Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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encompass an entir e square block and form one of D owntown's most distinctiv e land-
marks. The pie-shaped guest rooms are on the small side, but a wall of windows offering
great vie ws, and Westin's unparalleled H eavenly Bed—the ultimate in hotel-bed com-
fort—make for a very comfortable cocoon. With executive workstation, fax, and wet bar,
guest office suites ar e great for business trav elers, while tower suites—with living r oom,
extra half-bathroom, minifridge, microwave, and two TVs—are ideal for families.
404 S. Figueroa St. (btw. 4th and 5th sts.), Los Angeles, CA 90071.
&
866/716-8132
or 213/624-1000. Fax
213/612-4800. w ww.westin.com/bonaventure. 1,354 units . $237-$289 double; fr om $297 suit e. A sk
about specials and packages. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40.
Amenities:
17 restaurants and fast-
food outlets; 5 bars and lounges; bab ysitting; childr en's pr ograms; c oncierge; health club; out door
heated pool; room service; full-service spa.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi ($13 per day)
Wilshire Grand Los Angeles
This former Omni hotel is now independently oper-
ated and dedicated to business trav elers, but w eekend rates can be stellar for bargain-
hunting v acationers. The taupe-toned r ooms ar e business-hotel av erage; the best ones
have city vie ws or o verlook the swimming pool. The executive-level rooms and suites
feature extras like fax machines, plush bathrobes, extra towels, and top-floor views—plus
access to the Executive Lounge, which offers free continental breakfast, all-day beverages,
and hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour . The 16-story hotel is centrally located in the hear t
of Downtown shopping, theater, and dining. Five restaurants and bars on-site include an
American grill, an upscale K orean barbecue, an I talian trattoria, J apanese cuisine, a
tropical lounge in the Trader Vic's v ein, and a coffee bar featuring S tarbucks br ew. I
prefer the Omni (see above), but this hotel is a fine choice if y ou can snare a good rate.
930 Wilshire Blvd. (at Figueroa St.), Los Angeles, CA 90071.
&
888/773-2888
or 213/688-7777. Fax 213/
612-3989. www.wilshiregrand.com. 900 units. $159-$269 double; fr om $490 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $30.
Amenities:
4 restaurants; bar; concierge; executive-level rooms; exercise room; large
outdoor heated pool and hydrotherapy pool; room service.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
INEXPENSIVE
Stillwell Hotel
The Stillwell is far fr om fancy, but its modestly priced r ooms are a
good option in a generally pricey neighborhood. B uilt in 1906, this once-elegant 250-
room hotel is conveniently located near the STAPLES Center, the Civic Center, and the
Museum of Contemporar y Ar t. R ooms ar e clean, basic, and simply decorated with
decent furnishings. The hotel is quiet, though, and hallways feature East Indian artwork.
That said, I much pr efer the Figueroa Hotel (see above), but this is a less eccentric and
perfectly reasonable choice. The lobby-level Indian restaurant is a popular lunch spot for
Downtown office wor kers; other options include a casual M exican restaurant and the
so-old-it's-retro
Hanks Cocktail Lounge.
838 S. Grand Ave. (btw. 8th and 9th sts.), Los Angeles, CA 90017.
&
800/553-4774
or 213/627-1151. Fax
213/622-8940. www.stillwellh.qpg.com. 250 units. $79 double; $85-$115 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Park-
ing $4.50.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; lounge.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, Wi-Fi (free).
5
6
UNIVERSAL CITY
If you're planning on visiting the most popular attraction in Los Angeles, U niversal Stu-
dios Hollywood, you'll save a lot of travel time and hassle by booking a hotel room right
next to the park. The hotels listed below are ideally located for quick and easy access to
the par k; the closest ones ar e the H ilton U niversal City and the S heraton U niversal,
which are just a short walk or shuttle ride fr om the park.
