La Quinta Inn & Suites Tulare, Tulare

This hotel really stands out in a sea of lackluster and just plain bad competitors. First, their location is great. There is easy freeway access, and a large theater and outlet mall are just across the interstate. There is a good steakhouse in the same parking lot, and a McDonalds and a Denny’s on the same block. The neighborhood is quite pleasant, and close to the fairgrounds, racetrack and Ag Center. When we arrived, the hostess found no record of our reservation. (This hotel is brand new, and had been having some trouble with the reservation system.) No problem – she apologized for the mishap, and got us immediately into the room we had reserved and honored the rate we said we had been quoted on the internet. I commend her and all the other staff we interacted with on their outstanding customer service. Finally, the room and grounds are all great. The property is nicely landscaped and very tidy. The bed was extra comfortable with lots of pillows, the shower was big with good pressure, and there were lots of big fluffy towels. The room was spotless and had a fantastic AC/heater that actually works (which is really nice in Central California Valley). There was a wide variety of satellite TV channels with a big 27” TV, and free local and long-distance calls. My husband and I were both amazed that we found such a wonderful hotel for just a little more than the bargain-basement places. We will absolutely be staying at this hotel any time we stay in Tulare in the future.