La Quinta Inn by Wyndham West Long Branch

This hotel is primarily noted for its convenient location, offering easy access to nearby beaches, shopping, and major highways, making it a practical choice for short-term visitors and beachgoers seeking an affordable stay. While some guests highlight its pet-friendly policy, the overall guest experience is significantly shaped by highly variable staff interactions, inconsistent room cleanliness, and frequent issues with facility availability. Many reviews also frequently mention pervasive unpleasant odors throughout the property. It tends to attract budget-conscious travelers and those attending local events who prioritize proximity over luxury. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of specific amenities like the pool before arrival, and consider requesting a room away from the highway to mitigate potential noise. Guests might also find it beneficial to bring their own preferred toiletries or towels, given some recurring feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The availability and condition of the hotel's facilities and amenities are a significant point of contention among guests. The indoor pool and hot tub are frequently cited as being unexpectedly closed, often without prior notification, leading to considerable disappointment for many who booked specifically for these features. When open, some describe the pool as small but adequate for families. Feedback on the fitness center is mixed, with some guests noting its absence or lack of proper equipment, while others find it satisfactory. Wi-Fi and cell phone service are inconsistent, with many reporting poor or non-existent connectivity in rooms, hindering communication and work. The hotel's elevator system is described as unusual, often requiring guests to navigate stairs even when using it, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Issues with ice machines being broken or leaking are also mentioned. While a small snack area is available, some guests feel food options are limited to vending machines. Parking is generally considered easy and convenient, though some express concerns about the surrounding area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. While some guests report their rooms to be clean, quiet, and comfortable, a significant number describe severe issues, including stained sheets and towels, visible mold in bathrooms, and the presence of bedbugs or cockroaches. Many rooms are noted to be in an older, worn state, with issues like lifted carpeting, broken furniture, and general disrepair, though some recent renovations are also mentioned. The comfort of the beds receives mixed reviews; some find them very comfortable, while others complain about worn mattresses and flat pillows. Noise levels are a frequent concern, with reports of poor soundproofing leading to disturbances from slamming doors, loud music, barking dogs, and highway traffic, impacting sleep quality. Regarding in-room amenities, guests have noted missing items such as hairdryers, working phones, and sufficient toiletries, though some appreciate the presence of a coffee maker and ample outlets. Issues with air conditioning units not functioning properly are also reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The continental breakfast offered at the hotel receives highly mixed feedback from guests. While some find it satisfactory for a complimentary meal, others express significant disappointment regarding its food quality and limited breakfast variety. Common complaints include cold or reheated eggs, watery juice, and issues with the waffle maker producing undercooked waffles. Many guests report that popular items, including hot food options like eggs and sausage, are frequently depleted, and the coffee is often cold or unavailable, especially closer to the end of service. The breakfast area itself can become overcrowded and disorganized, with staff struggling to keep items replenished. Some guests appreciate the convenience of having breakfast on-site, particularly the self-serve waffle maker, but many ultimately choose to seek dining options elsewhere due to the perceived lack of quality, freshness, and consistent availability of items.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest attributes, making it highly convenient for guests. It offers excellent beach access, typically within a short driving distance, allowing visitors to enjoy the shore without the higher costs of beachfront properties. Guests appreciate its proximity to various shopping areas and diverse restaurants, providing ample dining and retail options. The hotel is also well-situated for those attending events or visiting local attractions such as Monmouth Park, Pier Village, and Monmouth University. Its easy accessibility from major highways like Route 18 and the Garden State Parkway further enhances its appeal for travelers, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures. This strategic positioning makes it a practical base for exploring the surrounding region and accessing key destinations with ease.

Staff & Service
Staff interactions at the hotel elicit a wide range of feedback, with some guests reporting positive experiences with friendly staff who are described as helpful, polite, and professional. These positive encounters often highlight efficient service and a welcoming demeanor. However, a significant number of reviews detail highly negative experiences, citing staff as rude, dismissive, and unprofessional, particularly during the check-in process and when addressing guest concerns. Many guests report issues with delayed check-ins, unfulfilled requests, and difficulties resolving billing or reservation disputes, often encountering unhelpful or confrontational responses. There are frequent mentions of staff being unresponsive, difficult to locate at the front desk, or exhibiting poor communication skills. The overall perception of customer service is highly inconsistent, with many guests feeling that their issues are not adequately addressed and that staff lack the necessary training or willingness to provide effective responsiveness.

Additional Information
Guests frequently report pervasive odors throughout the hotel, including strong smells of marijuana, mold, cleaning chemicals, and general staleness in hallways and sometimes rooms, significantly impacting the overall atmosphere. Many visitors express frustration over unexpected deposits or additional fees, often charged upon arrival without prior notification, leading to unauthorized charges or holds on credit cards and considerable financial inconvenience. Issues with third-party booking platforms are also common, with guests experiencing difficulties with reservation cancellations, unhonored bookings, or disputes over refunds, often requiring extensive follow-up. While the hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, some guests note challenges with managing pet waste areas and occasional disturbances from other guests' animals. Additionally, the hotel's physical accessibility is sometimes criticized due to an unusual elevator layout that may still require navigating stairs, posing challenges for guests with mobility needs.