La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Helena

This hotel is frequently chosen by road trippers and pet owners due to its convenient location and welcoming pet policy. A notable feature is the outdoor heated pool, which many guests appreciate for relaxation after a long journey. While many guests highlight the friendly staff and the comfortable beds, a significant number of reviews point to the property feeling dated and in need of renovation, with some areas exhibiting signs of wear and tear. The hotel's overall cleanliness receives mixed feedback, with some praising it while others report issues. For a more restful stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the main road or elevator, as noise can be a concern.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub, which are popular amenities, though some guests noted the pool can be small or occasionally closed for maintenance. A fitness center is available, but some visitors found it untidy or lacking essential items like towels. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common point of frustration, with many guests reporting weak signals that hinder streaming or reliable internet access. The elevator is described as slow and small, and its proximity to some rooms contributes to noise complaints. Other amenities like laundry facilities and ice machines were reported as non-functional by some guests, and a lack of sufficient USB ports in rooms was also mentioned.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness is notably mixed; while many guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, a substantial number reported issues such as dirty floors, stains on furniture or carpets, hair on bedding or in bathrooms, and even mold in showers. Rooms are frequently described as dated with signs of wear, including peeling paint, broken furniture, and non-working window coverings. Most guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep, though some mentioned issues with flat pillows or worn mattresses. Noise is a significant concern, stemming from street noise, loud neighbors, AC units, and hallway activity, impacting overall tranquility. In-room amenities like coffee makers and TVs sometimes had missing parts or non-functional remotes.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast generally receives positive remarks for its variety, often including hot items like eggs, sausage, and waffles, alongside cereals, pastries, and fruit. Many guests appreciated the effort of the breakfast server to keep items replenished, even during busy periods. However, some reviews indicated that the hot food could be lukewarm or of sparse quality, with limited options or slow replenishment of popular items. A few guests noted that the dining area tables were not consistently cleaned after use, and some found the overall breakfast environment to be unappetizing due to these issues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location offers easy access to the interstate, making it a convenient stop for travelers. It is also situated near various restaurants and shopping options. However, this proximity to major roadways contributes significantly to noise levels, which many guests found disruptive, especially in rooms facing the street. Navigating to the hotel can be challenging for first-time visitors due to nearby one-way streets. Parking is available, but the lot is often described as small, difficult to navigate, and not always well-lit, with some areas being unlevel. Despite these challenges, the accessibility to amenities is a consistent positive.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and polite. Many guests highlighted positive interactions with the front desk team, noting their willingness to assist with requests and resolve issues. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and efficient. However, there are instances of mixed feedback regarding service, with some guests reporting rude interactions or long waits during check-in. Housekeeping service is a point of contention; while some found it satisfactory, others experienced rooms not being ready upon arrival, "do not disturb" signs being ignored, or a lack of room servicing during longer stays, leading to discomfort.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for guests traveling with animals, though a pet fee is applicable. Many guests noted a general odor throughout the property or specifically in rooms, ranging from musty smells to cigarette smoke or even cannabis in common areas. The property is frequently described as aging and in need of substantial updates, with many areas showing considerable wear and tear. Guests often commented on the thin walls, which contribute to significant noise transfer from neighboring rooms and hallways, making it difficult to achieve a quiet stay. Some guests also reported issues with rooms not being ready at the standard check-in time, leading to inconvenient waits.