La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham NW Tucson Marana

The grounds are nicely landscaped with rocks and bushes, plus there’s a small artificial grass patch with patio chairs where people can sit, and maybe let their dogs out. My room was clean and comfortable, with firmer beds that suited me. I also appreciated the microwave and a small fridge that was a decent size. I only wish I could connect my laptop to the TV with HDMI. There were a couple little maintenance flaws, like a dent by the elevator that may have come from a luggage cart, and a few small patches on the bathtub. They do have two carts, which is handy. For a two-star hotel, those things didn’t bother me much because the service felt more like four- or five-star quality. I called to say I’d arrive after midnight, and they were cheerful and ready for me. They’d also noticed my reservation note about bringing my adventure cat. Check-in was welcoming, the front desk stayed friendly, and housekeeping did a good job. On Friday, the man closing breakfast at 9:30 politely explained it ended at 9 and was open until 10 on weekends, then let me pop in briefly for some fruit, which I appreciated. I’m fine eating the same breakfast daily, but I guess others wanted variety: Saturday had over-easy eggs with sausage, while Sunday had scrambled eggs with chorizo, so they may have listened to comments and changed things up.

The elevator doors close fast, and when I tried to hold one, it kept pushing instead of reopening. Inside the room, the sound insulation was awful. I could hear the neighbors' phone conversation word for word, plus their toilet and even them blowing their nose. The pullout mattress had urine stains all over it. The desk said they'd bring another one; that one looked clean at a glance, but had yellow stains too. Really gross. There were other problems everywhere: the bathroom sink stopper didn't work, the door handle was loose and wouldn't let the door lock, the garbage disposal was broken, and the air conditioners made random grinding sounds all night. The kitchen had only two forks and one butter knife, with no napkins or paper towels. I also noticed the fire extinguisher displayed an inspection date in mid-2024 and said it needed yearly inspection. The neon colored lighting was strange, too. There may be better options nearby.

The bed was comfortable, and breakfast was hot. The room itself needs some attention, though: powder of some kind on the floor, a big gouge in the nightstand, and a closet knob that was barely hanging on. The couch looked like cats had used it as a scratching post, and the bathroom door wouldn't lock. If perfection is what you want, this isn't the place, but for a comfy bed and hot breakfast, it'll do.

The staff were great with me, really helpful and accommodating. My concern is the mold. I've stayed here a few times and felt fine, but on my most recent visit I felt physically ill on the first floor, where the lobby smelled moldy. I moved to the second floor, where I'd stayed before, and found visible fuzzy black mold on the bathroom ceiling. I have asthma, allergies, and other health conditions that affect me badly, so I may be more sensitive than the average person. Still, mold like that is a health hazard, especially for anyone asthmatic, immunocompromised, or mold sensitive. I know the staff do their best and can't control structural problems, but I wouldn't recommend staying here.