La Quinta has carved out a special niche for itself in the mid-priced hotel market, offering larger, more comfortable rooms than most competitors. With superior service and a friendly staff, these folks make it very easy for a guest to take them up on their mission-statement offer to "make yourself at home." Road warriors will appreciate the onsite motorcoach and bus parking, and for corporate guests, a small boardroom is available for quick conferences.

When the State Fair comes to town, the small hotel with the big red roof can be a hard reservation to nail down. This is standard, clean, efficient, bare-bones lodging at its best and most fundamental. The staff will provide free toilet articles if you have forgotten a necessity, but do not expect too much else. In addition to being near the Fairgrounds, the Red Roof Inn is not far from most downtown attractions.

The Days Inn may not offer the most glamorous accommodations in town, but it is a sure bed for a quality night's sleep at a good price. Of the two Days Inn locations in Jackson, this franchise is the closer of the two to downtown and the business district. All rooms come complete with a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, clock radio and a 25-inch color television with free cable. A nice restaurant on site offers three meals per day and opens early for breakfast.

This elegant hotel sits right downtown, close to the State Capitol, government offices and many city attractions. A popular choice for small conventions and business functions, the Edison Walthall is adept at "putting on the dog" for corporate clients. Browse the gift shop, get a shave and haircut or work up a good sweat, all without leaving the hotel. An enviable recreation center houses a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and complete weight and exercise rooms.

This relatively inexpensive hotel is located just off Interstate 55, close to downtown and several local universities. Clean and well maintained, it provides a comfortable night's rest in addition to some considerate perks. Free local phone calls and free newspapers each morning are just some of the nice touches. A continental breakfast also awaits guests each morning in the lobby and is also complimentary.

Although this handsome, modern building north of downtown symbolizes Jackson's increasing role in regional business, it is still the place for homey southern hospitality. It has a prime location close to shopping and numerous businesses. Business travelers can opt for the tony executive level, which offers access to posh rooms and a private lounge.

If you are sticking around for a while, this hotel will do its best to make you feel at home. The rooms are larger than those at most large chains, and come complete with little extras that make being on the road a little less tedious. Efficiencies are available for those who like to save the expense of constantly dining out during an extended trip.

A little homier than the big Marriott hotels, this Fairfield location has all the comforts of home as well as the most important business conveniences. Sleep late and make up for lost time by doing a little e-business from your in-room data port, or take the whole day off and lounge in your larger-than-average guest room. Either way, the Marriott-trained staff is always ready to assist with anything you need. Located just off Interstate 55, this hotel is not in the center of town, but most area attractions are not far off.

Set back from the big highways a bit, the location of the Tarrymore Hotel speaks also to the attitude of the inn. Although not extravagant, the Tarrymore offers a nice step up from many of the comparably priced hotels that line the interstate exits. The friendly staff provides pleasant service and efficiency, including room service and late check-outs. A nice bonus is the restaurant, which offers fare tempting enough to attract a very loyal local patronage.

Located just off Interstate 55 at High Street, this expanded Hampton Inn includes a number of suites for guests who like to spread out a little. Convenient to Jackson International Airport, Millsaps College, the Trade Mart complex and the State Capitol, this is a good central location no matter what brings you to town. In addition to a large pool and complete exercise room, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers a number of free extras, including daily continental breakfast, local phone calls and several movie channels. For those traveling with kids in tow, children younger than 18 stay free in their parents' rooms.