I spent Thanksgiving (2005) at the La Quinta Inn in Colorado Springs, Co. I should specify that I used their facility at the Garden of the Gods area, since there are two(2) La Quintas in that city. My stay was more than adequate for my needs. The lodgings were clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and highly efficient. The location was central to my visiting needs, along with proximity to areas of interest. If my son remains stationed in this area, I will no doubt visit again soon. But, if not, since he has expressed a desire to retire in the Colorado Springs area, I wiil return anyway if life lasts and luck doesn't change. Thanks

This was our first stay in a La Quinta brand hotel, and I hope that this isn't indicative of the brand. If so, they won't be around much longer. First the positives: the staff is friendly and helpful, and the breakfast is pretty good, even though there is a wait for waffles. However, the reason we stay in motels is the room, and we found a substandard, dimly lit, unappealing room. Sure, it had a roof over our heads, the toilet flushed, and the water ran in the sink, but this level of comfort should be priced alot less than what you're paying for. There was alot of noise from people walking down the gangways in the middle of the night, and from car alarms going off. Thankfully it wasn't my car alarm, but getting up at 1am to check it out was a pain after 13 hours of driving. This may be a party/hook up place for local college students, I don't know, but it sounded like there were some parties going on elsewhere from the loud voices heard in the night. Luckily the party wasn't near us, just the traffic. Keep looking if you're in the area.

This hotel is very dirty, the room consist of 4 walls and a bathroom. Although the hotel staff are very nice and helpful this hotel needs a major renovation. If your staying in the colorado springs area you should know there are a several other nicer hotels for the money (holiday inn express for one) It does have a nice breakfast but only two waffle makers which leads to a lot of waiting and unhappy people. One lady yelled at my 9year old about waffles! Go somewhere else, even some of the hotels in Manitou Springs are much nicer, if your going in that direction.

Just returned from a week in Colorado Springs, which is a great adventure trip for the family. Three main themes run through this city: the Old West, the scenic Rockies, and our American Defense. There is a multitude of lodging, but if you are on a budget, we recommend La Quinta at Garden of the Gods. They have three large suites that run $85/night with breakfast. Nothing to look at from the outside; however, a good location for many of Colorado Springs attractions. For fun, we started out in neighboring Manitou Springs, which has the ancient Indian Cliff Dwellings and one of the better souvenir gift shops. Then we travelled through town -- a Victorian resort with lots of antique shops and a wonderful dinner theater -- the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama, a must see. The following day we split up and half of us went up 14,000 feet on the Pikes Peak Cog Rail to the top of Pikes Peak for lunch and breathtaking views all the way to Denver. The rest of the party, who were lightheaded at the base of 6,000 feet in Colorado Springs opted to go to Seven Falls instead. Here you can view the beautiful falls at the base, or mid-level via an elevator, or brave the 244 steps to the top, which offers a mile area for hiking. Then on to Garden of the Gods, a natural environment of red rock formations that are truly unique. That night we regrouped for a chuckwagon dinner and cowboy entertainment at the Flying W Ranch. This is just plain corny and fun, but actually a great group of musicians that have played at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. The next day was our military experience. We started the day at Peterson Air and Space Museum for an historical perspective. Note: You must call ahead for an appointment and as this is a working Air Force Base, be prepared to show ID for everyone in your party. (Also, you can no longer visit NORAD, but Peterson has a 30 min. DVD which will give you info on Cheyenne Mountain.) Then we travelled to the Air Force Academy for an up-to-date look at the Air Force. The spectacular chapel and natural surroundings are alone worth the trip. A good luncheon spot near the Academy is Margarita at Pine Creek, which is located off I25. All fresh ingredients in a comfortable setting. If you haven't had enough military, you can venture back down near the AFB to Dragonman. Again, you must call for an appointment. Here you will find an amazing collection of WWII military memorabilia. This is also a shooting range, so watch your back. To top off this day of aviation we landed at Solo's restaurant, which is a bar/diner in and around an airplane. We heard that it's a hang-out for the Air Force and is great fun for the kids. We planned a shopping day as there is plenty to buy in Colorado Springs. First and foremost is Van Briggle Art Pottery. Here you can take a guided tour through a working pottery that has been in operation since the 1800's. You will find a vast gift shop showcasing the various styles of Van Briggle -- something for everyone. Then off to Old Colorado City, a ten block area of shops, restaurants, and early Colorado architecture. Located here is everything from Mexican and Indian crafts, to Tibetan art. From this point we made a stop at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Cowboy museum. This is for the die-hard fan of rodeo; however we did see some interesting portraits, photographs, and sculptures, and the kids can dress up for your camera. Another good lunch spot nearby is Marigold Cafe & Bakery. Again, you will find fresh ingredients in an inviting locale. We ended our stay with a trip to the Broadmoor Hotel. You could spend a day looking around the grounds of the historic property, but a lunch in the garden room of the Tavern will suit the bill. Don't miss the photo op shooting up the spiral staircase to the dome of the mezzanine. Happy Trails!