When we booked the $79 special at Gold Country casino for Thanksgiving evening, we expected to stay in a perfectly fine $79 room. On previous visits to the area, we have always stayed at the local Comfort Inn for about the same price, and we expected something of about the same quality here. We were wrong--this hotel is the nicest place to stay in Butte county.

All this for only $79??

Our room was billed as a luxury room, but we were expecting the local version of "luxury," which usually means the maid doesn't wake you up at 8:30am. The reality is the rooms are very nice, and quite spacious. Ours was easily 500 square feet, with a bathroom as big as my bedroom at home. The Jacuzzi tub and separate shower were both spotless. The shower was big enough to invite your favorite someone in and not feel crowded, and featured a bench seat for two. The room also had a 15 foot floor-to-ceiling window with a view of the Sierra foothills, a small sitting area, and a table large enough for two to eat comfortably. Our two full sized beds were of excellent quality. The full selection of Gilbert and Soames spa line toiletries were a nice touch.

The management has tried to think of everything

Our room was very clean, and small things like a rubber duckie next to the tub showed the management has tried to think of the little things that make a guest comfortable. Although there were a few minor details that kept this room from being compared with similar luxury rooms in Reno or Vegas (only one box of tissues in the bathroom, which required a hunt and peck in the morning, only one waste basket hidden away in the water closet, run-of-the-mill complimentary coffee, etc.), this hotel will be a pleasant and welcome surprise to area visitors who thought they would have to settle for a freeway-side inn.

Heading to Chico for Grad Week?

Parents who come to the area to visit their Chico State going offspring will be wise to stay here and make the 20 minute commute to the campus--compared to what is available closer to town, you will not find anything nearly as nice, especially at this price. Chico has very few hotels or motels, and they tend to be a bit overpriced considering the rooms are quite plain, and the properties out of the way.

Other amenities available

--High speed Internet is available in the rooms for an additional $9.95 per day.

--Room service from the great restaurants is served until 11 PM.

--The rooms are well-insulated and quiet.

If you have resigned yourself to staying at another Holiday or Comfort Inn, you will find this high-quality property a refreshing change from the usual Highway 99 fare.