We were making a drive from Tahoe to Mendocino, and were just looking for an overnight stop. We wanted a budget no frills room as we weren't staying more than one night.

I am normally not fussy. I've lost count of the number of times I've commiserated with the desk person after an obnoxious and demanding guest had flounced off.

Our hotel in Tahoe was fine, but this is better, and at just over half the cost. But let's start with what you don't get.

You don't get breakfast. Personally, having experienced the continental breakfast offered by many hotels, my reaction is "why?" Either do it properly or not at all. You don't get digital hi definition TV, but you do get 59 channels of slightly fuzzy TV. I can live with that.

But what you do get is a room somewhere between a normal twin double bedded and a suite. Refridgerator, microwave oven, aircon, coffee etc are all here and there's even some lovely toiletries in the shower room.

So if like many Americans I've spoken to, you think Tahoe has become too commercial, why not try Clearlake?

At $79 a night (Sunday) what's to lose?