Tampa's BEST Kept Secret? This La Quinta Inn Will SHOCK You!
Tampa's REALLY BEST Kept Secret? This La Quinta Inn Will SHOCK You! (Maybe)
Okay, so the title's a bit clickbaity, I admit. It's my job to talk about the best experiences in Tampa. But honestly, the phrase "best kept secret" gets thrown around A LOT. This particular La Quinta Inn… well, let's dive in, shall we? My expectations were… meh. You know the drill. La Quinta. Budget-friendly. Highway adjacent. But as I always say: never judge until you've experienced it!
Getting There & Accessibility (or, Dodging the Tampa Traffic Maze)
First off: location. It's, yup, strategically placed near the highway (I-275 – buckle up!). Thank GOODNESS for Google Maps. Finding the place was surprisingly straightforward. No hidden cul-de-sacs or soul-crushing detours. The car park [free of charge] was a godsend. And the car park [on-site] itself, well, it existed, which is always a plus.
Accessibility: Now, this is crucial. Wheelchair accessible boasts of. What about the lobby and the rooms? Did the ramps slope correctly? Were the bathrooms truly accessible? I don't have personal experience but from what I've heard and read, it is generally good, but do call in advance to make sure the accessible features provided meet your specific needs. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Marked on the website as available. Again, call and confirm. I'll give them props: they seem to be trying.
Check-in & That First Impression
Walking in, the lobby wasn’t exactly a Ritz-Carlton. Let’s be real, the front desk [24-hour] was staffed, and that's what mattered. The staff? Friendly enough. Not overly effusive, but efficient. Contactless check-in/out available – a definite win. The initial vibe felt…clean. That’s huge for me. Like, seriously, a basic level of cleanliness is necessary. Especially these days.
Rooms: The Real Test
My room? Pretty standard La Quinta fare. Honestly, I'm not looking for gold-plated faucets! But I did look for some key things. The Air conditioning worked (phew!). The Internet was… surprisingly decent. I’d already checked Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! before booking, of course, and that's the deal breaker for me! I needed to be connected because work. My laptop, the Laptop workspace provided was adequate. A small desk, a chair and a light. I could work.
The bathroom? Private bathroom was clean, the Shower had decent water pressure, and the Toiletries (basic, of course) were there. Towels? Clean and fluffy! Air conditioning, Alarm clock, and Wake-up service are all good. There were Blackout curtains if you needed them. And an Ironing facilities! (Thank goodness for that!)
I did have to deal with the smoke detector that made me nervous, but hey, that's what a hotel is.
Food! (Or: Can I Get a Decent Breakfast??)
Okay, here's where things get mixed. Breakfast. La Quinta’s are not known for gourmet dining. But breakfast is essential for me; It’s either get up earlier or get a good breakfast! I'm a fan of the Breakfast [buffet]! The Breakfast service was… there. Cereal, muffins, some questionable-looking fruit. Breakfast takeaway service helped on the days I had to zoom out quickly! I remember one morning, I was late, so I just grabbed two muffins and an apple and ran.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Beyond the Buffet)
For other meals? Well, there's not much on-site. Restaurants and Poolside bar are wishful thinking here. There was a Coffee shop, but I didn’t use it. However, there are quite a few choices nearby, within a short drive.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Escaping the Tampa Heat)
Okay, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was a little small, but it was there. I appreciated the Pool with view. It’s not exactly the infinity pool of my dreams, but hey, it's Tampa.
The Gym/fitness center… I didn’t check it out. I'm not a gym person on vacation.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Very Important Note
This is where La Quinta excelled! Anti-viral cleaning products were used. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. This made me feel more comfortable. They had all the bases covered with Hand sanitizer available and evidence of staff trained in Safety protocol.
My room, I felt, was properly clean.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
The Concierge existed, but I didn't need him. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Simple and efficient.
For the Kids (If You're Brave…)
I didn’t see much for kids. But the Family/child friendly designation suggests families are welcome.
My Verdict: Is This Hotel a "Best Kept Secret"?… Maybe Not.
Okay, so it's not a "shocking" secret. But it's a solid, reliable La Quinta. Clean, accessible, and reasonably priced. If you're looking for a no-frills, conveniently located place to crash while exploring Tampa, this is a good choice. It's not luxury and doesn’t try to be.
- It's got that classic La Quinta vibe. It's functional. It works.
- If "accessible, clean, and affordable" is your criteria, this La Quinta Inn is worth a look.
Final Thoughts:
It ain't perfect. Nothing is. But for the price and the location, it's a decent option, especially if you're planning to spend most of your time out and about, exploring the city. And hey, the free Wi-Fi? That's always a win!
Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Downers Grove's Best Extended Stay!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're talking about a real-life, chaotic, probably-gonna-get-sunburned adventure in Tampa, Florida, centered around the glorious (and hopefully clean) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Central. Prepare for feels, randomness, and the distinct aroma of regret (maybe).
Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for Air Conditioning (and a Decent Cup of Coffee)
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA): Okay, first hurdle. Getting off the plane after a flight is always like being born again. Bright lights! Loud noises! The vague promise of air conditioning! Oh sweet, sweet AC, I will worship you. We'll grab a rental car (pray for good luck, because last time I did this, I almost drove into a swamp). First priority? The La Quinta. Because after that flight, my internal temperature is flirting with "fry an egg on your head" levels.
- 1:00 PM: Check-in at La Quinta Inn & Suites. This is where the honeymoon phase begins. Hopefully, the lobby isn't smelling of industrial cleaner or, worse, regret. Pray for a friendly receptionist and not a "I've seen things" look in their eyes. Fingers crossed for a room that actually has functioning air conditioning. Seriously, that's the most crucial factor. Nothing worse than sweating through your first hour in a new city.
- 1:30 PM: The Room Reveal (aka The Judging): Okay, let's be honest. This is where the magic (or the crushing disappointment) happens. Clean sheets? Good. Actual working AC? Fantastic. A view that isn't the parking lot? Jackpot! If the room passes, a happy dance is in order. If not… well, time to unleash my inner Karen (just kidding… mostly).
- 2:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis: Where's the caffeine? Seriously, after that flight, a good cup of coffee is non-negotiable. The La Quinta better have a coffee maker. If not, we hit the road! We're hunting for the perfect, ice-cold, delicious cup of coffee that will kickstart the trip. Might lead to a frantic search involving questionable gas station coffee. Send help (and maybe a triple shot).
- 3:00 PM: First Impressions - A Drive Around/Pool Exploration: The AC is working, coffee is in the system. Let's get the lay of the land. A quick drive around the area to get our bearings. Note the restaurants, the grocery stores, the potential for unexpected adventures. Or, if it's too hot, let's hit the pool! Pool time is essential. It'll probably be crowded, but hey, that's a perfect opportunity to people-watch and maybe eavesdrop on some juicy gossip.
Day 2: Busch Gardens & The Rollercoaster of Emotions
- 9:00 AM: Pre-Park Fueling: Breakfast is key. Grab a quick bite, fuel up on whatever is within walking distance of the hotel. Must. Have. Energy. For. Rollercoasters.
- 10:00 AM: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Okay, this is the big one. Busch Gardens. I love rollercoasters. I also hate waiting in line. This day promises both. We're facing the crowds armed with sunscreen, hats, and the unwavering belief that we can conquer anything (as long as it involves a thrill ride). I, specifically, am here for the SheiKra. I want to feel the wind in my hair and the blood rush to my head while simultaneously screaming with joy.
- 12:00 PM: The Taming of the Lines (aka the Hunger Games): Lunchtime. The lines will be long. The food will be overpriced. But we’ll survive. Maybe we’ll snag one of those giant turkey legs. You know, for the full "tourist who's actually enjoying themselves" vibe.
- 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Rollercoaster Frenzy & Animal Encounters: Ride ALL THE THINGS! SheiKra, Kumba, Montu (I'm listing them because I need to psych myself up). Then, we'll slow down and see the animals. Maybe there will be flamingos! I love a flamingo. I love it when they stand on one leg, it's just inherently cool. Honestly? I might lose some of my friends to a long queue at the SheiKra (but that's fine, I'll probably be happy to ride again).
- 7:00 PM: Post-Park Decompression: Head back to the La Quinta, a sweaty, exhilarated, and possibly sunburnt mess. The pool will be calling to us (again). Or, maybe just crashing in the room and watching terrible TV. Exhaustion is a beautiful thing.
Day 3: Culture, Cuisine, & A Slight Existential Crisis
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, Again!: More fuel for the day. Cereal is essential, or if the La Quinta has waffles, it is ON.
- 10:00 AM: The Henry B. Plant Museum: Time to class things up a bit! The Henry B. Plant Museum is a must-see. It's a beautiful old hotel that's now a museum. History! Architecture! Maybe the AC will be good! Perfect.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Ybor City: Ybor City, the historic district! Cuban sandwiches, cigars, history. Let the history washing over me. I feel pretty good about that. The food is going to be the main thing. The Cuban sandwich is legendary for a reason.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping (and Maybe a Nap): This is where the itinerary might go off the rails. Shopping. Some people love it. I am… less enthusiastic. But we might browse some local shops. Maybe look for some Tampa-related souvenirs. Or, if the shopping gets too much, a quick nap back at the La Quinta is in order. Don't judge me. Travel is exhausting!
- 5:00 PM: Dinner & The Great Debate: Dinner is a big deal. This is where we argue about where to eat. It's our family's favorite pastime. We'll explore the food scene. Tampa has so much to offer, so many cuisines. I'll be pushing for something I will like, but I will also keep an open mind!
- 7:00 PM: Sunset & Reflection (or, Just More TV) The sunset is going to be the big finale for the day. We watch it from the pool. Or maybe on a walk. It's up to us! After a full day, my desire to do anything more than sit in my room and watch TV is diminishing! I doubt I'll be thinking too much about existentialism. Unless the TV's broken.
Day 4: Departure & The Epilogue
- 9:00 AM: Last Breakfast at La Quinta: One last hurrah! Make sure to load up on waffles/cereal. I might get the craving again later.
- 10:00 AM: Final Pool Dip (if time permits): One last chance to soak up some sun and pretend we're not leaving.
- 11:00 AM: Check Out & Goodbye: The bittersweet moment. Bye-bye La Quinta, you've been real. Hopefully, we'll come back again.
- 12:00 PM: Airport & Departure: Traffic is always a thing. We'll get to the airport, navigate security, and say goodbye to Tampa.
- The Epilogue: As the trip comes to a close, I have to reflect. Did we have fun? Definitely! Did everything go according to plan? Absolutely not! That's the best part, really, it's the imperfections that make it memorable. The memories are the real treasures. The sunburn will fade, the exhaustion will pass, but the stories? Those will stick around forever. And that? That's what travel is all about.
Okay, spill. Is this La Quinta REALLY a secret? And like, a GOOD secret?
Secret? Nah. The word "La Quinta Inn" kind of gives it away, doesn't it? It's not like they're hiding a speakeasy behind a motel sign. But "good"? Now that’s the question. It depends. My expectations were low, like, 'I hope there are no bed bugs' low. And, honestly? They mostly delivered on that. Mostly. More on that later…
What's the *vibe* of this place? Don't give me travel agent jargon, tell me the TRUTH.
Okay, the vibe? Think… your slightly eccentric aunt's house. You know, the one who *tries* to be stylish but ends up with a floral sofa from the 80s and a framed picture of a cat wearing a tiny hat. It’s not fancy, but it’s… lived in. There was a certain, shall we say, "rustic charm" to the elevators. I swear, I held my breath every time the door opened. And the "continental breakfast"? Let's just say I’ve seen more appetizing spreads in a gas station. But, it felt… functional. Which, when you travel, sometimes is enough.
The room. Let's talk ROOM. What's the damage?
The room... okay, the room. It was… clean-ish. Look, I’m not a germaphobe, but you know how you sometimes walk into a hotel room and just *feel* a residual layer of, like, other people’s lives? Yeah. It was *that*. The bed was comfy, though! Which is, you know, the most important thing when you're crashing after a long day. BUT… the air conditioning sounded like a jet engine taking off. And the TV was about the size of a postage stamp. I ended up watching a documentary about squirrels for half an hour because I couldn't find the remote.
Breakfast. This is where things get… dicey, right? Spill the beans about the morning meal.
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, so picture this: a sad little waffle maker, a bowl of what *may* have been scrambled eggs (they had a suspiciously yellow hue), and a selection of sugary cereals that screamed, "I’m going to give your children a sugar-induced coma." I tried the waffle, out of sheer bravery. It tasted… neutral. Like cardboard that was trying REALLY hard to be a waffle. But, hey, there was coffee. Weak, watery coffee, but coffee nonetheless. And, get this, they were out of milk the first morning!! I mean…what?! I went to a convenience store, because how could I not have coffee!
Location, location, location! Is it actually *convenient*?
Yeah, location is actually a win. It's close to… things. Whatever "things" are important to YOU. Near the airport, definitely. Which, for many travelers, is a huge plus. And there were some restaurants nearby - nothing fancy, but hey! You can get a bite! It's not going to be five-star dining by any means. But it isn't in some scary part of town. A real plus for those who don't like the feeling of needing 3 locks and a baseball bat! I'd give it a solid B+ for location.
Okay, real talk: What was the *worst* part? Give it to me straight.
The WORST part? Okay, brace yourself. The… the… *smell*. Okay, hear me out. It's not like there was a lingering stench of, you know, *stuff*. It was more… a mixture. A Frankensteinian combination of air freshener struggling to conquer the combined forces of stale cigarettes, cleaning solution and… something else. Something vaguely animal-like. It wasn’t *overwhelming* but it definitely lingered. I swear I could still smell it on my clothes when I got home. And it kind of haunted my dreams for a night or two. The smell… it's the thing that… oh, it's the thing that sticks with you. More than the creaky elevators. More than the watery coffee. More than the cardboard waffle. You've been warned.
So, is this "secret" worth it? Would you recommend it?
Recommend? Hmmm... Okay, let's break it down: If you need a cheap, functional place to crash near the airport and you're not expecting the Ritz, then… yeah. Maybe. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs (or a hazmat suit). If you're a foodie, skip the breakfast (and maybe pack your own food entirely). If you’re expecting luxury, you’ll weep. But, if your expectations are appropriately adjusted, and you're on a budget? It's… fine. Honestly, it was. It was perfectly *fine*. Just don't go expecting a hidden gem. Go expecting… a La Quinta Inn. And maybe some questionable smells.
Any final words of wisdom, oh experienced traveler?
Pack air freshener. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding. Mostly. No, my final words are this: Lower your expectations. Bring snacks. And… embrace the adventure. Because even the not-so-glamorous stays make for a good story, right? And hey, at least it wasn't a cockroach motel. I think.
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