MEANING OF “LA QUINTA”
There are a few variations for the name “La Quinta”, here is a sampling:

Country Retreat.
- General Manager of La Quinta Resort

· The city’s name is somewhat archaic, referring to a type a hacienda or rest stop reached every five days on a long journey via either foot or horseback. There used to be a settlement known as Arabia, near the Thermal/Oasis area. Settlers traveling from Arabia to Palm Springs and/or Los Angeles would stop at designated areas along the way. The stop here was referred to as La Quinta, as it was the fifth stop of the journey, quinta meaning fifth.
- Wally Nesbit, Assoc. Planner, City of La Quinta

In Mexico a big country home surrounded by guest cottages were called ‘La Quinta Rosa’, La Quinta Linda’ after the owners’ wives’ names.
- La Quinta Historical Society