So, you're looking at La Quinta the Colony. Honestly, if you just search for "hotels near Plano" or "Frisco stays," you’re going to get a million results that all look exactly the same. Beige carpets. Stale coffee. A lobby that feels like a doctor’s office. But there is a reason why the La Quinta by Wyndham Dallas - The Colony stays packed, and it isn't just because they have a giant sign visible from the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
It’s about the location. Seriously.
If you aren't from North Texas, you might not realize that The Colony has transformed from a sleepy suburb into a legitimate entertainment titan. Staying here puts you within literal walking distance—or a very short Uber—of Grandscape. We are talking about a $1.5 billion development. You’ve got the Nebraska Furniture Mart (which is basically a city-sized maze of couches and electronics), Scheels, and the massive Ferris wheel that lights up the night sky. Staying at La Quinta the Colony means you aren't fighting thirty minutes of brutal Dallas traffic just to get to a decent dinner at Seven Doors Kitchen or a show at Lava Cantina. It’s convenient. It’s practical. And yeah, it’s actually affordable compared to the flashy boutique hotels across the street that charge double just for "vibes."
What Most People Get Wrong About This La Quinta
People hear "La Quinta" and they think of the old-school, exterior-corridor motels where you park your car right outside your room. This isn't that. This is the "Del Sol" prototype. It’s modern. It’s bright. The rooms actually have space to move around without bumping your shins on the bed frame.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the pet policy. Most "pet-friendly" hotels in the Dallas area now charge a $75 or $100 non-refundable deposit. That’s basically a ransom for your golden retriever. At La Quinta the Colony, they have historically been way more chill about this. While policies can shift slightly based on occupancy or specific room types, they remain one of the most accessible options for travelers who refuse to leave their dogs at a kennel.
The Grandscape Factor
You cannot talk about staying here without talking about Grandscape. It’s right there. You can see the Topgolf from the parking lot. If you’re a golfer, or even if you’re just someone who likes hitting balls while eating overpriced nachos, being this close is a game changer. Most people stay at La Quinta the Colony specifically because they are in town for a tournament at the Tribute Golf Club or Old American Golf Club—both of which are world-class tracks just a few miles up the road on the peninsula.
But it’s more than just golf.
The Colony has become a hub for corporate travelers heading to the Toyota North American Headquarters or JPMorgan Chase in Legacy West. Those areas are technically in Plano, but they are just five minutes away from this hotel. You get to stay in a slightly quieter pocket while being close to the "billion-dollar mile." It’s a savvy move for business travelers who want to stay under their per diem but still want a clean, reliable room with fast Wi-Fi and a fridge that actually stays cold.
The Reality of the "Free Breakfast"
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been to those hotel breakfasts where the eggs look like yellow sponges and the "sausage" is questionable.
At La Quinta the Colony, the breakfast is... fine. It’s exactly what you expect. You’ve got the waffle maker (the Texas-shaped one, obviously), some hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and cereal. It’s a great way to save $20 on a family meal before heading out to the Hawaiian Falls water park nearby. But if you’re a coffee snob? You’re probably going to want to walk over to a local spot. There’s a PJ's Coffee right down the road that will serve you much better if you need a real caffeine kick to start your day.
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The rooms themselves are surprisingly quiet given the proximity to the highway. That’s a common complaint with hotels in North Texas—the "Tollway Hum." But the soundproofing here holds up. You get a microwave and a mini-fridge in every room, which sounds like a small thing until you’re trying to heat up leftovers from Parry’s Pizzeria at 11:00 PM.
Why Choice Matters (and Why This Isn't the Hilton)
You have to manage expectations. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. You aren't getting white-glove turndown service. You’re getting a clean bed, a hot shower, and a staff that usually knows exactly where the best Tex-Mex is (hint: go to Chuy's or find a local hole-in-the-wall in nearby Lewisville).
The hotel features an outdoor pool, which is great for about four months of the year when Texas feels like the surface of the sun. The rest of the time, it’s a nice view, but you’ll probably spend more time in the fitness center or just lounging in the lobby. The lobby space is actually decent for working; it doesn't feel cramped, and there are enough outlets to keep your laptop from dying during a Zoom call.
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Navigating the Area Like a Local
If you stay at La Quinta the Colony, don't just sit in your room.
- Go to the Boardwalk at Granite Park. It’s less than five minutes away. There are fire pits, great restaurants like Union Bear Brewing Co., and it’s a killer spot for people-watching.
- Check out Pier 121. If the weather is nice, head toward Lake Lewisville. You can rent a boat or just hang out by the water. Most people don't realize how close the lake is to this hotel.
- Avoid the 5:00 PM Tollway Rush. If you need to head south toward Dallas, do not leave at 5:15 PM. You will sit in a parking lot on the highway. Wait until 6:30 PM, or just stay in The Colony and eat a massive dinner at Hard Eight BBQ.
The real "hack" for staying here is utilizing the back roads. Everyone tries to get on the 121 frontage road, but you can take Blair Oaks Drive or Morningstar Dr to bypass the worst of the mall traffic.
The Logistics: Parking and Accessibility
Parking is free. In 2026, finding a hotel that doesn't charge a $30 "valet or self-park" fee is becoming increasingly rare. The lot is well-lit and feels safe, which matters if you’re hauling a lot of gear or traveling with family. The hotel is also fully ADA accessible, with elevators that actually move fast and hallways wide enough for easy navigation.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the elevator might be a bit squeaky, or you might find a stray piece of lint on the carpet. But for the price point and the location? It beats the pants off the overpriced "luxury" hotels that are currently popping up all over Frisco.
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Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay
- Book directly through the Wyndham app. You’ll get the "Member Rate," which is usually $10-15 cheaper than Expedia or Booking.com.
- Request a room on the side away from the highway. Even with good soundproofing, the back side of the building is significantly quieter if you're a light sleeper.
- Bring your own HDMI cable. The TVs are decent, but if you want to stream your own shows from a laptop, having your own cord is a lifesaver since hotel "smart" systems can be glitchy.
- Check the Grandscape event calendar. Before you book, see if there’s a major concert at the Stage at Grandscape. If there is, the hotel will fill up fast and the rates will spike.
- Plan your check-in. Traffic around the 121 and Plano Parkway intersection gets hairy on Friday afternoons. Try to arrive before 3:00 PM or after 7:00 PM to save yourself a headache.
Staying at La Quinta the Colony is a strategic choice. It’s for the traveler who wants to be in the middle of the action without paying for the privilege of a marble lobby they’ll never use. It’s comfortable, it’s reliable, and it puts you exactly where you need to be in the rapidly expanding North Texas landscape.