I have become a new convert to La Quintas, for two reasons. First, they WELCOME not just tolerate, dogs. Second, they are good value for money. They don't have restaurants on site, but they do provide a basic breakfast. The rooms are generally clean and the beds comfortable. This location was ideal as a reasonable stretch from the Florida Keys.

Being a repeat client means that each location inevitably is measured against the others, not just on its own merits. It also means that over time, at least one experience is bound to disappoint. This location wins that dubious honour.

We arrived late afternoon with our dog and were placed on the first floor at the end of the corridor. This is great - easy access when Lucy wants to take a stroll. On entering, we noticed a smell in the room. Not sure what it was. My partner thought it was the air conditioner. It didn't smell rancid, but it certainly wasn't pleasant. We both thought it odd the Lucy's sniffer was going full steam in the room, smelling something.

Then we looked at the bed top cover. It's a tan coloured piece of cloth above the sheets and below the turned back blanket. Filthy. Any number of visible spots. Clearly unclean. Not arguably, but clearly.

We called to have it changed and it was changed by two very helpful people. When they removed all the sheets, we saw the state of the mattress. Yew! Huge stains underneath. I get that it is dangerous to look "behind the curtain" at any business, but this was gross to see. I checked under the mattress for bed bugs (TO BE CLEAR - there were no bed bugs) but I didn't sleep under the blankets. I mean how could you put dirty coverings on a bed and not notice?

The front desk apologized for the stained coverlet and "put a note" on our file for some future, unpromised token of apology, which is no apology at all of course. There was nothing to do about the smell. So, a poor experience and we won't stay here again based on that.

An atypical experience for this chain.

This is a beautiful property and the rates are bellow average for the quality of rooms and location

The staff were excellent and the free breakfast good and plentiful. The rooms were spotless and had pillowtop mattresses that you just sink into.
The price was very very good too and we were sorry we had to leave.

I would highly recommend this hotel

I'm a frequest visitor of La Quinta hotels. The hotel is convenient to the major roads (Rt 1 and the Turnpike), but the entrance was fairly awkward. It is tight turn in off Caribbean Blvd, and you approch the hotel from the side. It's right next to a gas station and a McDonalds.
The hotel lobby is small and clean, but nothing impressive. The elevator and hallways appeared worn and I was expecting the same when I got to my room. I was surprised to find a very nice room with a flat screen TV. It almost looks like the room was refurbished but the rest of the hotel wasn't done.
Breakfast was standard LaQuinta fare - hard boiled eggs, waffles, cereal, yogurt, and some fruit. The staff did a nice job keeping it clean.
No excercise room, which is usually a deal breaker for me, but guests can use the Ballys across the street (it was nice). I did not feel comfortable running outside the hotel. It didn't seem like the best area and the roads were fairly busy. I did drive to and ran at Black Point Park and saw some wildlife and a nice marina. I ran to the end of the jetty and was rewarded by a beautiful view, but a large blue heron scared the heck out of me on the way. I advise it only if you have a sense of adventure...it was fairly isolated at sunrise.
There were some restaurants in the area, but the selection was limited. I needed to travel to Kendall (The Falls) to find a nicer restaurant to take a client.
I will stay here again if the rates are good. I actually moved hotels mid week because they tripled their rate for a Nascar race in Homestead this weekend. I'm not sure if they were fully booked or if that is just the way they operate. I moved to the BW in Kendall and posted a review.
Happy travels!