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                                                                      EXHIBIT 15
 
                                AWARENESS LETTER
 
The Board of Directors
La Quinta Inns, Inc.:
 
     With respect to the registration statement on Form S-3 filed by La Quinta
Inns, Inc., we acknowledge our awareness of the incorporation by reference
therein of our reports dated May 13, 1997 and August 1, 1997 related to our
reviews of interim financial information.
 
     Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Act), such
reports are not considered part of a registration statement prepared or
certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant
within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
                                                   KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
San Antonio, Texas
August 15, 1997