The Standard is a conversion of the old Standard Oil office building, something you would not guess from the common areas, but makes perfect sense when you are in your room. We stayed in the HUGE room, which is kind of like ordering a grande nonfat latte at Starbucks, spacious, but HUGE? Not. Since I am in the hospitality business, I noted the small cost saving measures like curtains covering the closet and bath, not doors, and a mattress sitting on a low built-in platform, not a bed. Very basic retro furnishings, but then again, you are not paying for the luxury you are not getting, so good value for money. This is not your father's hotel. (The Four Seasons, or the Beverly Hills Hotel, is.) The WOW comes from the rooftop bar and pool, where if you do see your father he may be holding court with a Cohiba. The views are spectacular and the night life lively without being aggressive, a place to see and be seen. The restaurant is first rate, a little bit of a diner feel to me, but to die for asparagus tips and sweet potato fries. Great front desk, and the usual laid back valet service. If I needed to stay downtown again, I would come back. If downtown was not vital to my plans, then the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, which also has a lively bar, but is more your father's hotel. Or, the Beverly Hills Hotel for genuine retro.
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