I can't believe the bad reviews that have recently been posted on this site. I've just come back from a 3 night stay at the Sofitel in Los Angeles and I have (almost) nothing to complain about.

The hotel location is good - close to shopping at the beverly centre and the grove, close to west hollywood and sunset for going out and a short drive to lots of LA's popular spots ($12 cab to Rodeo Drive, $14 cab to the Hollywood Bowl).

The public areas of the hotel are beautiful. Very sleek and modern. The staff on reception were extremely professional and very helpful. There is no free wireless internet in the hotel but there are free computers to use at the business centre and in the gym.

The room was great - clean, well appointed, spacious and with a very nice bathroom. Only odd thing was the very loud echo in the bathroom, it was like being in a tunnel. Let's just say you can hear everything nicely amplified in the bedroom...

People have mentioned the restaurant/bar area and the "night club" noise. I was there for 3 nights (including weekend) and it was empty... so I don't know where the club was going on.

The pool area is on the rooftop of the second floor and is small. The pool is a great temperature though, just perfect for me as I often find outdoor pools a little chilly. There were nice loungers and the poolside service was good. Only complaint is that as it's on the second floor, there is a lot of noise from the street below so it takes away from the relaxation. Not much the hotel can do about this I guess.

The fitness centre in the hotel is remarkable, really one of the best gyms I've seen in a hotel ever. They also provide free bottles of evian and chilled towels. Really well done.

My only real complaint about this hotel is the parking. There is no self-park option so you are forced to use the Valet service which is VERY expensive at almost $30 a day. I really do think this is excessive. That said, I got a great deal on this hotel on Hotwire for only $110 a night so I can't complain!

Good location for shopping and touring. Friendly staff that let us check into our rooms very early which we did not expect. Food at restaurant good. Rooms comfy and modern. Close to Beverly Centre, The Grove, Melrose and Sunset strip,can walk to all. Kayc63

Just a brief note to say that the Sofitel chain are, in my experience, producing really good mid priced luxury hotels, Staffing is excellent, locations are first class and the designs are modern and fresh. I have stayed in Melbourne, Sydney and Los Angeles with them in the last twelve months and this hotel represents great value.

We stayed one night in the Sofitel after finishing the AIDS/LifeCycle from SF to LA. The room was great, with huge floor to ceiling windows, a great bed and an amazing shower (gotta love the huge rainfall shower-head in the ceiling.) We had a great view of the Hollywood hills. The Beverly Center is just across the street and it is an easy walk to West Hollywood and Melrose shops. The service at the front desk was great and the hotel is in spotless condition.