I don't have the exact details about how the Best Western motel came to be in the late 70's. Like, did the motel chain buy the land from Taft; or leased it from them; or the land was owned by a third party and sold it to Best Western? I can't remember if Denny's was there in the beginning or not. In any case, it became the Kings Quarters Best Western motel.I dunno tbh - the existing hotel (right next to the parking exit to 95 S) went belly-up for a reason. I think it makes sense to build the demand before building support infrastructure that otherwise would be used far less.
Course, eventually, Best Western sold the motel to an independant owner. I don't think the new owners had the financial ability to maintain it and refresh it. I think they made a quick buck until it was totally worn out and got out. Since the motel is now 40-45 years old, it probably does not meet current building codes and needs so much maintainence that it would be better to raze it and start from scratch.