Having originally booked for the Riot Hyatt in West Hollywood, we were disappointed to find that renovation work to this hotel meant we were moved to the Century City Plaza. Certainly we couldn't find it on any of our maps, Century City is just west of Beverly Mills and pretty much in the middle of nowhere with regards to the local sights, although the Century City shopping centre is right next door.

I'll admit to having low expectations for this hotel, but in actual fact its location just off the freeway (Santa Monica boulevard) and the main route into Beverly Hills/Hollywood from the West meant it was a dream location for touring LA by car. A taxi ride to the Strip on Sunset Boulevard took less than 10 minutes.

The hotel almost looked Soviet era with its giant concrete facade and supersize, but the interior was tastefully done and the rooms were up to a high standard of modern decor, even better, every one appeared to have a balcony. The bar had a funky cool atmosphere with a nice mixture of business travellers, tourists and even the odd clubber.

Again the usual Hyatt service was provided and although this might not look at first to be a good base for touring LA, it certainly delivers.

My only minor grumble is the price, perhaps a little high, then again this is LA I suppose.

My stay was as part of the hotel's reward scheme, so I've stayed in many of their hotels throughout the US and world. Whilst the rooms & facilties of this hotel look standard the reality is somewhat different. Much has been outsourced and is not integrated well for guests and is 'user-pay'.

The fitness centre and spa, widely advertised by Hyatt, both in their hotel description and Concierge email service, is a completely seperate business and hotel guests are treated no differently from the general public. In fact you can't even transit the facility, the easiest way to the nearby mall and hotel grounds, as the spa staff actively 'police' the entrance and send you round the street. This is false advertising by Hyatt and they should be held to task. The gym which is good is a $15 charge per visit - $30 a day for our room. I consider that expensive.

The pool has the landscaping of the local carpark, inadequate & poor pool service and again the cafe, which serves the best range of juices and food, is a seperate business and only takes cash , not charge. None of this is clearly explained and you are left to 'stumble' around finding things out for your self.

Request for extra towels went unanswered 3 times, taking a trip to the ever-helpful front desk staff to resolve the issue. Worth pointing out that the service here is exemplary.

Car parking is $27 per day, again amongst the total additional charges, adding to the daily bill as a car is a necessity for this location.

No in-room coffee/tea means that the 'in-house' Starbucks is an additional charge.

This is an expensive hotel, with poor service requiring many additional charges for the average stay - wouldn't stay here again as there are many options more worthy in the local area.

Reception staff were nice at check-in. The room was comfortable and quiet with a decent view. Concierge was attentive and helpful.

Housekeeping Dept. was poor, with no respect for privacy and mini bar items disappearing.

This is unacceptable for a higher caliber hotel like the Hyatt. When I reported the incorrect charges to the front desk I was advised my account would be corrected, however when I subsiquently checked my credit card I was disappointed to see the charges were still there.

I then took the time to write to Hyatt guest relations in mid Sept and am still awaiting a response nearly 1 month later. Disappointing how such a small thing can leave a sour taste!

Went to LA for a Carshow and picked this Hotel to reside at, all I can say is WOW.

I will make this quick

PROS

- CLEAN ROOMS
- Great Maid Service (They mop and and clean all counters properly)
- Soft Cozy Bed
- Great Interior Design and Quality of Materials
- NEW Movies you can buy using your remote, decently priced
- Great Service from Front Desk, Valet Parking, Hotel in General

CONS

- Parking is expensive $31 per day (but all the in/out privelages when compared to the adjacent public parking for $20/day but NO in and out privelages)
- Couldnt stay longer

Great place to stay if you want to visit Santa Monica (Visit Cafe Crepe located in the 3rd street promenade), Hollywood or Beverly Hills, Downtown LA