Mystery Critic

Hotel URL

Stayed On: Apr 2007 

Published Internet Rate (for the same days): $120 / Priceline Rate (incl. tax and fees): $60

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

This is a very simple hotel at a convenient location.  I never expected to stay so close to Highway 5 so I guess that's a first for me - it turned out well as I don't recall hearing any noise at night other than next door neighbor's TV.  As I will discuss later, location is a huge plus for this hotel but it can also be a problem.

PRO

Location is sometimes a double-edged sword.  I love its location - it's like the center of everything - within 30 min (provided traffic is moving) radius you can cover from disney to pasadena to Santa Monica, and it's right beside the only LA city outlet mall Citadel IF you are tired of driving on the freeway.  The downside is that it's close to nothing (well, except Citadel), and you know how BAD Highway 5 can be around the clock.

Parking is not a problem at all - but I think during the peak shopping hours there are more cars parked there.  At night it's very nice because it's got a wide open lot right in front of hotel.  Another good thing is that just like most Wyndhams I've stayed at, it's very well maintained, clean and comfortable.  Expect no luxuries, but it's recently renovated and it was done well, so everything seemed new and up-to-date.

CON

Our next door neighbor wasn't very happy with the fact that we returned to the room at 12am with two small and whining children.  Buddy, they are tired and so are you so go back to sleep!!  Apparently he was so agitated he knocked on the wall and then turned on TV.  The walls were thin - or as in most hotels the connecting door is the culprit - and we could hear what he was watching.

The staff at the hotel makes it feel like a three-star hotel - they fulfill their minimal duties.  They really are trying, but hospitality is not a prevalent virtue in Los Angeles.  Considering it's a three-star hotel, I wouldn't expect anything more what I got.

OVERALL

This is not exact a Hyatt or Westin, but it's a good enough hotel to make your LA visit pleasant.  Afterall, I assume you are in LA because you want to go to places, not to stay in a room.  I wouldn't pay any more than $80 for a hotel like this one - there are plenty other good hotels in LA that are reasonably priced (see Sheration LAX), but at the priceline rate I paid it's a steal - exactly what I like!