Quality Inn & Suites Grand Prairie South

The breakfast room was clean, but the food choices were limited to packaged microwaveable items and a waffle maker. Coffee was out with breakfast; for an earlier cup, you’d need to use the in-room coffee maker. The room itself was spacious and clean, with a good-sized TV and other amenities. It was a little dated, but comfortable for sleeping, and the beds didn’t leave me sore. The AC worked well and kept things comfortable without noticeable noise. I can’t really comment on smells because I don’t have a good sense of smell. Though the hotel is beside the highway, it was quiet inside. The lobby and outdoor area looked good, and the pool was clean. There was plenty of parking, with two entrances and exits that made getting onto the roads easy without a U-turn. My sister-in-law checked us in, so I didn’t talk with staff, but people we passed in the hall seemed friendly and said good morning. For the price, it’s a good place for a night or even a couple.

We checked in at 4pm, dropped our things, and went out. When we returned at 10:30pm, my son was about to get into the king bed and spotted blood and stains on the covers and sheets. Under the covers I also found pubic hair on the sheets. I called the front desk; the clerk said all the rooms were full and offered a refund, which meant leaving at 11pm. There was no maid service, but he could give me blankets and covers so I could change the bed. I said I’d contact corporate since the manager wouldn’t be available until Monday, then took photos. I suggested my son use the pullout couch, but he found white residue on its pillows. I put on my shoes to go to the desk, taking pictures of everything. The clerk passed my door, so I asked him to help change the sheets since nobody else was available. He said he didn’t know how and it wasn’t his job. I told him it wasn’t my job either, and he was the one paid to look after the hotel when no one else was there. I said the room looked like people had had sex in it, and my son wasn’t sleeping in a dirty room. We were five hours from home, short on money, and had nowhere else to go. It was only one night, and I’d paid $167. He again said I could get a refund, but would have to leave. I called member services and complained; they told me to call back the next day to escalate the case. I also filed a report online as directed through the LA Quinta website. My son and I left for another hotel. I won’t stay at La Quinta again.

The pool and hot tub were a nice surprise, and check-in was pleasant and easy. Breakfast was fine and had more than a continental spread, though the room was very hot, probably from the waffle makers. The lobby was hot too. A car was parked under the covered entrance every time we came or went, making check-in and loading difficult. Our room was clean but needed remodeling: the curtain had a hole, the toilet was round in an oblong space, and the bed covers were pilled, worn, and stained. For its condition, the room felt overpriced. Reception displayed an 8.4 review, and this stay didn’t match that score.

We booked ten nights to spend the holidays near family, and the room was spotlessly clean. Everyone on staff was polite, friendly, and professional. Housekeeping brought fresh towels every few days and always asked if there was anything else they could help with. Breakfast is basic but plenty adequate. There are lots of places to eat and shops nearby. A great place to stay, and we’ll be back next year.