Mystery Critic

Westin Bonaventure

Hotel URL 

Published Internet Rate (for the same days): $159 / Hotwire Rate (incl. tax and fees): $65

Constructed 1978 / Renovated 2003

Orbitz Rating: 4 Stars / MC Rating: 

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

GENERAL

I stayed at this hotel twice - first time back in 1981, and second time in 2004.  I'd have to say that I was impressed both times - even though all my LA friends think it's the ugliest thing in downtown LA.  Well, when I stay in a hotel, the last thing that I care about is what the locals think it looks!  As long as it has a nice room, good location and decent service, I'm happy.

GOOD

When you approach the parking entrance at night, you'd think this is a dump in the middle of LA.  Then you'd realize that you are entering a "destination all by itself' kind of hotel.  Starting with a very impressive lobby down to all the spa, business center and sports club facilities, this hotel's got them all.  I mean, with the land price nowadays, it's inconceivable that anyone would incorporate a six-story high lobby surrounded by shops and restaurants into a new hotel.

Speaking of restaurants, there are plenty to keep you interested for a few days and there's even a rotating restaurant.  I'm not a big fan of hotel restaurants, but they come handy when you just want to relax and eat in, so having choices is a good thing.  It is conveniently located in downtown LA so that there are a million choices of great restaurants if you don't mind driving 10 min on the labyrinth of freeways.

The rooms have the typical Westin-style comfort with very nice beds.  It's a little oddly-shaped - like a fan - but it really didn't bother us much.  The windows are huge and provided a great view of the city, and the renovation covered every corner of the room so you won't feel like you're staying in a 30-yr old hotel.

BAD

LA hotels tend to get lower rating from me because the hotel staff, from valet parking to cleaning ladies, simply don't seem to care.  It's not that they do a poor job, but they often seem not paying much attention to the guest and just doing their routine work. 

The other thing I noticed is that the hotel, because of it's nice lobby and probably the architecture, just seems like a busy place.  There's even noise in the hallway leading to the rooms.  It's not a huge problem for us (since our kids made half of that noise) but I'd suspect that those who like quietness won't do too well here - but then again why would they be in LA to begin with??

OVERALL

At the Hotwire rate we paid, the value is UNBEATABLE.  There's simply no better deal anywhere, period.  One word of caution - downtown LA is NOT the kind of place you want to walk around your hotel - even during the day - to see what's out there.  Enjoy the hotel, and use a car if you want to get around.