The Boone, NC hotel that makes the most sense

Recently, we traveled out to western North Carolina. I always take advantage of any opportunity to see the mountains. We have previously stayed at other hotels when we are out there, but this time, we wanted to stay somewhere new.

This time around, we opted for the La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham, and honestly, I’m not sure I want to stay anywhere else.

Located off E. King Street in Boone, La Quinta is kind of hidden behind a gas station and trees. To find it, you need to turn onto 221 off King and then into the parking lot.

Let’s get to what is great before we mention the bad, all hotels have things that don’t work well.

The room was spacious, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. Probably the most comfortable bed I have slept on in a regular hotel. The king-size bed was more than enough for us. Our room also came with a jacuzzi tub in the shape of a heart. I didn’t realize that was what I booked, but after giving it a try, I’m glad I did.

There was more than enough room for two people comfortably.

The lobby was nice, and there is an outside sitting area as well. Its location is excellent for visiting Appalachian State University, which is just a couple of blocks away.

What didn’t work.

The television options were quite limited for what you would expect from a Wyndham hotel. I’ve seen better at a $ 50.00-a-night run-down motel. I was so disappointed with what was offered that I opted to read instead. I guess that’s not a bad thing.

The hotel offers breakfast. It’s a short window, but it is hot. Nothing is going to surprise you in terms of taste. The breakfast is what you would expect from any other hotel trying to entice customers to stay.

The problem is the same everywhere else, to the point you start to think they are all catered by the same people. It’s bland, over-salted food designed more as a breakfast buffet presentation.

The worst part, however, was the internet. I was there on a working stay and needed the internet. It didn’t work horribly, but to get the advertised “free WiFi” it shows on Expedia, you have to sign up for Wyndham Rewards.

While signing up is free, the process is misleading. I shouldn’t have to sign up for something I don’t want to use just to get the service that is advertised as free on the website. Sure, it’s technically free, but it adds more unwanted ads to my email.

Overall, despite the negatives, La Quinta’s cleanliness, staff courtesy, comfort, and space are hard to pass up. I can eat somewhere else and can sign in to my new Wyndham rewards account, but I can’t get that good, comfortable sleep, and after all, that’s what we are looking for in a budget hotel.