La Quinta by Wyndham Denver Englewood Tech Center

We'd planned to stay for two nights this time, but ended up turning it into a four night getaway. We've stayed here several times before and love the property, with its indoor pool, hot tub, homey rooms, big dining area and seating by the fire. The free breakfast is delicious, the staff are sweet, and housekeeping does a great job. There's easy access to the highway, gas stations next door, and a BBQ restaurant about a three minute walk away. There are also plenty of nearby places to eat and shop. The bus or tram station is walkable if you want to head downtown without dealing with traffic. My main complaint is the new $10 nightly parking charge. They have their own lot, and they used to let guests park for free. Maybe the fee is for the convenience of the electric vehicle charging stations, or maybe it's just a way to make more money. Either way, I would have given service five stars, but the parking charge bothers me. Still, I love coming here and would make it my home away from home.

Check-in started off great, but the room was run down. The caulking behind the toilet was detached, the tub base was cracked, and there was no drain stopper. I put a towel between my skin and the tub so it wouldn't scratch me during a bath. Only one washer worked. I told Blanca I had a 6 lb, 17 year old Chihuahua and gave her $25 cash. As she took it, she said I wouldn't owe more after paying for three days, or $75. My dog has registered ESA papers through the state of Colorado. I was also confused about having to check out by 11 AM and check back in when my card was on file. I didn't make it to the desk by 11. Paige, a very professional woman, moved me next door to a much nicer room. Then a male staff member whose name I can't remember went through my belongings, including personal papers, while I was waiting at the front desk to pay. He screamed that I was dealing drugs, a hooker, had a dog in the room and was smoking there. I do not smoke. I had three people visit over five days to look after me because I was staying there for safety as a survivor of abuse. Housekeeping helped me gather my things and took photos showing there had been no wrongdoing. The area seems nice, and I used to work as a server at an upscale restaurant one exit away. Still, I saw homeless people in tents and lots of rats behind the building. I'd see about 10 while walking my dog.

The front desk was sweet and accommodating, and apologized when we had room problems. The first room, which we got for a great three night Expedia deal, had a sink that wouldn't drain, a stuck plunger and snot on the wall. In the replacement room, the shower started backing up after a few minutes, though at least there were no boogers. I heard someone mention a smoke smell, but didn't notice one myself. The elevators felt sketchy, and sometimes I heard people running in the hall above us, though it wasn't very loud. Breakfast was just okay, with the usual juice machine, waffles, oranges, oatmeal in cinnamon, apple spice, brown sugar and plain, and cereal including Cinnamon Toast, Bran and Lucky Charms. They also had “EGGS” and sausage patties. The eggs seemed powdered, with a strange, melt in your mouth texture. I don't know what they were, but they didn't seem real. I overheard the front desk talking about someone being broken into on the first night. I'd park near the building and cameras. You can walk to Target and QT, and there are a few restaurants nearby if you don't mind crossing at the light. The stay wasn't horrible, but next time I'd probably spend $25 more per day for a Hilton or similar.

The staff are warm and welcoming, and they put out a good breakfast every morning. Getting around is easy since the hotel is right by the highway. I’m staying at the La Quinta off Arapahoe and I-25 now, and it's been a really good value for the quality and price. The rooms are spacious and often have a comfortable hide-a-bed, which works well for families or longer stays. I especially like the indoor pool, the huge jacuzzi and the kiddie pool. A budget friendly place with amenities like these is a gem.