Finding a decent place to crash near the Twin Cities shouldn't feel like a high-stakes gamble. Honestly, the area around I-394 and Hopkins Crossroad is packed with options, but La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka usually ends up on the shortlist for a very specific reason. It sits right in that "sweet spot" of being close enough to downtown Minneapolis to be useful, but far enough out that you aren't paying $40 for parking or dealing with city noise.
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at how suburban hotels in the Midwest are evolving. Most people just want a clean bed and a shower that doesn't lose pressure halfway through. This property, located at 10420 Wayzata Blvd, has been a staple for years. It’s not a five-star luxury resort—let’s be real about that—but it serves a purpose for business travelers hitting the Cargill headquarters or families visiting the Ridgedale Center.
What’s Actually Inside La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka?
If you've stayed at a La Quinta lately, you know the brand has been under the Wyndham umbrella for a while now. This specific Minnetonka location follows that "Del Sol" design vibe in some areas, though parts of the building still feel like a classic suburban hotel.
The rooms are pretty standard. You get the microwave, the mini-fridge, and the flat-screen TV. But what actually matters is the layout. Many of the suites here are surprisingly spacious. If you’re hauling around hockey gear or three kids, that extra floor space is a lifesaver. It’s better than being cramped in a tiny downtown box.
People always ask about the breakfast. It’s the "Bright Side Breakfast." Basically, you’re looking at waffles, hard-boiled eggs, cereal, and some hot items like sausage or biscuits. It won't win a James Beard award, but it saves you fifteen bucks at a diner. The coffee is surprisingly drinkable. Not artisanal, but it gets the job done at 7:00 AM.
The Location Logic: Why Stay Here?
Let’s talk logistics. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka is positioned right off Highway 394. If you head east, you’re in downtown Minneapolis in about 12 minutes, assuming the traffic gods are smiling on you. If you head west, you’re hitting the corporate corridors of Wayzata and Plymouth.
It’s an odd spot but a smart one.
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You’re basically across the street from Ridgedale Center. That means if you forgot a suit for your meeting or just want a Cheesecake Factory dinner without driving across the county, you’re set. Plus, the proximity to General Mills and UnitedHealth Group offices makes this a heavy hitter for the Monday-through-Thursday business crowd.
Pet Policy and Accessibility
One thing La Quinta is famous for—and this location is no different—is being pet-friendly. Most hotels in the Minnetonka/Wayzata area charge a massive "cleaning fee" that feels like a hidden tax. Here, the policy is much more relaxed.
- There are usually weight limits, so don't bring a pony.
- You should call ahead to confirm if they have a specific pet-designated room available.
- The grassy areas around the perimeter are decent for quick walks, though it's a suburban office park vibe, so don't expect a forest.
The Reality Check: Managing Expectations
Let’s be honest. This isn't the Four Seasons. It’s a 2.5 or 3-star property.
Sometimes the elevators are a bit slow. Occasionally, the hallways might smell a little like the pool area (chlorine is a nostalgic scent for some, right?). If you’re a "luxury or bust" traveler, this isn't your spot. But if you’re a "I need a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a comfortable mattress" traveler, it works.
The fitness center is small. It’s got the basics: a treadmill, maybe an elliptical, and some weights. It’s fine for a quick sweat, but you won't be training for the Olympics there. The indoor pool, however, is a huge draw for families during the brutal Minnesota winters. When it’s -10°F outside, having a heated indoor pool is basically a luxury.
Why the "West Metro" Matters
The Minnetonka area is arguably one of the most stable parts of the Twin Cities. It’s safe, it’s clean, and it’s affluent. Staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka gives you access to that environment without the "Lake Minnetonka" price tag. You can drive five minutes down to Wayzata, walk along the lake, look at the multi-million dollar homes, and then come back to a room that cost you a fraction of what the local boutiques charge.
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It’s about value.
The staff here usually knows the area well. If you need a recommendation for a local brewery (like Unmapped Brewing Co. nearby), they’ll point you in the right direction. It’s that Midwest hospitality that still exists if you’re polite to the person behind the front desk.
What Guests Get Wrong About the Area
A lot of people book this hotel thinking they can walk to everything. Don't do that. Minnetonka is built for cars. While the mall is "close," crossing the service roads on foot is a nightmare. Rent a car or use rideshare apps. Uber and Lyft are very active in this corridor because of the corporate offices.
Also, check the local event calendar. If there’s a massive swim meet at the nearby Minnetonka Aquatics Center or a tournament at the ice arena, this hotel will fill up with teenagers. If you want a quiet stay, check those dates.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka, here are a few ways to make the stay better:
Ask for a room away from the highway side. Even with double-pane windows, 394 is a busy road, and the road noise can be a factor for light sleepers. The back side of the building is generally much quieter.
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Join the Wyndham Rewards program before you book. Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the points add up fast, and you can often get a "Member Rate" that beats the third-party booking sites by 10% or more.
Check your room for the "work desk" setup if you're on a business trip. Most rooms have them, but some of the older configurations have smaller surfaces. If you need to spread out blueprints or multiple monitors, mention that at check-in.
Finally, take advantage of the proximity to the Luce Line Trail if the weather is nice. It’s a massive trail system nearby that’s perfect for running or biking. It’s one of the best "hidden" perks of staying in this specific part of the West Metro.
Final Thoughts on Value
At the end of the day, La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis-Minnetonka isn't trying to reinvent the hotel industry. It's a solid, dependable choice in a high-demand area. You get free parking (which is becoming a rarity), a decent breakfast, and a location that puts you within reach of everything important in the Twin Cities.
If you're looking for a place to stay, verify the current rates on the official Wyndham site. Prices fluctuate wildly depending on whether the Vikings are playing at home or if there’s a massive convention downtown. Booking at least two weeks out is usually the sweet spot for the best rates in this particular zip code.
Check the latest guest reviews for any recent renovations or maintenance updates, as properties in this category tend to update rooms in cycles. It's always worth a quick look to see if you're getting one of the refreshed rooms with the newer flooring and lighting fixtures.