Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tulare by IHG

The beds were comfortable, the pillows were amazing, and breakfast was plentiful and hot. The hotel looked and smelled clean, with no smoke or weed odor, and the little pool was nice. Pool towels were hardly ever out, though. Our other frustration was the room keys: during our weeklong stay, they stopped working at least six times and we had to get replacements.

We stayed in room 119 on the first floor on 12/22, after many years of good visits, and this time was awful. The hotel smelled bad and seemed infested with roaches. We arrived late and didn't complain when my husband saw one by the room door, even though the TV wasn't working. The next morning, while I was eating breakfast my family had brought to the room, a roach crawled across the table. I threw my food away and went to the lobby to report it. An employee stereotyped me, saying I was Mexican and he was Mexican too, so we shouldn't be afraid or surprised by a roach, as if we'd never seen one. He wrote down my complaint and said he'd show management, but couldn't guarantee a refund. Back in the room, my daughter saw another roach on the bed and recorded it on her phone. When we checked out, the manager, KUSHBUH PATEL, was there. I told him about the problem and his employee. He apologized and gave only a 20% discount. The employee had also said the IHOP next to the hotel might have roaches. The hospitality was awful, and we had never had a bad experience here before this stay.

The hotel feels older and shows some wear, though the rooms look like they've been renovated fairly recently. Nothing we noticed affected the stay: it was clean and comfortable, and breakfast was in line with other Holiday Inns, with especially good coffee. The front desk staff were welcoming. We appreciated the 24/7 laundry, but there was no detergent available. We had a pleasant one-night stop and would stay again while passing through.

It’s close to highway access, with dispensaries, outlets, movies, and places to eat all within walking distance. The property and spacious rooms were very clean. I got prompt, excellent service, and they recognized my IHG membership. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I loved the breakfast. I’d definitely recommend staying here if you’re in Tulare.