La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden

The La Quinta Inn Denver Golden looks and feels from the outside like a classic version of the chain, with a terracotta tiled roof, beige walls, and three floors of rooms accessed via open-air hallways. Despite being located right off of Interstate 70, the motel has manicured lawns and several large pine trees. In the lobby, the breakfast area faces the front desk; one side of the room has shelves lined with vases and artistic accents, and there's sitting area with a flat-screen TV and fireplace. The color scheme is purple and green, and each small dining table is topped with a lime green vase of fresh flowers. There is a large outdoor pool with a few patio chairs and tables, open seasonally, which is especially popular with families.

Directly off of Interstate 70 in West Denver near the Youngfield exit, this hotel is subject to a lot of highway noise and smells but is well situated for those in need of easy driving access to the mountains. The immediate area is unattractive and industrial, with little of interest, but downtown Golden is an eight-minute drive away, Red Rocks Amphitheater 15 minutes, and the nearest ski area (Loveland Ski Area) less than an hour. A large shopping mall, Colorado Mills, is also less than 10 minutes away by car, and the foothills and nearest trails can be reached in about 10 minutes. Denver International Airport is a 36-minute drive away and downtown Denver 20 minutes.

All rooms at this La Quinta are virtually identical and in keeping with the motel chain's standards, with either a king bed or two doubles; there are also a few suites with a king bed and a sleeper sofa. Some parts of the rooms have been updated, such as the mattresses, which are thick and comfortable; the pillows, linens, and flat-screen HD TVs also look and feel clean and new. The curtains and furniture look a little tired and there is a musty smell to some rooms. Bathrooms are basic, with a vanity and sink area with large angled mirrors separated from the bathroom (with shower/tub combinations) by the door. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, and ironing facilities.

This motel is relatively affordable for the area and includes free parking, Wi-Fi, and an extensive breakfast buffet with hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and a waffle-making station. There is an outdoor pool that's open in warm weather. There is no bar or full restaurant, but there are laundry facilities.