Finding a place to crash on Long Island is usually a headache. It's either overpriced luxury that feels like a museum or a budget motel that makes you want to sleep in your car. Then there’s La Quinta Inn & Suites Garden City. If you’ve spent any time searching for a mid-range spot near Roosevelt Field or the Nassau Coliseum, you’ve definitely seen this property pop up. It’s one of those hotels that everyone seems to have an opinion on, mostly because it sits right in the chaotic, high-traffic heart of Stewart Avenue.
Let’s be real. You aren’t booking here for a boutique experience. You’re booking it because you need to be near Westbury, Mineola, or the Meadowbrook Parkway without paying $400 a night at the Garden City Hotel.
Honestly, the "Garden City" name is a bit of a stretch anyway. The hotel is technically in Stewart Manor/Garden City territory, but it’s really about the convenience of the surrounding commercial hub. You’re minutes away from some of the best shopping on the East Coast and a short drive from the LIRR stations that zip you into Manhattan. But before you put down your credit card, there are things about this specific Wyndham property that the glossy photos don’t tell you.
The Reality of the Location: Beyond the Maps
Location is everything. If you’re visiting for a concert at the UBS Arena or a game at the Coliseum, La Quinta Inn & Suites Garden City is a strategic move. It sits right off the Meadowbrook State Parkway. This is both a blessing and a curse. Access is incredibly easy, but the traffic on Stewart Avenue can be a nightmare during rush hour.
You’ve got the Roosevelt Field Mall just a stone’s throw away. We're talking about over 200 stores. If you forget your suit for a wedding or need a specific pair of Nikes, you're covered. Plus, the dining options in the immediate area are endless. You can hit up high-end spots like The Capital Grille or go for something quick at the food court.
One thing people overlook? The proximity to the colleges. Hofstra, Adelphi, and Nassau Community College are all right there. During graduation season, this hotel becomes a chaotic hive of families. If you’re planning a trip in late May or early June, book months in advance. Seriously. If you don't, you'll end up in a smoking room in a different town entirely.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s talk about the interior. It’s a La Quinta. It’s consistent. You get the bright colors, the standard Wyndham bedding, and that specific "hotel" smell that’s a mix of industrial cleaner and faint air freshener.
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The suites are the real winner here. If you’re traveling with kids or on a business trip where you need to spread out your laptop and papers, the extra square footage is worth the upgrade. Most rooms come with a microwave and a mini-fridge. This is a lifesaver. Long Island food prices are high, and being able to store leftovers from dinner or keep a six-pack of beer cold makes a difference.
Is it quiet? Sorta.
Because it’s near major roads, you might hear some ambient hum from the parkway. It’s not "New York City siren" loud, but it isn’t "cabin in the woods" quiet either. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators and on a higher floor. The walls aren't paper-thin, but you’ll know if your neighbor is an early riser.
Maintenance and Modernity
Wyndham has done a decent job keeping this place updated, but it's a high-volume hotel. Wear and tear happens. You might find a scuff on the baseboard or a faucet that’s a little finicky. It’s a "working" hotel. People are constantly checking in and out.
The Wi-Fi is usually reliable. I’ve seen people running Zoom calls in the lobby without many hiccups. That’s a low bar, sure, but in the world of hotel internet, it’s a win.
The Breakfast Situation and Amenities
Ah, the free breakfast. The Great Equalizer.
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At La Quinta Inn & Suites Garden City, the breakfast is exactly what you expect. Waffles. Hard-boiled eggs. Cereal. Yogurt. It’s fuel. Don't expect a farm-to-table brunch experience. It’s about getting some carbs in your system before you head out to face the Long Island Expressway.
- The Fitness Center: It’s small. Don’t expect a CrossFit box. It’s got a treadmill, an elliptical, and maybe some dumbbells. It gets the job done if you just need to move your legs after a long flight into JFK.
- Parking: This is a big one. Parking is free. In this part of New York, that’s actually a huge perk. Many hotels closer to the city or in the posh parts of Garden City will tack on a $25-per-day "destination fee" or parking charge. Here, you just park your car and go.
- Pet Policy: Like most La Quintas, they are generally pet-friendly. This is a major selling point for people moving to the area or traveling with their dogs. Just check the specific weight limits and fees before you show up with a Great Dane.
Why This Spot Beats the Competition
You could stay at the Marriott or the Hilton nearby. They are nicer. They are also significantly more expensive.
The value proposition of La Quinta Inn & Suites Garden City is the balance. You get a clean bed, a hot shower, and a central location for a price that doesn't feel like a robbery. It’s popular with business travelers who have a strict per-diem and families who would rather spend their money at the mall than on a fancy lobby.
There’s also the "no-nonsense" factor. You check in, you get your key, you go to your room. There’s no valet to wait for, no bellman hovering for a tip, and no complicated resort fees hidden in the fine print. It’s straightforward.
The Transit Factor
If you aren't driving, things get a bit trickier. While you can Uber everywhere, it adds up. The Carle Place and Mineola LIRR stations are the closest. From Mineola, you can get a fast train into Penn Station or Grand Central in about 35 to 40 minutes. It makes this hotel a viable "overflow" option for New York City trips if Manhattan prices are insane during a convention or holiday.
Common Gripes and How to Avoid Them
Every hotel has its issues. For this La Quinta, the complaints usually center around the "busy-ness" of the place.
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- Check-in wait times: If you arrive at exactly 3:00 PM on a Friday, expect a line. There’s often a youth sports team or a wedding block checking in at the same time.
- The Breakfast Rush: 8:30 AM is the danger zone. If you want a waffle without fighting a ten-year-old for the iron, go at 7:00 AM.
- The Surroundings: It’s a concrete heavy area. You aren't going to step out the front door and go for a scenic nature walk. You’re going to step out and see an Office Depot or a car dealership. Know what you're signing up for.
Making the Most of Your Stay: Pro Tips
Don’t just sit in the room. Even if you’re there for work, you’re in a prime spot for some legendary local food. Forget the chain restaurants for one night. Head over to Mineola for some authentic Portuguese food at Churrasqueira Bairrada. Or, if you want a classic New York diner experience, the Garden City Diner is a short drive away and serves portions that could feed a small army.
If you have a free afternoon, take the 15-minute drive south to Old Westbury Gardens. It’s a complete 180 from the suburban sprawl of Stewart Avenue. It’s a massive estate with stunning gardens that feel like you’ve been dropped into a period drama. It’s the best way to decompress after a day of meetings or shopping.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Garden City serves a specific purpose. It’s a high-utility, mid-budget hub in one of the busiest counties in America. It’s not a destination in itself; it’s the gateway to everything else you’re doing on Long Island.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book Direct or Check the App: Sometimes the Wyndham Rewards app has "member-only" rates that beat the big travel sites by $10 or $20. Plus, you get points that actually add up pretty quickly in their system.
- Request a High Floor: To minimize the noise from Stewart Avenue and the parking lot, the fourth or fifth floors are your best bet.
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you book, Google "Nassau Coliseum events" or "UBS Arena schedule." If there’s a massive concert or a playoff game, traffic in the area will be tripled, and room rates will spike.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older rooms sometimes have fewer outlets than we’d like in 2026. If you have a phone, a watch, a laptop, and a tablet, you’ll be hunting for plugs behind the nightstand.
- Confirm the Pet Fee: If you’re bringing a dog, call the front desk the day before. Policies can change, and it’s better to know the exact daily rate for Fido rather than getting a surprise on your final bill.
Staying here is about efficiency. If you go in with the right expectations—knowing it’s a busy, convenient, and functional hotel—you’ll have a perfectly good stay. It’s about the bed and the location. Everything else is just a bonus.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Map your route: If you’re arriving from JFK, use a traffic app like Waze immediately upon landing; the Belt Parkway/Southern State route can vary by 40 minutes depending on a single accident.
- Verify your amenities: If you specifically need a crib or a pull-out sofa, call the Garden City front desk directly at (516) 705-9000 rather than relying on the "Special Requests" box in an online booking—they fill up fast.
- Join the loyalty program: Even if you don't stay at Wyndhams often, the "Blue" level usually gets you a slightly later checkout (around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM) if you ask nicely at the desk.