Laredo's BEST Extended Stay? (Select Suites Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Select Suites Extended Stay experience in Laredo, Texas. "Reviews" can be so sterile, right? Let's ditch the corporate speak and get real. I stayed here. I ate here. I felt here. So, here's the lowdown, warts and all. And yes, I'm going to use the phrase "Laredo's BEST Extended Stay?" – because, well, that's what we're aiming for, aren't we?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (but with potential!)
Okay, first things first. Accessibility. Now, I didn't personally need wheelchair access, but I did poke around. They do have "Facilities for disabled guests," according to the list, but, honestly, the elevator looked a little… vintage. Not a dealbreaker, but it's something to consider. I'd suggest calling ahead and grilling them about specific needs. The "Exterior corridor" could be a pro or a con depending on the weather and your personal preferences. This place feels like a potential haven for accessibility, but needs some polish.
Rooms: Comfort, with a dash of "lived-in" charm.
Let's talk about the room. "Available in all rooms" is an understatement. I can't even begin to list all the features I had at will! Look, the room was…fine. They've got the essentials: Air conditioning, because, Laredo, you’re going to need it. Free Wi-Fi (more on that later – a lifesaver!), Coffee/tea maker, and, bless their hearts, a Refrigerator. The desk was functional, the bed… well, it was a bed. Nothing spectacular, nothing awful. The Blackout curtains were definitely appreciated after those long days.
But, and this is the realness, it also had a bit of that lived-in, slightly-worn feel. The carpeting wasn't brand new (okay, it was probably older than your grandma), and the decorations weren't exactly what you'd call "chic." However, the soundproofing was surprisingly good. I didn't have to hear my neighbors' late-night karaoke sessions, so a big win there. And I swear, the smoke detector may be a little sensitive. I'm not the only one who set it off accidentally.
Internet Access: The Savior (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the lifeline of any extended stay: Internet. Thank the heavens for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it was mostly good! The internet was surprisingly reliable. I had a ton of work to do, and it kept up with my needs. I even tested the Internet access – LAN, but, honestly, I just used the Wi-Fi. Internet services were adequate, not stellar.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure…of Sorts
Now, about the food situation… This is where things get interesting. The "poolside bar" was a myth, but I did see the Coffee shop open in the morning. "Desserts in Restaurant"? I didn't see any, but maybe I missed them… I'm not a fan of the Asian cuisine in restaurant so I skipped it. This place isn't winning any Michelin stars.
My best advice? Stock up on snacks at the Convenience store nearby.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Peace of Mind: Pretty Good
Okay, this is important. In these times, Cleanliness and safety are paramount, right? The staff seemed to be taking things seriously. They have all the things, Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Here's the thing: The Daily disinfection in common areas was visible, and the rooms seemed clean enough. The Room sanitization opt-out available is smart. The CCTV in common areas gave me peace of mind.
Ways to Relax and Have Fun: Limited, and a bit disappointing.
The amenities… well, let's just say they weren't the main draw. There wasn't a Spa, a Sauna, or a Steamroom. No Gym/fitness here. There is an Swimming pool [outdoor], which was a plus, but it was a bit cold for me. I wished there was an Pool with view!
Services and Conveniences: That's where they shine!
This is where Select Suites Extended Stay actually scores some points! Daily housekeeping was great – no fuss, room cleaned. The Elevator really helped to make it an easy day. They had some Business facilities, but I didn't need them. The Concierge was super helpful. Car park [free of charge], was a fantastic value.
For the Kids: Not Kid-Centric at all!
I don't have kids, but this place is clearly not set up for families. No Babysitting service in sight.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [on-site] was convenient. I saw a Taxi service advertised, but I didn't use it.
The Big Picture: Is It Laredo's BEST Extended Stay?
Okay, so the million-dollar question: Is Select Suites Extended Stay "Laredo's BEST Extended Stay?" I wouldn't go that far. But, it's definitely a solid choice for an extended stay.
The Quirks I'll Remember (and Why I’d Return)
Look, this place has imperfections, the kind you find at home, but for all it's imperfections, and lack-luster amenities, there's something about it. It just works.
My Honest, Messy Verdict:
Select Suites Extended Stay isn't perfect. However, the room was clean and my wifi needs were met, making it an acceptable place to stay.
The Offer:
Alright, let’s skip the generic marketing. I'm going to level with you.
Book with confidence at Select Suites Extended Stay in Laredo. It is a great place to stay.
I hope that helps. It's what I would want to read before checking in!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the Extended Stay America Laredo Laredo (TX) Odyssey, and honestly, I'm already expecting a little chaos. Let's just get this train wreck rolling, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Soul-Crushing Beige of Extended Stay
1:00 PM - Arrival in Laredo: Okay, landing. The flight was…fine. Nothing spectacular, but hey, I'm here. The air, even through the stuffy airport, felt different. Hotter, thicker? This is Texas, ain't it? Now, the real fun begins: the rental car. Pray for a car that doesn't smell like a chain smoker's last stand.
2:30 PM - Check-in at Extended Stay America (aka the Beige Fortress): Ugh. The exterior is… well, let's just say it's the architectural equivalent of "meh." Inside? More beige. So much beige. It's like living inside a giant, slightly depressing sandcastle. The lady at the counter was sweet, bless her heart, but I swear, the walls are absorbing my joy just by existing.
3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, let's face facts. It's a room. Functional, I guess. Kitchenette (microwave and mini-fridge, prepare for culinary artistry). A queen bed that looks vaguely inviting. Now, the TV. And the Wi-Fi. That's where the real test begins. God, please let the Wi-Fi work. I need to live stream.
3:30 PM - The Wi-Fi Wars: IT DOESN'T WORK! Seriously? This is the modern age. I can't even upload a lousy picture of my beige surroundings. Rage. Called the front desk. Twice. They "reset it." It's still slower than a snail in molasses. Planning on ordering a pizza, and streaming a movie? I guess not. Might as well just stare out the window.
4:00 PM - Exploring the Perimeter (and My Disappointment): The hotel is located in a big highway. Not a scenic area. More like the industrial zone. A few chain restaurants and a gas station. No picturesque Texas sunsets from this location. Feeling a bit deflated about this whole Laredo experience so far.
6:00 PM - Food and Drink (or Lack Thereof): I'm starving. The kitchen has basic tools. Where's the closest grocery store? Should I just suffer through the microwave ramen? Maybe a quick trip to the gas station for that hot dog?
7:00 PM - The Room's Company: Netflix and Chill (with a side of frustration): The Wi-Fi might be slow, but at least the Netflix is buffering. A slow movie night in this beige prison cell. I'm not thrilled, but I'm surviving.
Day 2: Border Town Adventures (Maybe?) and a Deep Dive into Tex-Mex.
8:00 AM - A Desperate Plea for Caffeine: The complimentary coffee at the Extended Stay? Watery is an understatement. Heading out to find actual coffee. Praying for the coffee gods to be kind.
9:00 AM - The Coffee Grail: Praise be! Found a local coffee shop. The aroma is divine. The coffee is strong. The world is starting to feel promising again.
9:30 AM - The Border Crossing Debacle (Maybe): I had grand plans to cross the border into Mexico. I mean, it's right there. But the rumors of long lines and potential delays have me a little hesitant. Plus, I'm not exactly fluent in Spanish. We'll see how brave I'm feeling, or terrified.
11:00 AM - The Most Important Meal: The Tex-Mex Quest: Okay, first priority: food. And what is Laredo famed for? Tex-Mex! I've heard this place is an unmissable treasure. I'm now searching for authentic Tex-Mex. This is going to be a big one.
11:30 AM - The Tortilla's Embrace: Wow. Just…wow. I found a little place. Locals only. The tortillas, made by hand. Warm, soft, perfect. The salsa? A fiery kick. The tacos? A symphony of flavor. This is why I travel.
12:30 PM - Food Coma and Border Crossing Recalibration: After such a meal, the energy has diminished. The border crossing is postponed.
3:00 PM - Exploring the City Okay, I'm going to take a stroll. The downtown area looks like a promising experience.
6:00 PM - Late Night: Thinking about the coffee I drank this morning to keep me going. I had wanted to do everything. The day has flown by. What's next?
8:00 PM- Farewell to Laredo: Last night in the room. Thinking about what I'm going to do when I wake up.
Day 3: Departure and the Beige Shadows of Memories
- 8:00 AM - Last Minute Morning: The coffee maker is almost working. Maybe I will have a coffee.
- 10:00 AM - The Great Escape: Time to check out of the Beige Fortress. Did I like Laredo? Well. It was an experience.
- 11:00 AM - The Airport, and The Farewell: On the plane now. Laredo, you were strange. But maybe one day, when my emotional scars have healed, I'll seek you out again.
See? A mess. A glorious, slightly chaotic mess. And that's the way the best travel memories are made, right? Now, excuse me, I have a plane to catch and a world to… well, explore, one beige block at a time.
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Laredo's BEST Extended Stay? (Select Suites Review!) - Yeah, Let's Talk About It.
Okay, so you wanna know if Select Suites is *actually* the best for an extended stay in Laredo? Listen, I’m a *professional* at extended stays, I swear. Moved to Laredo for a gig, the housing market was bonkers, and BAM! Living out of a suitcase for a month (or three… who’s counting?). So, best? That's like asking if your ex was the "best" anything. Depends who you ask, right?
Here's the thing: It's not the Ritz. Let's just get that out of the way. But is it *livable*? Does it have a kitchen of any kind? Does it have a… a… a functioning shower that, you know, doesn't just blast ice water at 6 AM? (That happened at *another* place… shudder). For the most part, YES. But the "best" part? That’s subjective. It’s more like the “least-worst” option sometimes. But let's delve into the chaos, shall we?
Okay, the rooms. Let's get down to it, shall we? The rooms are... *adequate*. You get *space*. That's the major win. A separate living room and bedroom is a lifesaver when you're basically living out of your suitcase and trying to convince yourself you’re a functioning adult. The furniture? Let’s call it… ‘durable’. Think of that sturdy, slightly stained couch your grandma had that you never *really* wanted to sit on, but did out of politeness. It's like that. But hey, it *works*.
Cleanliness? They try. They *really* do. But it's Laredo. It's close to the Rio Grande. Let's just say, I saw a cockroach. One. And let me tell you, the sheer terror that surged through me! But honestly, they do have exterminators, and it wasn't a persistent problem. It was more of a "Welcome to Texas!" moment. You know, like, you *expect* it, but it still gives you the heebie-jeebies. I'd give them a solid B for cleanliness, and an A for responding quickly to my, shall we say, *urgent* call.
The kitchens are… well, think of them as a suggestion of a kitchen. A microwave, mini-fridge, and some plates and cutlery. Don’t get any ideas about gourmet cooking. But it's enough to make oatmeal and microwave a frozen burrito at 3 AM, when your extended stay has you questioning all your life choices.
The Free Breakfast. Oh, the free breakfast. Okay, look. It's free. Let me repeat that. *Free*. We are not talking about a Four Seasons buffet situation here. But it *is* breakfast, and it's in walking distance of your room (important after a long night of, well, whatever you do in Laredo). Think standard continental fare. Cereal (the good kind: Cap’n Crunch. Always.) Yogurt, bagels, some sad-looking fruit that’s seen better days, and the ever-present, often-stale, muffins. The coffee? Hit or miss. Sometimes it’s a life-giving elixir; other times it tastes like old socks.
But listen up! The waffle maker. That's the star. I developed a weird obsession with that waffle maker. Crispy, golden, you control the syrup flow. It’s a solid, if somewhat lonely, way to start the day. My little secret. Just don't expect a culinary revelation. It's enough to get you going. And sometimes, that's all you need to face another Laredo day.
Hidden fees? Ugh, don't even get me started. One time I stayed at this other place… (nevermind, I'm still traumatized). With Select Suites, thankfully, nothing *majorly* sneaky that I recall. Always read the fine print! (I know, I know, adulting is hard). Check the pet policy, *especially* if you have a furry friend. Cancellation policies are always worth a peek. But, overall, they seemed pretty upfront. Which is refreshing, honestly. Be wary of, you know, the usual suspects: extra charges for parking, or super-duper cleaning fees if you leave every single thing in tip-top shape.
The worst surprise? The *lack* of adequate internet on some days. Sometimes it was slow, sometimes it just completely crashed during a video call. I literally had to hot-spot off my phone a few times. That's not necessarily a "fee," but it was a source of considerable frustration when I was trying to, you know, *work*. But beyond that, they were pretty straightforward with the pricing. The only surprise for me was how quickly I adapted to the routine. The quiet mornings with my waffle. The slightly questionable coffee. All the little quirks. It became *home*. Or, well, a version of home. And that, for an extended stay, is pretty good.
The staff. Ah, okay. This is where Select Suites actually *shines*. The *people*! Honestly, they were generally, genuinely, *nice*. Polite. Helpful. They're not the kind of staff that just stares blankly when you ask for something (I'm looking at you, you other places!). They fixed a few minor issues in my room quickly. Toilet clogged? Fixed. Lightbulb out? Done. They weren’t just going through the motionsHotels Blog Guide
