Which La Quinta? (Huntsville, Madison, Jackson: hotels, neighborhood, university)

[mollybygolly]

We'll be arriving Sunday afternoon for our first visit so I've been checking out hotels on line.
We like La Quintas (usually) as they aren't typically too 'fancy' or expensive, but generally clean and well-kept.
It looks like there are several La Quintas in the area, so how do I pick which one, knowing nothing about specific locations?
We'll be driving all around and just getting a general feel for the area, so not sure where we should stay.
No plans to do anything really 'touristy' other than dining at local restaurants.
Any advice?
We're open to other suggestions for hotels, but want to keep it under $75/night if possible.
Thanks!

[AU HSV]

probably more than you want to spend but Springhill Suites downtown.

[Reactionary]

The La Quintas called Research Park or Madison Square (they are almost next door to each other) are somewhat better than Space Center, even though they're all a couple of miles apart.

For dining, try the new 'Below the Radar' in the Times Building downtown (Holmes and ~Washington). Great food, awesome staff, reasonably priced, soon-to-be brewhouse with a nice beer selection. Depending on when you go, expect a crowd. Sam and Greg's on Northside Square downtown is good for pizza / gelato. Pane e vino Cafe downtown at the Museum of Art offers good food with a view of Big Spring Park. Po Boy Factory on Andrew Jackson Way offers great New Orleans style food. For lunch, try Clementine's at the Botanical Garden.

All of these are a short drive from La Quinta.

Springhill Suites are new, priced from $109 weekend rate to $139 nightly rate.

[Madmom2000]

The LaQuinta in Madison is fairly new, very nice and is convenient to the airport and 565. Hope you have a great visit.

[mollybygolly]

Thanks for the replies.
The La Quinta in Madison is $30 more per night than the La Quinta Madison Square Huntsville.
Should I be worried about the area of town it is located in???
I wonder if the Madison La Quinta is more expensive because it is newer?
Hmmmmm

[dijkstra]

I would recommend the Embassy Suites downtown. It is a newer nice hotel and it is adjacent to Big Spring Park in a good location. The rates are a little higher than you mentioned but it is worth the extra money. One thing that will offset a little of the cost is they have free cooked to order breakfast that is really good and an evening managers reception where you can get free drinks (beer, wine or mixed drinks).

[Reactionary]

Madison La Quinta is closer to the airport. No real worries about the La Quinta M2 area; it's close to Pier 1, ChicFilA, and Hooters.

Even the so-called Space Center LQ isn't all that bad, it's right across from the Olive Garden, just that it is in a known prostitute area (fairly recent decline).

Embassy Suites and Springhill Suites are nicer, newer, and more convenient to downtown. You could walk around downtown (somewhat long pleasant walk ~15 mins or so to the restaurants / bars but Embassy has a shuttle); walking around is not feasible or pleasant at the LQs.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by mollybygolly

...The La Quinta in Madison is $30 more per night than the La Quinta Madison Square Huntsville.
Should I be worried about the area of town it is located in???...

The Madison Square La Quinta is located on Huntsville's major East-West road and is close to many restaurants (like Wintzell's Oyster House). Use Google Maps and you'll see it is in an area surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities.

[skinem]

Wasn't La Quinta on University robbed not long ago?

[robrath]

The La Quinta across from Olive Garden had a meth lab busted about 4-5 years ago. I stayed there almost 8 years ago once and it was adequate and quiet, but that was before I lived in Huntsville and know the area well. Today, I wouldn't stay there, neighborhood is kinda rough in that area.