La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport South

Earthy stonework, big photographs of area attractions, and polished tile greet guests as they arrive. The lobby reminds one of a beautiful, cozy living room, with high ceilings, stonework, a candelabra chandelier, and plenty of natural light. There's not a lot of noise outside except for plane traffic, which is not usually overwhelming. There is no bar here, and no restaurant (just an area where breakfast is served), so about the only other place to mingle would be poolside. Families, couples, and business travelers are all found staying at this super convenient airport property. It doesn't attract many single partiers, who typically choose to stay closer to the Strip.

This chain property is one block from a busy street that is next to McCarran Airport. A small apartment complex is next door; down the street is an industrial business district. This location can be somewhat noisy with planes overhead during the day, but it's quiet at night, when both street and air traffic dissipates. The Las Vegas strip is only 10 minutes away by car (or there's a free shuttle that leaves guests at Mandalay Bay). Other restaurants and stores are an even shorter ride. (Don't confuse this property with the other La Quinta two miles north near the convention center.)

The rooms, done in earth tones and neutrals, get high marks for cleanliness, functionality, and comfortable beds. Guests can choose from six rooms types, from a basic Two Queen Beds Room to a "Jacuzzi Suite," which has a whirlpool tub plopped in the middle of the living room area. All the rooms have large desks with plenty of space to set up a laptop. The rooms have granite vanities in an area outside the bathroom, so one guest can primp while the other showers or uses the toilet. There is a Keurig coffeemaker on the bathroom counter; either extra convenient or a strange placement, depending on one's perspective. Almost all rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges, which can help guests save on food, and some have sofa beds.

This property, being a budget chain, isn't packed with property features. In fact, you won't even find a full-on restaurant or bar. Still, there are enough features for most who'd stay here. Business travelers will likely appreciate the medium-sized meeting rooms. There's a business center with two computers and printers, and the fitness center has a good assortment of equipment, including a rowing machine, treadmills, and free weights. The rectangular pool is big enough for the size of the hotel and has a hot tub, but there aren't many lounge chairs. The included breakfast, served in a standard seating area with common tables, includes waffles, muffins, pastries, fruit, hard boiled eggs, biscuits with gravy, and unlimited coffee and juice.