Chain hotels are pretty much the only choice in Tyler; fortunately, the available options are safe, reliable, and relatively affordable. On the lower end of the price spectrum is Days Inn & Suites (2631 Loop 323 West, 903/595-5200, www.daysinn.com, $62 d), offering some decent amenities, including a free breakfast, free Internet access, and a fitness center.

La Quinta (1601 W. Southwest Loop 323, 903/561-2223, www.lq.com, $89 d), features free Internet access, a free continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool.

Perhaps the best deal in town is the Comfort Suites at South Broadway Mall (303 East Rieck Rd., 903/534-0999, www.choicehotels.com, $99 d), offering rooms with free Internet access, microwaves, and refrigerators, and hotel amenities such as an exercise room, free continental breakfast, manager’s reception (free happy hour drinks), and an indoor heated pool and whirlpool. The only drawback is its location: too far south of the downtown activity.

A bit further north on Broadway and about 10 minutes from downtown is the city’s largest hotel—the comfortable Holiday Inn Select (5701 S. Broadway Ave., 800/465-4329, www.ichotelsgroup.com, $125 d). The Holiday Inn features free Wi-Fi service, an outdoor pool, a full-feature fitness center, and free meals for kids 12 and under.