To Texas, that is…and my man! Glory and Hallelujah!
My best pup Riley and I hit the open road yesterday, to drive my car over and start living in Texas most of the time, instead of Florida. The house isn’t sold yet, nor have we moved our furniture, nor have we found a new home. But, we’ve done everything that needs doing on the Florida end, for now, and it’s time for both of us to be in one place!
Because I have a secret desire to be a travel writer/hotel critic, I thought I would flesh out some of that pent up energy with a quick ode to La Quinta. Yes, La Quinta. Typically, I am a complete hotel snob, turning my nose up at the roadside hotel chains that beckon weary travelers from every exit of every highway across the nation, in pursuit of five-star fare, deeper into the city. However, I normally don’t travel with my dog.
I knew that I needed to break up the 18-hour drive over two days, so I began researching dog-friendly options around the half-way mark of my journey. Many of the hotels that accepted dogs not only had a weight limit (which is no big deal for us – the little man is, well, LITTLE), but they also had a pet fee, ranging anywhere from $25-$75. There were only a handful of options at my half-way point, and out of these La Quinta had neither stipulation. Impressive. They also served breakfast, and, oh yeah, it was BRAND NEW (most are either completely new or newly remodeled)! The rooms looked lovely, they boasted pillow-top mattresses and high thread-count sheets, and if that weren’t enough, they offered FREE WI-FI in EVERY ROOM! May the Lord be praised! I took my chances and booked a room.
We arrived at our La Quinta, impressed by the lobby and the lovely breakfast area.
The front-desk clerk was very helpful, and immediately honored my request to be moved to a different room, as the original room was right next to the elevator. I claimed that it might keep the dog up all night, but I don’t tend to sleep really well with elevator chimes myself. Shocking, I know. I discovered that they have a special dog yard, complete with pooper scooper and plenty of space to take care of business.
Our room was as lovely as promised, with a well-appointed bathroom and the bed was FABULOUS! I’m actually going to ask if I can order the sheets…they were that good! I had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in quite a while under the down comforter and cozied up in that pillow top.
So, if you’re traveling with your canine pal anytime this summer, whether he be a pint-sized poodle, or a massive Mastiff, check out the new and improved La Quinta. They are still reasonably priced (under $100), and will make your pet sleepover a delight. Heck, I might even stay here without the dog, all snobbiness aside.
Heading down for a little breakfast before day two on the road. Next time I check in, I’ll be a Texan in her homeland. Again…GLORY AND HALLELUJAH! Okay, I’ll also throw in a YEE-HAW for good measure.
What a fun & fabulous way to earmark the life-transition this trip represents!
Hubby and I often take road trips. When the children were small, they enjoyed them as well. But daughter Molly used to have to see every bathroom, everywhere! Hers was an earmarking of a different sort. The thought of it still makes me chuckle.
I pray your travels are safe & pleasant, and that your cowgirl personna comes with flourish.
Be blessed,
Kathleen
I need to let my dad read this post.
Many many moons ago, my brother had cancer. He was in the hospital in Memphis at St. Jude. My parents, of course, were there with him. Only one parent was allowed to stay at the hospital, so the other had to stay in a hotel. The LaQuinta was really close to the hospital and was reasonably priced (my dad was a Youth Minister and my mom was a secretary in – we weren't exactly "rolling in it") so my dad stayed there. The people were so nice and accommodating that dad has remained loyal ever since. This was 28 years ago. He stays in LaQuinta's every time he can. When we first moved to Tallahassee & Birmingham, he got online to find the LaQuinta's in both cities. I guess when you treat customers right (and in his case, over and beyond expectations – like family) they will come back. Nice job, LaQuinta.
Oh, and my brother is a happy, engaged, healthy, 31 year old actor living in NYC. Praise the Lord for St. Jude Children's Hospital!
We will miss you here on the east coast but know that you are thrilled to be going HOME!!
Thanks for the review. Be careful.
Leah
Sounds like you’re slightly excited to be going back to Texas again 🙂 Enjoy!
That is a beautiful hotel. Good to know with our trip to Maine this summer with Spike!
Miss you but so happy you are heading home.
Love, Jen
Kind of silly, but I’m so happy that YOU are happy.
My husband has stayed there before…nice place. Good to know they allow pets. My best to you as you travel.
Aaaaaaaaaw… so glad you had a blessed trip and will soon be back with BOTH your “men” 🙂 God bless!
Oh Melinda, I’ve been wondering how you were faring – travelling back home to Texas…
I liked thinking about you being “nearby” in Florida after I hugged your neck in January at Travis’s concert – but I am SO HAPPY that you are going HOME!
There’s nothing like HOME! Will your girls be there too, or finish school? Take care and much love,
Jan
Melinda:
I pray travel mercies over you and your little doggie. Separation from loved ones is hard. And now, soon you’ll be HOME.
We’ve never stayed at LaQuinta. Your thoughts are something to remember.