La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tuscaloosa University

The staff were friendly at both check-in and checkout, and the hotel looked really nice. I brought my small dog, and there was an outdoor area for him. The fee was just $25. I hadn't stayed at a La Quinta in years and remembered them as run-down, but this place was very clean, with comfortable beds and pillows and lovely decor. Breakfast was amazing, with just about anything you could want: waffles, grits, oatmeal, scrambled eggs that were actually good, sausage links, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, fruit, juices, cups, yogurt, and coffee. I'd definitely stay here again.

The room smelled strongly of mildew as soon as we walked in, and the air conditioner wouldn't run. My husband reported both problems at the desk. The associate came to the room, noticed the smell, then unplugged the unit and plugged it back in to reset it. It worked for a few minutes, but we had to reset it eight times during the night. At checkout I mentioned the problems again and was told, “ok” and that they'd look into it. At $205 a night, I feel they should have moved us as soon as the associate saw what we were expected to sleep in without air. We arrived late Friday night, 3/6, around 9:30 pm. The hotel looked very nice and check-in was easy. It was our first and last stay at a La Quinta. Avoid this hotel at all cost.

We come back to this place again and again. This was our fifth stay this year, on trips between the East Coast and Texas, and it's always somewhere we look forward to reaching. The dog-friendly setup is great, with lots of small grassy areas, and the hotel still smells clean and freshly scrubbed. The lobby has different kinds of seating, and you can get coffee, tea, or hot cocoa any time of day. Rooms are modern and pristine, the staff welcoming and efficient, and breakfast has plenty to choose from. The oatmeal toppings even include sliced almonds and dried cranberries, and the hot food is satisfying. It's a special, reasonably priced place for a night right off I 20/59. For directions, there's no entrance from the service road along the highway. Use either of the two driveways off MacFarland, by the gas station or closer to the light. There's ample room for moving trucks, campers, and vehicles in tow.

The staff did more than expected to make us comfortable, and this was one of the best motel stays we've had. I also had one of the best practices I've experienced at a hotel. Highly recommend La Quinta in Tuscaloosa. We'd definitely stay here again next time we're in town. 💯👍