It's been a few years but I used to stay in Bakersfield about 60 nights a year since my company was based there. You are correct about the Doubletree but just around the corner is, as previously mentioned, the Hilton Garden Inn. It was a great property run with great employees who treated the business traveler well.

The Hampton across 99 and I think California St was ok but parking was a bear due to it sharing a parking lot with a chinese buffet.

For cheap eats, find Chuy's. Great food.