Honestly, booking a hotel usually feels like a gamble where the house always wins. You spend hours squinting at filtered photos of "gyms" that turn out to be a single rusty treadmill in a broom closet. But for a certain type of traveler—the road tripper with a shedding Golden Retriever, the youth soccer coach, or the consultant tired of $25 artisan avocado toasts—la quinta inn locations have become a weirdly reliable sanctuary.
It’s kind of funny because La Quinta started as a tiny family project back in 1968. Sam and Phil Barshop opened the first one in San Antonio right across from the World's Fair. They weren't trying to reinvent luxury; they just wanted a place that didn't feel like a sketchy roadside dive. Fast forward to today, and since Wyndham took the reins in 2018 for a cool $1.95 billion, the footprint has exploded.
We’re talking about roughly 900+ properties now. They aren't just hugging the Texas interstate anymore. You’ll find them in the shadow of the Andes in Medellin, near the bustling markets of Istanbul, and tucked away in the Canadian Rockies.
The Reality of Picking La Quinta Inn Locations Today
If you’re hunting for la quinta inn locations, you’ve probably noticed they fall into two very different camps. There’s the classic, "original" La Quinta style—think clay-tiled roofs, exterior corridors where you park right outside your door, and that nostalgic 90s vibe. Then there’s the "Del Sol" prototype. These are the sleek, boxy, modern buildings with LED accents and bright, airy lobbies that actually make you want to hang out there.
Why does this matter? Well, if you’re staying in a place like the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab, you’re getting that high-ceilinged, modern experience right near Arches National Park. But if you're pulling off the highway in a smaller town in the Midwest, you might find a legacy property that’s a bit more "well-loved."
Most people don't realize that Wyndham actually spun off the real estate into a separate company called CorePoint Lodging when they bought the brand. This means the people running the front desk and the people who own the actual bricks and mortar are often different entities. It explains why one location might feel like a five-star steal while another just down the road feels like it needs a fresh coat of paint and a hug.
🔗 Read more: Why the Archaeological Park of Pompeii is Still Breaking Our Brains in 2026
Why Pet Owners Are Obsessed
Let’s be real: the "pet-friendly" tag on most travel sites is a lie. You click it, and then in the fine print, you see a $75 "non-refundable sanitation fee" for a one-night stay. It’s a racket.
La Quinta used to be the absolute king of free pet stays. While the policy shifted slightly after the Wyndham merger—many locations now charge a modest fee, usually around $20 to $25 per night capped at $40 per stay—they are still significantly more welcoming than their competitors. You won't get the side-eye from the front desk clerk when you walk in with a crate.
Finding the Best Spots for Business and Leisure
Choosing the right la quinta inn locations depends entirely on your "why." If you're on a business trip, you’re probably looking for the "Inn & Suites" designation. Those extra 100 square feet and a dedicated desk area make a massive difference when you’re trying to answer emails at 11:00 PM.
Top-Tier Locations Worth Checking Out:
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville Downtown/Stadium: Seriously, staying downtown in Music City is usually a nightmare for your wallet. This spot puts you within walking distance of the action without the $500-a-night price tag of the boutique hotels.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz: If you want the California coast without the pretentious beach resort energy, this is a solid home base.
- La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul Gunesli: This was actually the first location to open outside the Americas. It’s a trip to see the familiar "Sun" logo in such a different setting, but the amenities are often higher-end than what we see stateside.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell: Perfect for the "Grand Circle" road trip. It’s clean, reliable, and puts you right by Horseshoe Bend.
The breakfast situation is another thing. The "Bright Side Breakfast" is a staple. Is it gourmet? No. Is it consistent? Absolutely. There is a specific kind of comfort in knowing exactly what the waffle maker is going to produce, whether you are in Maine or New Mexico.
The Wyndham Rewards Factor
One of the best things about the current state of la quinta inn locations is the integration with Wyndham Rewards. If you’re a frequent traveler, you can rack up points at a budget-friendly La Quinta and then go blow them on a fancy Wyndham Grand on the beach in Clearwater or a cottage in the English countryside.
💡 You might also like: Finding a place to park a camper nyt: Why the Old Rules Don't Work Anymore
They have this "Status Match" thing too. If you were a loyalist back in the old "La Quinta Returns" days, your status should have migrated over. If it didn't, you're leaving perks on the table, like late check-outs and room upgrades.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Not every location is a winner. Since these are mostly franchised, the "human element" varies wildly. I’ve stayed at some where the staff treated me like family and others where I’m pretty sure the person behind the desk was a hologram.
Always check the "Year Built" or "Year Renovated" on the hotel’s main page. If a location hasn't been touched since 2005, you're going to feel it in the carpet. Look for the "Del Sol" tag in reviews—it's a dead giveaway that the building is newer or has undergone a massive facelift.
Also, be aware of the "La Quinta Resort & Club" in California. It’s a gorgeous, legendary Waldorf Astoria property that confusingly shares the name but has absolutely nothing to do with the midscale hotel chain. Don’t show up there expecting to use your $100-a-night budget. You will be very, very disappointed.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Booking
- Call the property directly for pet specifics. Even though corporate says pets are okay, some specific la quinta inn locations have weight limits or local ordinances that might catch you off guard. A 2-minute phone call saves a 2-hour headache.
- Look for "Inn & Suites." Avoid the basic "Inn" locations if you can. The "Suites" properties are almost always newer and have better soundproofing.
- Use the App. The Wyndham app often has "mobile-only" rates that are 10-15% cheaper than what you’ll find on the big-name booking sites.
- Check for the "Bright Side Market." If you're arriving late, these little on-site stores are lifesavers for when you realize you forgot a toothbrush or just need a snack that isn't from a vending machine.
By focusing on newer builds and checking recent guest photos rather than the professional marketing shots, you can find incredible value in the current roster of La Quinta properties. Whether you're crossing the country or just looking for a clean place to crash after a concert, these hotels offer a level of predictability that is increasingly rare in the travel industry.
Focus your search on properties built after 2018 to ensure you're getting the modern "Del Sol" experience. Always verify the current pet fee at your specific destination before arrival, as these can be updated by individual franchise owners at any time. Finally, make sure your Wyndham Rewards account is active before you book to ensure you're earning the maximum points for every dollar spent on your stay.