SERVICE & CHECKIN -- Checkin was slow as molasses (so much paperwork) ontop of the long wait for a room to become available.
When early checkin IS available it will cost you $50 (a bit excessive). Valet parking cost $10/night.
There are also resort fees: $10/night. Tap payment wasn't available.
Front desk is very lively, helpful, & also multilingual.
Not pet friendly.
LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- The lobby is large but still felt congested due to some of the design decisions, orientation, & seating. It was also very clean.
Elevators were slower than expected but are sufficiently spacious, with multiple functional lifts.
The corridors were ornate & have a very pleasing color palate.
ROOM (guest room & suite) -- We tried the double queen guest room & a suite.
We found both configurations to be comfortably spacious, with a high degree of cleanliness & ample storage for our extended stay.
The design of the rooms is generally impressive with a lot to appreciate: high-ceilings, a myriad of seating options, great natural+overhead lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, clear views across the city, blackout curtains, an ergonomic workspaces, & plush hotel stock.
Nothing I can think to complain about... 😌
BED -- The mattresses are more soft than firm, which I don't usually enjoy but the bedding was too good to protest. Soft, cozy, clean, & better than most brands with self-described "premium" bedding.
One thing I didn't love was the choice of metal/aluminum base; just too noisy & atypical.
BATH -- Lavish & indulgent bathroom designs in guest rooms & suites, with some of the most impressive shower installations I've experienced in my last ~70 stays: high quality fixtures, tile, & accents all throughout.
No pre-stocked shower sets (guest rooms) but there's a plethora of Whish toiletries provided for your convenience. The bath robes are also with the hassle of requesting.
Yet It's not without a few flaws: towels are on the smaller side, the water pressure is a bit weak, & the OSFA slippers did not fit me (size 11)
TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 42" LG HD flatscreen on swivel base (guest room) or rotating entertainment center (suite).
The entertainment setup in the suite was more fashionable than functional; not as accommodating as the guest room counterpart.
Most of the built-in services didn't work & other integrations wouldn't connect. I wish they did less with the set top box because the apps are a hassle.
WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- Complimentary WiFi is unencrypted but performs very well! Solid for work & streaming. Verizon cell service was adequate & reliable in the building/area.
--Nerd Stats--
56-81 Mbps download
36-46 Mbps upload
0% packet loss
9 ms latency
3 ms jitter
--Performance--
Video streaming - good
Online gaming - average
Video chatting - good
FOOD & DRINK -- Starbucks is no longer on-property, which is disappointing but thankfully it's a DoorDash friendly location.
There's a restaurant onsite but it's not particularly accommodating for multiple food allergies so we didn't partake in room service this time.
If you're craving junk food, there's also a mini market in the lobby.
Rooms are equipped with the status quo mini coffee bar & a medium mini fridge.
NOISE -- The sound proofing is solid. It doesn't completely dampen the city noise found in downtown LA (police, ambulance, etc) but it does a good enough job.
LOCATION -- Lots of convenience stores & restaurants are within walking distance.
There's varying amounts of un-homed that roam in the vicinity but there's a consistent security presence nearby.
VERDICT
Despite the spa still being (indefinitely) closed, I enjoyed this property WAY more than I expected & extended my stay a number of times.
It's a feature rich hotel with plenty of indulgences & I highly recommend it for your next staycation.
4.5/5 ⭐️
@mrstaycation