Does anyone know of a decent, safe, and inexpensive hotel/motel near Corcoran...preferrably one that allows pets (cats)? Thanks!

I stay at the Corcoran Country Inn, the number is 559-992-5724. They give a prison discount, but its only a few dollars off, but hey, every bit helps I guess! Do you visit at Corcoran 1 or 2? You can pm me if you have any other questions, I have visited both, currently Corcoran SATF.

Thanks for the hotel info but they don't allow pets. I found a place in Tulare.
Have you visited a SHU inmate there? What is it like?

Yes I have. I visited my fiancee when he was in the Shu at Corcoran (he is now at Corcoran SATF). Basically what happens is you call and get a appointment. Be prepared to get up early in the morning and re-dial! The extension is always busy. After you get your appointment you go up there and you get on this bus which takes you to the part of the prison where the SHU is. You fill out a pass and go through the metal dector, the gates, and then you go into the building where your visit will take place. You will be on one side of the glass and he will be on the other. That is basically it. You get I think about a hour, but sometimes it takes them a while to come get your loved one so you get extra minutes. Let me know how it goes. :)