Minnetonka's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable La Quinta Stay!
Okay, Deep Breath… Minnetonka's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable La Quinta Stay! (And Why You NEED To Book NOW!)
Alright, people, let's be honest. Finding a decent hotel, especially when you're trying to escape the Minnetonka blahs, is like finding a decent parking spot at the Mall of America on a Saturday. It's a struggle. But I'm here to spill the tea – or, more accurately, the perfectly chilled bottle of water they practically throw at you at this place – about a truly fantastic La Quinta stay. And trust me, it's the best-kept secret I know.
Accessibility: The "Actually Accessible" Game Changer
First things first: Accessibility. This is a HUGE deal, and I give this place MAJOR props. They've got it, and they get it. Wheelchair accessible throughout? Absolutely. The ramps aren't death traps, the hallways aren't tiny, and everything feels, well, accessible. I'm talking proper ramps, not some afterthought bolted on at the last minute. And let's not forget the Elevator – a necessity, as there's a lot of charm and a lot to explore around the location.
Cleanliness and Peace of Mind: Because 2024 is Still 2024
Look, COVID taught us all a lesson: hygiene is queen. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the fact that the staff is clearly trained in Safety protocol – it's all reassuring. It's not just a claim; you feel it. I even saw a guy in full hazmat gear doing a deep clean in the elevator one day. Okay, maybe that was overkill, but it made me feel like I could eat off the – well, I wouldn't, but the point is, it's clean. And the Room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, showing they respect your choices.
The Rooms: Your Cozy Oasis
Okay, let's dive into the room. Wi-Fi [free]? Check. Seriously, I could stream all my terrible reality TV shows without a hitch. Plus, they have Internet access – LAN, if you’re into that old-school thing. The Air conditioning blasted ice-cold, which was a lifesaver during that surprise heatwave we had. The Blackout curtains are essential for sleeping in, and the extra long bed was heaven. I'm a tall person, and I didn't have to sleep sideways! Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea. Yes, yes, and more yes! Free bottled water to get you going in the morning. And the safety/security feature are nice.
Now, the Bathroom phone? Kinda pointless, unless you're a Bond villain. But the Separate shower/bathtub made me feel fancy, even though I just ended up taking a quick shower. Bathrobes and slippers? Consider me spoiled! And the window that opens! Finally, some air in a hotel room!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Because Calories Don't Count on Vacation… Right?
Okay, the Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. But a good one. They had everything from Asian breakfast (for the adventurous) to the reliable Western breakfast. The coffee was decent. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver for that mid-afternoon caffeine crash. Happy hour? Yes, please! I indulged in a few poolside margaritas, courtesy of the Poolside bar. And the Snack bar was perfect for those late-night cravings. The Restaurants offer a la carte in restaurant, and even Alternative meal arrangement!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Ordinary
This is where the La Quinta really shines – they've got a ridiculous amount of ways to unwind. Forget about the small, boring hotel gyms; their Fitness center is actually pretty decent. I didn't personally brave it, but I saw people, and I even heard some grunts – you know, the whole shebang.
The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Seriously, the best part. Big, sparkling, and they have Pool with view. I think I spent half my trip just floating. I'm not going to lie, I spent the majority of my time at the pool. This place is what a vacation should be. I was absolutely in vacation mode!
And the Spa! Oh, the spa. They've got a Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. I got a Massage that was so good, I briefly forgot all my problems. And maybe considered staying forever. The Body scrub and Body wrap? Yeah, I didn’t. Too much commitment. But they're there for you!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
The Concierge was incredibly helpful. The Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless (even after I made a mess of it), and the Laundry service saved my life after a particularly messy afternoon by the pool.
For the Kids: Family Friendly Fun
Look, I don’t have kids, but I saw plenty of families, and the little ones seemed genuinely happy. There’s a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even Kids meal. Seems like a solid option.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer? Check. Car park [free of charge]? Also, check! They have it all. I parked my car and didn't have to worry about a thing. Taxi service? They have it, but with the free parking, why bother?
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Alright, even the best-kept secret has a tiny crack or two. The Cashless payment service gave me some concerns. I wish they had more electrical outlets by the bed. But overall, this is minor quibbling.
Why You NEED to Book RIGHT NOW (Like, Seriously)
Okay, listen up. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway that's actually relaxing, a place where you can actually feel pampered and safe, where the sun shines and the cocktails flow… book this La Quinta. It's a steal. Seriously. You won't regret it. Your sanity will thank you. Do it. Before I book every room myself. You have been warned!
Here's My Persuasive Offer (Because I want you to be happy):
Don't just book a room. Book an EXPERIENCE. Book a getaway. Treat yourself and book the Minnetonka's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable La Quinta Stay! You deserve peace of mind, amazing services, and a place that actually cares about your experience. Use the code "SECRETESCAPE" at checkout for 15% off your stay, plus a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival! But hurry, this offer is valid for a limited time only! Book Now!
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La Quinta Inn & Suites in Minnetonka: A Whirlwind of Expectations and Reality (aka, My Brain on Travel)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Minneapolis-Minnetonka adventure. And trust me, it was an adventure. You know how they say "expect the unexpected"? Well, I expected a relaxing getaway, I got… well, something else. Let's just say, this itinerary's more like a loosely held collection of memories, a tangled thread of "what I thought would happen" versus "what actually did happen," and copious amounts of lukewarm coffee.
Day 1: Arrival, the Great Hotel Room Hunt, and That Darned Jacuzzi (or, "Where's the Remote?")
1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Impressions: Landed at MSP, feeling like a glamorous travel writer. (In reality: crumpled jeans, messy bun, and slightly terrified of airport security.) The drive to La Quinta was, dare I say, picturesque. The rolling hills, the crisp air… sigh… Minnesota, you beauty! Arrived at the hotel in Minnetonka, and the lobby looked welcoming. Like, clean, brightly lit, people milling about – standard hotel fare. Check-in was smooth… almost too smooth. Suspicions should have been raised then.
1:30 PM - The Room Reveal (and the Search for the Holy Remote): Keycard in hand, sprinting towards the promised land of relaxation. The room… ah, the room. Clean, yes. Spacious-ish, sure. Exactly like the pictures online? Let's just say the lighting in my room was… more "hospital corner" than "luxurious getaway." The first 15 minutes were spent battling a rogue air conditioning unit (why is it ALWAYS set to Arctic Blast?) and the ultimate quest: find the TV remote. I swear hotel remotes are sentient, hiding demons. I finally found it – tucked between the bed and the wall. Victory! Which was swiftly followed by the realization I didn't actually know what was on TV.
2:30 PM - Poolside Dreams (and Jacuzzi Disappointments): I'd envisioned myself, sprawled on a lounger, sipping something fruity, absolutely zen. The reality? A slightly chlorinated room filled with the excited shrieks of small children (bless their hearts). And the jacuzzi… oh, the jacuzzi. It looked inviting. Bubbling. Promising. But the jets… they were more of a gentle shhhh than a powerful massage. And the water felt slightly…room temperature. Definitely not the "escape from reality" I’d been promised.
4:00 PM - Grubbing Up (or, Surviving the Vending Machine): Okay, the reality of travel, is that at the end of the day, you're hungry. This hotel has a vending machine! A true necessity for a late night snack attack, or during a day of adventures. I bought some pre-packaged chips and soda, I tried to be healthy and bought some nuts. All things considered, the vending machine was a win.
6:00 PM - Dinner & the Quest for Decent Coffee: Walked to the nearby restaurant that the front desk recommended. It was packed! The food was fine, nothing to write home about. But coffee? The hotel "complimentary" coffee was so weak it tasted like disappointment. I’m starting to think decent coffee is a mirage. This, my friends, is the beginning of a journey to find the perfect cup.
8:00 PM - Evening Wind-Down (and the Silent Battle with Sleep): Watched some cable, and tried to unwind. But as sleep crept in, I found myself thinking: "am I really on vacation?" That was the question echoing in my head.
Day 2: Lakeside Adventures, Mall of America Mayhem (or, "I Almost Bought a Giant Rubber Duck!")
7:00 AM - Coffee Crisis (Part 2) and the Continental Breakfast Struggle: Remember that terrible coffee? Yeah, it was still terrible. The "continental breakfast" was a mix of sad-looking pastries and the ever-enticing (not!) "make your own waffle" station. Successfully burnt my waffle to a charcoal disc. Note to self: Invest in a waffle maker.
9:00 AM - Lake Minnetonka Bliss (Or, Slightly Less Bliss): Headed to Lake Minnetonka. The lake was beautiful. The air was fresh. The sun was shining. For approximately the first thirty seconds. Then the wind picked up, and I realized I'd forgotten my hat. And my sunglasses. And, well, everything I needed. I saw a majestic swan, though. Worth it.
11:00 AM - Mall of America: A Sensory Overload: Okay, the Mall of America. Wow. Just… wow. People everywhere. Stores everywhere. The sheer scale of the place is dizzying. I could feel myself getting overwhelmed. I spent approximately two hours wandering aimlessly, dodging teenagers, and fighting the urge to buy a ridiculously overpriced souvenir. I very seriously considered purchasing a giant inflatable rubber duck. (I did not, in the end. But the temptation was real, and my self-control… not as strong as it could have been.)
2:00 PM - Lunch at the Mall & People-Watching Extravaganza: I ate lunch in the food court. The food was forgettable, but the people-watching? Gold. I saw everything: families, couples, teenagers, tourists. Everyone with their own story, their own goals. And I had, for a fleeting moment, a glimpse into the beauty of being a global person.
4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: Naptime (or, the Art of the Mid-Afternoon Slump): Exhausted from the sensory overload, I retreated back to the hotel for a much-needed nap. The air conditioning held out and the remote was in the same place. A perfect afternoon.
7:00 PM - Dinner and the Pursuit of Local Flavor: Ate at a local restaurant down a side street, a friendly diner recommended by a hotel staff member. I got to experience the local food, and just the simple joy of good food that's well made. Feeling good!
9:00 PM - Packing, Pre-Departure Jitters, and the Unfulfilled Promise of Relaxation: Packed my bag, feeling a mix of excitement and sadness. Excited to go home, but a little sad that the "perfect" vacation (the one in my head, anyway) hadn't fully materialized. This whole trip was a learning experience. And honestly, I'm starting to think that is what a good vacation is all about.
Minnetonka's "BEST Kept Secret" - La Quinta: The Honest Truth (and a Little Bit of Chaos)
Okay, spill it! What's *actually* "unbelievable" about this La Quinta? Is it really *that* good?
Alright, alright, settle down, internet! Look, the hype is… well, it's *mostly* real. Let's be honest, “unbelievable” is a strong word. But for Minnetonka standards? Yeah, this La Quinta is pretty darn sweet. Let's just say it's the kind of place you secretly brag about to your out-of-state friends, pretending you stumbled upon some hidden gem. Truthfully, I’m not sure what's better: the stay itself or the fact I felt like I discovered something special.
Location, Location, Location… What's the deal? Is it convenient?
Convenient? Let's just say I'm not getting lost. Minnetonka isn't exactly known for its sprawling metropolis vibes. It's tucked away, which is part of the appeal! You're close enough to the main drag for food and shopping without feeling like you're in the middle of the tourist circus. Plus, the parking lot? *Always* a win. I'm a big fan of being home when I'm trying to feel like I'm on vacation.
The Room! What's it *really* like? Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, here's the truth. The rooms are… consistent. Nothing fancy. Think clean, comfortable, and *surprisingly* spacious. My last stay, I may have had a mini-meltdown because the hairdryer was a little… anemic. I mean, this one was seriously pathetic. I had to use it for, like, 20 minutes to basically dry my bangs. But, overall, the rooms are reliable. A solid B+ for a La Quinta. More importantly, the beds are comfortable!! And that's what matters at the end of the day, right?
Breakfast! The holy grail of hotel stays. What's on the buffet of goodness?
Ah, breakfast! This is where La Quinta shines. Look, I'm going to level with you. It's the standard buffet. Waffles (yes!), eggs (sometimes rubbery, let's be real), the usual suspects. HOWEVER, and this is key: they consistently keep the coffee hot, the fruit seems fresh, and the waffle maker is a force of nature. Honestly, sometimes it's the little things. A nice, hot cup of coffee and a decent waffle can make *all* the difference. I've been known to make a second waffle run… or even a third. Don't judge me! Vacations are for living.
The Pool Area! Is it worth breaking out the swimsuit?
The pool? Eh. It's fine. It's not a resort pool, mind you. Think standard hotel pool size. The kids seem to have a blast, which is what's important, really. Be aware, it's not always staffed with lifeguards. Otherwise, it offers a calming, relaxing experience. Honestly, I'm not a huge swimmer, but it’s nice to sit poolside with a good book and pretend I’m living a glamorous life. (Even if the "glamour" is just the hotel shampoo and a lukewarm Diet Coke).
Okay, Okay. What about the staff? Are they, you know, *nice*?
The staff? They're a godsend. Honestly. I was having a bit of a rough morning, and I was short on money for the vending machine. The lady at the front desk *graciously* gave me a bottle of water. I mean, that's hospitality. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel like you’re actually *wanted* there. Seriously, they’re incredibly friendly and helpful, and make you feel at home.
Let's talk negatives! What are the downsides we should know about?
Okay, here's the reality check. Honestly, there are a few nitpicks. The lighting can be a bit… dim in some rooms. And, sometimes? The elevators are slow. Like, *really* slow. Also, I’ll admit, sometimes the kids get a little rambunctious by the pool... I’m not going to lie, it can be a little noisy. But hey, it’s a hotel. Little imperfections are part of the charm, right? For the price, you can't really complain!
So, overall? Would you recommend it?
Absolutely. Yes. A thousand times yes. Look, it's not the Ritz. It's La Quinta. But it's a *really* good La Quinta. And in the heart of Minnetonka? You can't beat it for the price. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff is amazing. The breakfast is decent. And it’s close to everything you could need. I can get behind that! Basically, if you're looking for a hassle-free, relaxing stay, you should go for it. I'm already planning my next visit!
Okay, final thought. What's the ONE thing that *made* the stay "unbelievable" for you? A specific moment?
Alright, this is going to sound silly, but here goes. It was my last trip, and I was feeling a little down. Just… everything had been kind of chaotic. I went to breakfast, and the waffle maker was down. *Devastation!* I kid. But, the staff was on it. They were so apologetic, and they even brought me (and a handful of us in the same frustrated boat!) *fresh, hot waffles* right to our tables. No, it wasn't a five-star meal, but it was a moment of genuine kindness, good service, and it lifted my spirits. It’s those little touches. That’s what makes it special, and that's what made me truly appreciate the stay. It wasn’t just about the hotel; it was about feeling cared for. So, yeah. Waffles for the win.
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