Hillstone Inn Tulare, an Ascend Collection Hotel

This hotel stands out for its recently renovated rooms, which guests consistently praise for their modern design, spotless cleanliness, and overall comfort. The hotel’s commitment to providing a fresh and updated environment makes it a memorable choice, often exceeding expectations for its price point. It is particularly well-suited for travelers on a road trip seeking a comfortable overnight stop, visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks looking for a convenient base, and budget-conscious travelers who appreciate excellent value. Many guests also find it suitable for families due to its amenities and comfortable accommodations. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the freeway or pool area to minimize potential noise, and be sure to explore the numerous dining and shopping options conveniently located nearby.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the presence of an outdoor pool, which, despite occasional noise from other guests, is generally appreciated as a refreshing amenity. Rooms are well-equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge, adding to guest convenience. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests noted it was not always the strongest. The hotel features an elevator, though some reviews mentioned it could be slow, not well-lit, or occasionally out of service. Thoughtful in-room amenities include ample USB outlets for charging devices, and some rooms even boast a unique Bluetooth Cubie for entertainment. The quality toiletries provided in dispensers are also a welcome touch. Many guests specifically praise the effective blackout curtains and modern lighting for contributing to a restful environment. The air conditioning units are present in rooms, with mixed feedback on their noise levels and occasional odors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is a standout feature, with guests consistently describing them as spotless, very clean, and well-maintained, often noting the absence of carpet for a more hygienic feel. The room condition is widely praised for its recent renovations, modern decor, and vibrant color schemes, creating an inviting atmosphere. While many guests found the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, some experienced issues such as lumpy mattresses, creaking springs, or excessive softness. Noise levels are a recurring theme, with guests reporting road noise from the nearby freeway, noise from other rooms (including footsteps and conversations), and occasional pool noise. The air conditioning noise also contributed to disturbances for some. Rooms generally include spacious bathrooms with modern showers, though a few guests noted issues with shower pressure or leaking, and some toilets lacked covers.

Dining & Food Quality
The free breakfast offered by the hotel consistently receives positive feedback, often exceeding guest expectations for a complimentary meal. It is described as a hot breakfast with a good breakfast menu and variety. Specific items frequently mentioned include eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, French toast sticks, sausages, yogurts, pastries, and granola. Some guests also appreciated the availability of coffee and fresh salsa. However, a few found the breakfast basic or noted issues with specific food items like watery eggs or thin bacon. The small breakfast area is a common point of feedback, often becoming crowded during peak times, leading to queues and limited seating.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly convenient for travelers visiting Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, serving as a popular base approximately an hour's drive from the park entrances. It offers excellent accessibility, situated just off Hwy 99 and within easy reach of numerous outlet stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. The availability of parking is generally good, with guests appreciating the free, well-lit spaces and security cameras. However, some guests expressed concerns about the surrounding area, noting the presence of a homeless encampment that occasionally extended into the parking lot, leading to feelings of unease. A few guests also reported difficulty finding parking late at night.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receives high praise from guests, who describe them as helpful, attentive, welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as easy and quick, contributing to a smooth arrival and departure experience. While housekeeping is often commended for its thoroughness and responsiveness to requests, some guests were surprised by a policy of cleaning rooms every other day, which was not always clearly communicated. The staff's willingness to address concerns, such as room changes due to noise or AC issues, is frequently highlighted. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, though guests noted challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's deposit policy, which some found to have a longer return period than typically expected. Another notable policy mentioned by a guest is that no visitors are allowed in rooms, including children. While rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, one review indicated a no food in rooms policy for breakfast items. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations, with many guests noting the new and updated appearance of the interiors. Specific design elements like the barn door separating the bathroom area for added privacy and the inclusion of USB chargers are appreciated. The quality of the toiletries provided in dispensers is also a positive point. However, some guests expressed environmental concerns regarding the use of plastic cutlery for breakfast.