La Quinta Inn & Suites Lakeland East

Booked the biggest room they have. Stayed here cuz I got married at Town Manor in Auburndale and I needed a place for all the bridesmaids to get hair/​makeup done plus a we got another room for the groom and his men too. I booked 6 months ahead, arranged for rooms on opposite floors. They put us at opposite ends of the hallway on the same floor. I always stay at LQ with their rewards points. This chain is hit or miss. This particular location was a mid-​point btwn hit or miss. Elevator was broken but they had 1 in service — thats an acceptable inconvenience though. Breakfast might as well not have existed. It starts at 7:30 am. I went at 8:30 am and there was nothing left. I mean, 1 boiled egg and cereal was left with no refills coming. No breads, pastries, fruit, etc. as other LQs have. Room was clean but obviously renovated (see pics) with loads of things that need replacing vs what i think they tried to do, refreshing. Such as doors that wont fully close — closets, bathrooms and the room. Yes, the room door. The latch didn’t always completely lock unless we pulled it closed. They need to tighten the screw on the door jam plate corresponding to the lock since its about to fall off. Huge security miss. Stale smoke smell in both rooms (6^th floor). Both days when the entire wedding party (10 of us) walked pass the check in counter headed towards the fitness center/​elevator we smelled weed. Pot, marijuana, mary jane… aka illegal substance. Thats 3 days in a row over a number of varying times in the 24 hour day. Seeing as a previous guest stated the same complaint in her review coupled w our experience can only mean one thing: Its a staff member. Thats REALLY messed up. But maybe that’s why they’re all so dang nice. Maybe they’re all high. Who knows? Given the chance, I’d not stay at this location again.

This hotel is on a loop road with many other choices for accommodations. Many were full and we found room here. This was one of the cheaper choices but it was very good! There was a free breakfast with good choices. Room was clean and comfortable. Lobby was well maintained. Staff was friendly and polite.