
Now, "clean" is a subjective term. I've seen worse. I've *smelled* worse. It's generally… fine. Kids splash around. Adults... sort of exist in the water. I've never seen any obvious, floating, unspeakable things, so that's always a good sign. They clearly try to keep up with it. I'm pretty sure they skim the surface occasionally, they are on it. This isn’t the kind of pool you'd necessarily *linger* in for hours contemplating the meaning of life, but it does the job on a scorching afternoon, as long as you aren't too obsessed with the idea you probably could get a rash…
What about the location? Is it close to... anything interesting? Or just, you know, strip malls?
Okay, this is Modesto. Let's be clear. You're not exactly getting a stroll through the Louvre here. It's on or near a main road, near a bunch of other hotels, some fast food places and… well, yeah. Strip malls. Lots and lots of strip malls. There's a decent BBQ place nearby (I'm forgetting the name, sorry!), and various other practicalities. Grocery stores, gas stations, all that jazz.
I’m not going to lie, the location is *convenient*, if not exactly exciting. The location is a great spot to explore the city in all its beauty. The hotel is close to restaurants and gas station. The area is kept very well and clean.
But hey, if you're in Modesto, you're probably passing through, visiting family, or... well, I'm not sure *why* else you'd be in Modesto, but that's the point. It's a practical base, not a destination in itself.
Pro Tip: Download a podcast. You're gonna need it for the drives.
Is this a good place for families? Or just avoid it entirely if I have kids?
Families? It's… functional. The pool is a definite plus. Kids love pools. The breakfast, while not gourmet, offers enough sugar to keep them buzzing for a good long while. The rooms are generally spacious enough to not feel *completely* cramped.
However. If your kids are the type who require the most luxurious of lodgings, or have a penchant for screaming in the hallways at 3 AM, maybe consider other options. But here, you’ll be with nice people, with families and couples of all kinds. Just… manage your expectations. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's more like… a solid, reliable minivan of hotels. Gets the job done. Is that what families want? Or do they want an adventure? Do they even remember what it means to enjoy themselves? Who am I kidding? You know you got kids, you know the answer.
Final Verdict: Perfectly acceptable for families. Not exactly a *vacation* in and of itself, but definitely manageable if you're trying to save on accommodation costs and spend that money on, say, ice cream. And you should, because ice cream.
Tell me more about the rooms! Are they actually comfortable?
Alright, the rooms. This is what you'll be spending most of your time in, so it's pretty important, right? The beds... they're okay. Not cloud-like, not memory foam, but generally… comfortable. I wouldn’t give it any awards. I wouldn't say it’s something to write home about.
The pillows are… adequate. I think there are enough pillows available. I’ve never needed or reached out for more. The linens are clean, and that's the most important thing. It's not the kind of room where you'd spend hours just lounging, you can barely work on one of the tables. The bathroom is, well, a bathroom.
One big plus: The rooms *usually* have decent Wi-Fi. Being able to stream your shows and keepFind Secret Hotel Deals
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