La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway

The staff were pleasant and accommodating, and breakfast was wonderful. Everything was clean, and the location just off the freeway made the overnight stop really convenient. I drove in from Bakersfield before heading to a funeral in woodlake the next morning. Restaurants and coffee shops were close by. I’d definitely stay again.

Breakfast had very few choices, though I can understand that given the hotel’s low price. Still, the stay was disappointing. There was a strong, unpleasant sewer-like smell in the hallway, and the elevator reeked of cigarette smoke. We were on the second floor and could hear noise from the room above, while late-night sounds from the parking lot also disturbed our sleep. Service at the front desk was minimal. At check-in and check-out, no one offered a basic greeting or thank you. They just handed over or collected the key card, with almost no sense of service. This may not suit guests who are sensitive to odors, noise, or the quality of service.

Everything else was great, including the room size, service, breakfast buffet, and location close to everything. On our second stay, the second-floor room had carpet that smelled odd at first, though the smell went away. The first-floor rooms we had stayed in were nice. Hopefully they sort out the carpets before we’re back in the area.

The hotel was very clean, and coffee was available around the clock. I’ve stayed here for work and most recently for a family outing. There are plenty of fast food places nearby. Breakfast was good, with eggs, ham, biscuits and gravy, plus a couple of waffle makers.