I dont know LA but was told to stay in north hollywood -- close to a meeting. Hotwired this -- supposedly 3 stars. I think it probably desrved its star rating (and I think I'm more of a four or five star person - although I wonder sometimes: this is as good as it gets?) The good stuff: free parking, free wifi. Once I got into the room, I was pleasantly surprised :: big, newish bathroom, clean, decent bedding, relatively spacious (not much floor space but ok), fridge, and microwave. Right next door to a little strip mall - Japanese restaurant wasn't great but also wasn't terrible or pricey (kind of a casual neighborhoods place). Skimpy on the crab in the California roll, dry salmon teriyaki . $17 dinner special. Put sake in a bowl of hot water on the table (never saw that before but it kind of made sense) I didnt get sick. The 24-hour donut place looked sketchy but appealing in a dive kind of way.

Had one night in Burbank, and chose this property based on cost and prior reviews. The hotel has obviously been recently renovated. New carpet, walls, furniture. While on the smaller side, the property has the amenities of a larger hotel, including a computer and printer to use for free, free WiFi in your room, exercise room, b'fast room (left too early for the airport to have used it tho), in-room coffee, refrigerator, and safe. Staff was very nice and professional, and Mario at the front desk even referred to me by name when he saw me come out of the computer room. Few 5-star properties can boast that sort of customer service ! The bedding was really nice and super comfortable. Towels very thin, but they do the trick. Yum-Yum donuts open 24hrs right next door, should you have 2am munchy needs. I didn't, so can't rate them. 7-11 across the street. Should I be back in Burbank, I would not hesitate to book again at this property.

I knew from past reviews the neighborhood was going to be pretty sketchy. Lots of tire stores, indoor swap meets and the like. However, the hotel is just 5 minutes to I-5 so super convenient, the rooms are gorgeous, the price is right and the staff very personable.

I've stayed at the Omni downtown, and I would say this room rivaled it. Very large and *the* most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept on. Bathroom boasts granite counters and tub enclosure. Fantastic sheets on the bed. Micro, fridge, coffee maker, etc.

People have made comments about the parking being odd. We only had to double park one time and it was a straight shot into the lobby. Check-in by Mario was *so* pleasant. I booked through Hotwire and had read other reviews, so I politely asked, "I read the reviews on Tripadvisor; may we have a room away from Lankershim?" He quickly obliged and we were in the very rear of the hotel -- no noise at all! Mario is a wonderful rep for this hotel -- I hope the owner reads it. So sweet, accommodating, etc.

Tips:

* Sign up for Best Western Rewards on its site to get credit for your stay toward future free stays.

* Breakfast ends at 9 a.m. If you miss it, go next door to Yum Yum Doughnuts and it offers a massive breakfast croissant with egg, ham and cheese. I couldn't finish it!

* 7/11 across the street is busy and great for late night munchies.

* The single parking garage spaces are on the left when you pull in; the tandem spaces are on the right.

* Excellent location for events -- we had one downtown and one in Pasadena, so we were 25 minutes away from both locations.

Negatives:

* HATED the security buzzer on the room's door when it was ajar. But it would go off even when the door was all the way closed. I left a maintenance request for it.

* The farther south you go on Lankershim, it's boobie bar city. Hey, but for $79 a night, I will put with it. :-)

In summary, 4 star rooms at a 2 star price. Very convenient location and friendly staff.

Worst neighborhood to have a hotel. We were insulted by drunks in front of the hotel as we were deciding to check in. They refused a refund because their policy is 24 hour advance cancellation. Of course that is the case since once you see it you won't want to stay there. Security cameras everywhere makes you really feel safe? It makes me wonder why they need all that extra security. Sorry, it may be cheap but it isn't even worth the low price. Totally horrid.