Bonnie

I was pleasantly surprised at the awesome location of this hotel. It’s located directly in front of a small grassy park with walkways around the perimeter and diagonally through the park, with Park benches scattered around. All we had to do is walk out the side door of the hotel and we were at the park. If we walked diagonally across the expanse park, we were at his street that had several restaurants on it. We had dinner outside at a lovely restaurant called squid inks. Although the hotel advertises a free breakfast which must be eaten out on their patio if you have a dog, the restaurant hostess invited us to eat inside at a table. She checked with the two other customers, and one of them was a vet and said he would love to have Bonita sit beside him, and the other one said that she didn’t care. The breakfast was very good. I can’t remember much about the rooms because we stayed in four hotels along the way, but I remember really liking it and having no qualms about it whatsoever. I would definitely go out of my way to stay at that same hotel again.

Front desk staff helpful and kind. Four bones instead of 5 because of the condition of one side of the bldg. They cleaned up the mess I informed them of, but more attention is needed.

Imagine my surprise when my server told me that he remembered me from the night before, when I ate at Romacelli! He works at both restaurants and remember my dog and me. He was very attentive, including bringing Bonita a bowl of water and giving me some recommendations for breakfast. I had the southwestern scramble without the chorizo since I am a pescatarian (know me). It was delicious. The patio is covered so even if it’s raining, it’s a viable option for you with your dog. And when I walked there from my hotel (Candlewood suites), I discovered that it’s in the middle of an outdoor walking mall with upscale shops and restaurants. I highly recommend this restaurant as well as staying in the River Ranch area of Lafayette. It’s a great area for walking your dog through the neighborhoods. There’s even a river of sorts that runs through the ranch, which is has signage indicating that it’s a private park, but since there were no other sign saying that I couldn’t go there we walked all along there and had a really nice 3 mile walk back to the hotel after breakfast.

I had the Tuscan seared yellowtail tuna. Delicious! This restaurant is located in the middle of the neighborhood called River Ranch. It’s a really nice walk from several pet friendly hotels in the area. The first time we stayed in Lafayette we stayed at true by Hilton and this time we stayed at the Candlewood suites because it was a little less money and only a block farther if you’re walking into the River Ranch neighborhood to eat at one of the restaurants. The service was great, and I felt like the prices were reasonable. I think my glass of Pinot Noir was eight dollars and the entrée was around $23. We sat on the out outdoor patio which I believe was covered but don’t quote me on that. In any case, both days that I’ve stayed in Lafayette it’s been really nice sunny skies with mild mornings and then a little warmer as the day went on.

This hotel is in a great location, and that it is only a few blocks from Riverwalk. We stayed on the 14th floor at the end of the hall and had a nice view overlooking the city (though I would prefer not to look at the freeway, but I don’t think that’s possible based on the location of this hotel). The first floor lobby area is very nice, with a lounge with a bar as well as a nice big breakfast area. The rooms are large with a small fridge and microwave and a separate closet and desk. There’s even a comfortable chair for Reading or watching TV. I Liked that the TV is a smart TV, but I believe it’s a 19 inch TV at best. It was a little difficult to have a good movie watching experience from across the room in bed. They should think about putting in a larger wall mounted TV. The only negative about the surrounding property is that there is no grassy area for dogs to roam around and do their business. The only grassy area that we found anywhere in the city is at the Alamo area, which does not open until 9 AM. So we are planning on leaving a little early and finding a park before we head out of town.

This Is the third place we’ve stayed since starting our cross country journey three days ago. La Quinta Brandon came in first, Red Roof Inn Naples was a close second, and this motel trails far behind in third. I think it’s helpful and more safe to be in a place with an elevator and preferably with interior rooms. This is a standard motel where you park outside and walk up stairs to get to your second floor room.

Even though I was told by the concierge that there were plenty of pet-friendly rooms available five hours before I got there when the concierge called the motel, a second floor room was the only one available when I arrived. The room is clean and the bed is comfortable. I wish they had more pillow choices than the thin ones that they offered.

The breakfast looks pretty good, but I haven’t tasted anything yet, because the front desk clerk chased my dog and me out of the room as soon as I grabbed coffee. La Quinta let me have my dog in the breakfast room with me. She’s very well behaved, but that did not matter to this clerk. I might add that no one else was in the room since they had just opened and it was only 6 AM.

The only grassy area accessible is the hilly median. I will be more careful with the hotel. I choose at our next destination. By the way, the concierges at BringFido are very helpful!

The hotel is only two blocks from the water, and our second floor room has a view of the water as well as of the Veterans Memorial Park. My dog and I walked for about one and three-quarter miles this morning and came across no less than three memorial parks with beautiful statues and other types of memorials as well as lots of grassy areas for her to run around and do her business. There’s a nice walkway along the water that we took most of the way. Everyone at the hotel was very accommodating. A special mention to the bartender who gave me some tips on places to get a pizza as well as providing Bonita with a bowl for her dinner! The hotel is only a few blocks from Publix market as well and close to the Causeway leading over to Pensacola Beach and Gulf Shores national reserve. I had an amazing sleep on the comfy bed. If I came back to Pensacola, this is definitely where I would stay.

we waited for 50 minutes for a table on the patio. we went inside to check on the status. not yet. I get it. it’s Saturday. we come back in 15 minutes. still nothing. I give up and ask for a to go menu. after I figure out what I want, I look up to order. she points me to a to go line. um, no thanks. I crumple the menu and leave. no thanks.