The free breakfast is a feast of eggs, biscuits and gravy, cereals, fruits, and more. Rooms are downright lovely, with funny appliqés of cows on throw pillows, handsome red flower prints on the walls, and high-quality beds. The workout room is filled with brand-new equipment, there's a large outdoor pool, and a business center. And the staff is one of the most attentive in town. 

This is a La Quinta? Not to dis the rest of the chain, but this little property, new-built in 2011, seems a step above what you usually get with this brand. Other niceties include blackout curtains in the rooms and a quiet setting (well off the highway, so sounds of traffic don't intrude). For freebies there are local calls, parking, evening cocktails (once a week), and a daily newspaper. Final perk: Dogs are welcome. I guess it goes to show that in the case of these chains, sometimes a dedicated owner really can make the difference.