I have just done similar thing.

I had 2 centres both recomended by friends.

1st centre is very close to home (still a short drive but on local roads no on and off fwy) A friends son goes here 3 days a week. I go in and look and its an old house been made into a CC it is dark and gloomy, ring front door bell and wait for someone to come from 1 of rooms to answer door. who ever I have seen (dropped in 2 times) or spoken to rang a few times can never answer all questions, "oh will need to ask my sister she is director blah blah" . when asked about orientation ohh can come in when you want if you want, all forms were photocopied and sign on door saying fees increasing to $90 a day!! never got and Oh I love it vibe but when I arrived I did think to myself never been in a CC before to know.

2nd I applied to a different location of same centre but no position for DS2 but his one slightly further away that one i wanted and a friends DS goes to 2 days a week. Centre bright colourful and inviting, receptionist opens door as she sees me at door, friendly informative receptionist and staff, on tour around all staff are happy and chatty, kids all happy, place is very clean. Forms all have nice letterhead and official looking. Orientation dates set out for a day 1 hr with me b day 1 hr without me c day a few hrs without me, starting then on d day. This centre is a longer drive need to get throuh busy peak hr traffic to get onto fwy etc but so worth it as I got a good vibe here.

Good luck its bloody hard to know what is right!!