Ceiling to floor windows ensured that the view from our room was the best it could be. The Hollywood sign and downtown LA was what we saw. It was stunning. The Venetian blinds on the windows are a different touch - nice. Everything that you would need to see in Hollywood is at this hotel's doorstep. Very convenient! The bathroom is very small, however, and that's really the only "complaint" that I would have. I would stay there again.

The staff was great! Food was great! I can't wait to return to this wonderful hotel.

Me and my boyfriend have just returned from our first trip to L.A and we absolutely loved it. We stayed 3 nights in Hollywood at the Renaissance and then 4 nights in Bev. Hills at the Crowne Plaza (a dive compared to the Renaissance). We'd only decided to spread our time between the 2 areas because people kept saying we'd be too far away just in Hollywood. But unless you're loaded, theres not a whole lot to do in Bev Hills in the day or eveing. We went to Bel Air and Rodeo Drive etc but we left from L.A City Tours on Hollywood Boulevard, so there wasn't any need to go and stay there.

On arrival, after a long flight, the staff were immediately lovely to us and were like that everyday we saw them. It was just so nice to be greeted by smiles and they gave you so much help - like when we wanted directions somewhere. Even the bell man were fantastic and they aren'ty edging for tips, which is nice considering Americas reputation for that!

Our room was on the 10th floor (half way up) with stunning views of the city and the famous Hollywood sign. The beds were big and comfy and the room was modern and spotlessly clean. The bathroom was lovely as well - a lot bigger than the norm at hotels. The maids changed the sheets every day and even left the T.V guide open at the right date each day.

The breakfast buffet was fab, costing just $35 for two (about £17) and you could eat as much as you liked. There was toast, muffins, bagels, croissants, cereals, omletts made to suit you (lots of different fillings), fresh fruit, salmon, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and complimentary tea/ coffee and juice.

It was nice weather but a bit too chilly for the pool - however, it was a nice area and would be great for the summer.

The hotel connects to the Highland mall, which if you walk through, brings you right into the middle of Hollywood Boulevard and next to Graumanns Chinese Theatre. The mall itself is great, with a mixture of shops (picked up some great clothes there). Theres also loads of restaurants (we loved the Italian on the top floor) and jewellery stalls in the middle.

We had Sandra Bullocks premiere of Miss Congeniality and watched her get her star on the walk of fame the next day - it was a great experience. The hotel really does have a fabulous location.

L.A itself is an amazing city which has so much to offer. It's so cheap compared to the UK. I'd recommend a visit to Universal Studios where on the tour you get to see movie sets and T.V sets like Desperate Housewives. The Warner Bro's tour was also fab - got to see F.R.I.E.N.D.S set and watched Joey being filmed live (must book tickets in advance over Internet but they're free!). Venice Beach was beautiful and when we go back, we'll def, spend more time there.

The people are some of the friendliest I've met and even though they see hundreds of tourists a day, they're just as happy to chat to you and give you as much enthusiasm as they did to people before you. That helps when you get as homesick as me. The hotel was 100% and we'll certainly be booking there again asap! :-)

On Wednesday, March 23, 2005, we rolled off the 101 onto Highland heading to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel with our New York relatives - I'm a native from OC, of course, but still cynical about the whole "Hollywood" experience. However, I am also the one who invested in reading Trip Advisor reviews and actually going to the Chamberlain Suites (formerly Summerfield and being remolded at the time) and the Hyatt (the Riot aka Led Zeppelin) Hotel on Sunset, but finally choosing the Renaissance over all of them, including the Best Western across from the Hyatt and the Roosevelt across the Chinese Theatre. The bottom line is that the Renaissance is all about service and location, location, location. For starters, we had a 12th floor suite connected to a regular double standard looking out to the streets of Hollywood. Fortunately, we upgraded to use the "Club Lounge" on the 19th floor and that's where magic unfolded. Yes, we had the Hollywood sign to look at on the 19th floor, but also a cool lounge with a great plasma tv and music system not to mention this place serves breakfast and afternoon-evening dishes. But, this is also a place to meet people and where two young girls from Ohio told us about the Sandra Bullock premier that Wednesday night for Miss Congeniality at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre next door. We also found out that Sandra was returning the next day for her Walk of Fame Star on Hollywood Blvd right in front of the Kodak Center. We got pictures, autographs, and even spoke directly with Miss Congeniality, who, by the way, is not only nice, but also quite stunningly beautiful in person ... but Jesse James kept his back to us. George Lopez was great, too, so were all the co-stars, including Captain Kirk, William Shatner. The pool on the 5th floor was awesome for the kids, too. It's long, but not too deep, and very spread out with a huge patio area with about 4-5 cabana's and a bar area. It also had an incredible view. The work-out room was just inside on the 5th floor, too, and had 180 degree views as well. Kids, and parents, will love this hotel, the Kodak Center, and all the dressed up characters that patrol Hollywood Blvd near the center. This is not the Hollywood I went to in the early 80's to go clubbing. There are still plenty of clubs nearby, but also a great enclave for family fun and Hollywood history. The shopping is superb and first class and the ining in the center and hotel are fine, too. The "Grill" on the 4th floor of the Kodak Center is cool, too, and where the Warner Bros and entourage dined after Sandra's Star ceremony. I have to say that we were able to be flexible, but so was the hotel staff especially the manager on duty that Wednesday afternoon. We arrived early, like 2pm, but the hotel said we have a suite available at no extra charge if you don't mind smoking. Needless to say, we did, but we liked having the suite more with connecting rooms. These folks at the front desk, housekeeping and lobby area, including bell and valet, were awesome and friendly. We got calls from the front desk asking if we received our extra tooth brush and rollaway. If you have a family, it's probably the best value for the buck and the best value for entertainment within a walking distance. Check with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, too, for upcoming events like a premier and Walk of Fame Star. Thumbs Up!