La Quinta Andover-Boston (MA, US): Towels Missing Due to Theft — A Candid Hotel Experience

A recent stay at La Quinta Andover-Boston in Massachusetts highlighted an important housekeeping and guest-safety concern that isn’t commonly discussed in reviews. While the property’s surface presentation was solid—cleanliness and updates were evident—the experience was marred by a shortage of basic amenities upon check-in, and a troubling explanation from staff about towel theft affecting multiple rooms.

The Overview
– Location: La Quinta Andover-Boston, Andover, MA
– Booking catalyst: Chose this property after nearby options were unavailable
– First impression: Clean, updated, and generally well-maintained
– Late check-in: Arrived around 9:45 PM; slept quickly and planned a brief 5:15–6:00 AM wake-up routine

The Towel Shortage Issue
– Shower experience: Upon reaching the bathroom, there were no floor towels, and a lack of bath towels and washcloths—only two hand towels were available.
– Quick fix: With limited time before an early checkout, and without the opportunity to contact the front desk for housekeeping, the guest used the available hand towels to dry off and managed a quick rinse with soap and water via hand-washing.
– Maintenance observation: Noted a broken bracket for the body wash dispenser.

Front Desk Interaction
– The guest reported the situation at checkout. The front desk staff member expressed concern and apologized for the towel shortage.
– An explanation provided by staff suggested that towel theft is a recurring issue affecting turnover, with towels sometimes removed from rooms and then placed back into circulation after being laundered. The staff indicated that housekeeping routinely pulls linens to wash and re-distribute them, which can contribute to temporary shortages.
– Additional context shared by staff noted that other theft issues have included hair dryers, alarm clocks, and even some televisions.

Guest Feedback and Resolution
– The guest did not receive compensation or loyalty benefits (e.g., points or a discount) for the inconvenience.
– Despite the misfortune, the guest proceeded with the remaining plans, though the experience was clearly surprising for a property in a non-skeevy area.

Takeaways for Guests and the Hotel
– For guests:
– If you anticipate an early morning checkout, consider requesting a quick towel check or confirm towel availability at the front desk upon arrival.
– If you encounter missing amenities, promptly notify the front desk to document and attempt a timely remedy.
– For the property:
– Addressing repeated theft incidents requires a balance of guest trust and security. Clear communication about policies, proactive inventory management, and potential security measures (e.g., secure storage for small items, discreet replenishment protocols) can help reduce shortages and reassure guests.
– Employee welfare is also essential. Ensuring housekeeping has reliable access to necessary supplies without overburdening staff can prevent a cascade of issues during peak occupancy.
– Consider reviewing pricing and inventory control for room amenities and exploring theft-prevention options that do not impede guest comfort.

Bottom Line
This stay underscores how even well-presented hotels can face operational challenges that impact guest comfort. While the property clearly aims to maintain standards, the towel shortage caused by theft and the related bathroom amenity issues disrupted what could have been a routine overnight visit. If you’ve encountered similar experiences, sharing constructive feedback with the hotel can help drive improvements that benefit future guests.