Mystery Critic

Radisson Hotel Whittier

Hotel URL 

Published Internet Rate (for the same days): $109 / Hotwire Rate (incl. tax and fees): $60

Constructed 1985 / Renovated 1999

Orbitz Rating: 3 Stars / MC Rating: 

Cleanness and Comfort
Location and Parking
Noise and Privacy
Service Efficiency and Attitude
Value (based on Priceline rate)

GENERAL

There are SOOOO many hotels in East LA that I can devote a website writing about them - but there are not that many good ones.  Priceline will get you very good deals, but there are obvious a few things that you would have to learn to accept.  A hotel like Radisson Whittier will get you a decent night of sleep, but that's about it - if you expect anymore than that you'd be a little disappointed.

GOOD

This is overall a decent hotel to stay in because of it's reasonably spacious and comfortable.  The lobby, hall way and rooms are not that cramped like some of the newer hotels, thanks' to its age.  If the feeling of 'worn in' (as in a vintage car or house) bothers you, then try to avoid this hotel, but it's really not bad because they did a good job maintained it.

Just like rest of the Radissons, they are not good at decoration or creating a nice ambience, but because of the presence of an open bar/restaurant in the lobby, the place feels active and 'happening', which made us feel better when our kids were running around wildly.

BTW, the adjustable SelectComfort bed is fun to play with but not that useful.  I woke up with a sore back.  Nevertheless, some people love it since no one has one of those at home and the thrill factor helps to make your stay more interesting.  I think they're rolling them out in all Radisson as part of a bed-revolution started by the Sheraton/Westin group.

BAD

This hotel is in a somewhat isolated location.  Unless you are curious about the Whittier Little Mexico or you want to visit your kid in Whittier College, there's really little reason for someone to want to stay there.  While it is located near (well, not that near) a relatively (caution - it's RELATIVE) light-traffic freeway (605), there's nothing to visit or see within 15 miles.  Parking is tricky too - in LA I'd much rather park on an open lot or street rather than in a parking structure.....

For some strange reason the some rooms smelled bad.  It's not like it's unclean or old/moldy, but the rooms actually smell more like a hospital.  It might be the kind of clorine they use to clean the bathrooms.  It's kind of hard to tell that there was actually a renovation done as recent as 1999 - I guess they tried hard to maintain a classic look.....

OVERALL

Value is the key to this hotel - again there are lots of lower-priced hotels in East LA, but if you want to stay in a full-service hotel that is comfortable but somewhat centrally located, this is a good choice.  Only at the Priceline rate though - I wouldn't pay any more for it.