On a recent trip through California, I needed a hotel in Woodland, near the capital Sacramento. As part of my “Battle of the Budget Hotels” research, I picked the Quality Inn & Suites. At a much lower price than the local Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn, I had low expectations. Yet, it turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of this budget hotel tour – read on to find out why!
Location: The Quality Inn is located between the major freeway intersection and the old town of Woodland, making it a convenient location for the Sacramento Airport, people traveling on I-5 through California, visitors to Woodland or the nearby university town of Davis. Nearby are a Walmart, a grocery store and a few big-box stores. The cute old town is a 5 minute drive away, with the stores and restaurants it has to offer! The Quality Inn is set back from the freeways and main road a little, so I didn’t find noise to be an issue.


Service/Rewards: The front desk service was friendly and professional. She recognized my Choice Rewards status (a first for any of the budget hotels!) and offered me my preferred choice of available rooms. She provided information about the hotel and patiently answered my questions. Housekeeping had done a great job preparing the room – it was spotless even where you don’t look and amenities were fully stocked. The staff at breakfast was equally on top of their game and checked the breakfast room, filled up the buffet and cleaned tables, even offered to find them, should we miss anything. This level of service was something I didn’t encounter at any of the other budget hotels I tried out, the management and team clearly made an effort!
Room: The Quality Inn Woodland is motel-style with exterior corridors and parking in front, but recently renovated and in great shape. I had a king-room and when stepping through the new door with RFID key card, I was very surprised: The room matched the glossy photos of the Choice marketing materials to a T and looks great. It’s quite modern decor, with dark chocolate wood furniture, a high wooden headboard with metal accents, brushed metal lamps and some modern art work! There is enough room around the comfortable bed, two night stands, an accent chair (pretty, but not very useful), a half-height closet with room for the microwave, fridge and flat-screen TV, as well as a desk and a luggage rack. Unfortunately, there is no safe – a feature apparently not deemed necessary at budget hotels! The room has thick carpets that feel a lot better than “budget hotel”. The “battle of the bed” started by Westin with their Heavenly Bed has trickled down to the budget market and the “Q Bed” by Quality Inn has four pillows, soft sheets and a comforter, although minus the comforter cover, just below a flat sheet! There is even a little tray for breakfast in bed (or TV dinner)! Unfortunately, the internet was bad – slow at only 0.8Mbps and unreliable, with frequent “no internet” warnings day and night. A call to the provider “Macrotech” didn’t help, they seemed rather clueless.
The bathroom is split, with a wide sink with granite counter tops and an open clothes rack  off the bedroom and the toilet and shower-over-tub behind a door. There is a new hair dryer, as well as a coffee maker, all working well. The “Q-Shower” has a single curtain with a window on a curved shower rod – another trickle down effect from the upscale chains and a nice touch. The towels and bathroom amenities are good quality.
Restaurant/Amenities: The Quality Inn has a small pool and jacuzzi facing the parking lot and surrounded by a fence – common among budget hotels, but not a set up I especially enjoy. There is a small gym with cardio equipment and free weights for a quick workout.
The breakfast was just as well done as the rest of the hotel, with a large, inviting breakfast room with modern furniture. The buffet was set up u-shaped, with fresh, full fruit, yogurt and cereal; fresh juice, coffee and hot water for tea; pastries and bread as well as a full hot breakfast with eggs, meat and a waffle maker. This was the most complete breakfast of any of the free budget breakfasts on this tour! There is ample parking with gates separating it from the surrounding businesses and providing security. A laundry room and ice machine are available.
Bottomline: The Quality Inn Woodland was a very positive surprise and showed what a well run budget hotel can do! You get a large, modern room with all the basic amenities, a gym, pool and jacuzzi, a good breakfast and friendly service to boot. At a price of only $80/night, it’s excellent value. The Quality Inn punched way above it’s budget-chain-weight, offering an almost midscale experience – at half price to the competing Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn. If you need a hotel in the area, the Quality Inn deserves your attention and I’d stay again in a heartbeat!