We booked this hotel, as it was a cheap place to stay downtown. We didn't realize until after booking that our package included shared bathrooms and showers. Upgrading was an option, but more pricey so we stuck with the shared bathrooms.
We arrived at the hotel around 11am, and the receptionist barely wanted to look at us long enough to tell us check in is strictly at 3pm. She offered no place to clean up, ect- except a room under the stairs to put our bags. It was a hot day, attempting to walk around the area in jeans and sweaters without a change of clothes. This hotel has 700 rooms, I'm sure she could have checked to see if ours or another room would be ready... So we wasted our day, and finally got to check in where she scanned our passports and radio'd a man to come and unlock our luggage. 20 minutes later than man came, took 10 more minutes to figure out how to open the door where our luggage was stored and finally up to the room we went.
Our room was on the 11th floor (high floor requested- they fulfilled that), at the backside of the hotel with an awesome view of the street and part of the city below. The view was great. Little sink and mirror behind the door in the corner, spacious closet, dated nightstand, and bed (Bed was comfortable), tv with about 20-25 channels. There was no tissue in the room, so bring/buy some if you get congested like I do around smoggy areas. No air conditioning, so sleeping with the window open is a must (Fire station down the road was noisy during May day protest, but not too bad otherwise). LAPD landing pad for helicopter right near the hotel (Landed mostly during the day). We went downstairs to request 2 more pillows for our room, had to call and remind them about 45 minutes after we requested them. Also had to request face cloths as those are not provided by the maids (only 2 towels). There was no fitted sheet on the mattress, only a flat sheet, not tucked in. I got creative and wrapped the top quilt around the mattress and put the flat sheet over top. However, when doing so we found stained flat sheets (ew!), the fleece blanket had huge long back hairs all over it, and white stains (not washed). So I went to the front desk and requested new bedding. Fresh, warm sheets were brought promptly, and offered to put them on, but I did it. We left our 'do not disturb' sign the entire time, as we did not want our sheets changed around/ more cheap smelling flower deodorizer sprayed. We went down to the front desk for new towels every few days, and that worked well for us. There are many locks on the door, no idea why but definitely not needed as security checks keys all the time. I wish I would have brought my laptop (I thought it would get stolen), but I believe it is definitely safe to have in the room. (WiFi in lobby) The shared bathroom in our hall was used by only us, and one other person to shower for a day. It was a bathtub style shower, which didn't drain well so I was standing in half a foot of gross water. Just down the hall was an actual shower (private shower room), which we used for the rest of the trip which was much better. Tons of hot water, and fairly clean.
The front desk staff was hit and miss for friendliness. I found the young security guard helpful for finding things around town or asking questions. This area has a very diverse mexican culture. The area behind to the left of the hotel is not safe at night, however the main part of LA is great. We would stay here again, with a private bathroom, and would ask for clean sheets right away.
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