This place is a bit strange.
On the hotel/Best Western website it stated that it is pet-friendly, but when booking through other sites, I read that no pets were allowed.
Since we had to take an elderly dog along for an overnight family trip, I called to check on their policy. The person answering put me on hold forever before returning to tell me that small pets were indeed allowed.
Grounds seemed run down for the price/level of the hotel. Strange characters hanging out along the back side. Semi trucks were left idling for hours along a sidestreet. Checked in to find out that there was an extra fee - $35 for the pet. Not a refundable deposit (which I have encountered at other places), but a non-refundable fee. This had not been mentioned on the website or in the phone call. We paid it, freshened up after the drive from LA, and headed out. Room was spacious and clean. Beds were quite comfortable.
Upon returning in the evening, the same shady men were hanging out in the street. When we entered our building, we encountered a STRONG, skunky, slightly familiar unmistakable odor. The hall REEKED of marijuana, which seemed particularly strange, since this was supposed to be a non-smoking (tobacco) property. The smell was strong, even in our room.
In the morning, the breakfast buffet was very well-stocked. The attendant seemed to take great pride in helpfulness and keeping everything clean and fresh.
After breakfast, I found the next problem. When most hotels say they offer "free internet" it means unlimited access. Not this one. Using the username and password provided in the room, you are credited with 10 free minutes of access. TEN MINUTES of INTERNET are FREE. You need to pay if you want more than this. Bizarre.
I feel like this place misled me at every turn to get my business and will not be returning. Next time I'm in Porterville overnight, I can stay next door and splurge for breakfast at Dennys.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
6 April 2010
Thank you for your review. We are a non smoking hotel, unfortunetly not all guests respect the nonsmoking rule. We do get violators from time to time and we do apply our fine of $250.00. Lately, people with medical marijuana authorization think that they can smoke it anywhere they please, we charge them just the same for violations. The internet service has always been no charge. To this day we have not charged any guest for the use of the internet. Should anyone that have stayed here before and see an internet charge on their folio, please contact us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC