I'll start with the good points. There aren't many.
+Our room was lovely. 314. It had two large beds, a flat screen TV, HUGE shower as well as a fridge and mircowave.
+ It was clean.
OK, now for the bad.
- First of all when we arrived, we were told that there was a $100 security deposit. After double/triple checking our reservation details, NOWHERE did it say that this was the case. I've also been advised that a security deposit shouldn't amount to more than one night's stay... which this was. However, front desk wouldn't budge. We found the manner of the people there incredibly patronising and often overbearing. So we handed over the last of our money (cue frantic call to the parents in the UK in the middle of the night) and headed to our room.
- We weren't offered any help with our bags. For a hotel which purports to be high class this is a bit of a let down,
- The area is VERY dodgy. We had a beautiful view of a run down store and drunks patrolling the street chucking cans of beer around. I wouldn't walk around there at night. The noise from the road was horrendous, be it police sirens or fights breaking out. I also feel that the hotel misrepresented exactly where they were- we phoned beforehand and were told that they were close to Hollywood Blvd. Well. They are. Pity that it's at the very end and about $40/$50 in a cab to get to the decent part. (I say "decent" loosely. Let's go with touristy instead)
- There was construction work going on throughout our stay at the hotel with some rooms being refurbished. We were not notified of this upon check-in and it was disturbing, to say the least.
- Front desk. Oh my word. Where to begin? It should be enough to say that every time we went there some poor soul was complaining or upset. We had our own fair share of problems and were met with impatience and condescension at every turn.
We called from our room as the outside line wasn't working. My sister asked politely how to remedy this. She was hung up on. I called back and explained that she had been hung up on and merely wanted to know how to access the outside line. There was NO apology and an abrupt direction to press such-and-such, which we had already tried.Before I could point this out the lady slammed the phone down and refused to pick up again. We simply had to use our mobiles instead.
Another instance was when I asked at reception what the best way to Venice Beach was. The man behind the desk slapped some documents onto the desk, told me to "go right and get the bus" and then proceeded to yell at someone over his shoulder. I asked for some clarification (as there were a few buses and stops) but he didn't seem to hear me and went off into the back.
- There is a pool and sauna, yes. What they don't explain is that you need to reserve a space in the sauna, go to reception and pick up a seperate key. You're also not allowed to use the facilities on the day of check out. I went for an early morning dip and was barred entry. I asked why this was so, but apparently my money was only good enough the night before. Nice.
Overall I would certainly NOT recommend this hotel. Our room was lovely, but after seeing another guest's I could see we were merely lucky on that front. It's not worth the hassle and rudeness. I had a much better experience at less expensive establishments.
TIP: If you're nearing the end of your funds then there's a cracking supermarket up the road, Jons, where you can pick up some cheap eats. All of the noticeboards are in Spanish but the staff there were only too happy to help.
hotel reviews