Stayed here for 4 nights over the independence day weekend.
We had 4 rooms, one on first floor, one on second floor, and two on the third floor.
All rooms were basic, but clean and everything that was supposed to work was working.

The room overlooking the driveway/entrance (301) is not recommended if you are a light sleeper though. Delivery trucks for the nearby shopping mall woke me up in the wee hours every night (think backing up for delivery, beep, beep, beep).
However, this was the biggest problem, and I specifically chose that room to let the others sleep in peace.

Hotels location is its best asset, within one minute of leaving the lobby you will find yourself in a massive shopping mall with plenty of food alternatives, add one minute and you are on Hollywood boulevard, just in front of the Chinese theater and Michael Jackson's star.

We could even walk to Hollywood Bowl, which was about 10-12 mins up the hill, really enjoyed our John Fogerty/LA Phil/Fireworks concert.

Breakfast is served from 8AM to 10AM, and it is basic, and free.

Internet was VERY good, which is always a good thing.

My favorite Hollywood bar, The Power House, is located just 2 minutes walking from the hotel lobby, just go under the taxi stand for the nearby hotel.

We booked three nights at the Orchid after reading the reviews on Tripadvisor, and the reviews were right on target- great location but outdated rooms. We did not want to rent a car and drive in LA so this location was ideal. We took SuperShuttle from LAX to the hotel ($27 for two of us) and then were able to use public transportation to get us almost everywhere we wanted to go. We took a taxi about four miles to CBS for a taping of the Price is Right and it was about $15 each way, largely due to the traffic. The red line Metro station is right on Hollywood and Highland so we took it to Universal Studios, just one stop away. We also took the red line to Union Station to catch the Amtrak train to take us down to San Diego for a few days. There is a visitor's center in the Hollywood and Highland shopping center and they told us which bus to take if we couldn't take the red line to our destination- like when we wanted to go to Pink's for chili dogs. You really can't beat the loaction- right by the walk of fame and right next to a shopping center. We never felt unsafe walking from the hotel to the shopping center or Hollywood Blvd., even at night. Tour companies operate booths right outside the Hollywood and Highland shopping center, making booking and taking a tour very easy.

The room was outdated but we didn't spend much time in it anyway. Our room (211) was pretty quiet because it overlooked a parking lot and not the delivery truck area. There was a small air conditioning unit to cool the entire suite- kitchen, sleeping area and bathroom- so the bathroom and kitchen weren't always very cool The pool is small but was never crowded.

The staff at the Orchid were very friendly and helpful as well. They pointed out area attractions, helped with directions and arranged for taxis. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would stay at the Orchid again if we return to LA.

Stayed here for 1 night in early June 2009 (a Thursday night). I reserved my stay via email direct with the hotel after reading positive Trip Advisor reviews. Price was US$105+tax, which was just cheaper than the list price, for booking direct.

Hotel was literally right out a back entrance of Hollywood and Highland Mall. Great location if you're wanting to base yourself in Hollywood, also relatively quick drive to Beverley Hills/West Hollywood.

Car parking was easy, located under hotel and accessed with room key. Basement level also had vending machines for snacks and drinks, and a self serve laundry.
Pool was located on ground floor, looked clean, but I didn't swim.

My room was on the 3rd floor (elevator service). Room was yes, a little dated, but spacious and comfortable. I had a Junior Room which consisted of 2 queen beds, a small table and chairs, basic kitchenette (with fridge and cooktop), lots of wardrobes and seperate bathroom. Bathroom was clean, had shower over bath, hairdryer, basic toiletries. Only complaint was slight smell in the room (musty/residual smoke)

Breakfast facilities were on 2nd floor. Breakfast was tea/coffee, juice, some fruit, muffins, and bagels. Nothing fancy, but a good start for the day.

Check in and out was easy. I was very happy with my stay here, it was exactly what I was hoping for. It is basic, so don't expect luxury - but for the price, it's great. Personally, I found I'd seen all I wanted to in Hollywood after an hour or so, but if you want to tour attractions or spend lots of time shopping you could fill a day or so.

We spent three nights here at the beginning of a two week Cali trip. You cannot beat this location for the money. We had a two room suite with two king beds, one in each room. Kind of weird, but it worked for us. There is an apartment type kitchen if you want to go to Ralph's for groceries, but you're on vacation, why cook? We did reheat leftovers and put together sandwiches a couple of times, and bought some fruit to supplement the meager breakfast offered in the lobby. The room itself wasn't beautiful or stylish, and the beds were spongy, but it was clean and safe and had lots of room to move around. Parking is free in the underground garage, but it's a tight squeeze. The best thing about this property is how close it is to Hollywood Blvd., you go out the front door and cross to a breezeway that leads to the center of the Hollywood and Highland Complex. Lots of restaurants and shopping here, and a quick walk to the Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theatre. We went with the camera early in the morning when no one was around and we could explore the imprints in the cement. At dusk it is a scene to behold. It's apparently cleaner than it used to be, and I never felt uncomfortable, but it is still a little seedy in spots.
For a great breakfast go to Dukes next to the Whisky a Go Go on Sunset. Really good food and lots of it for not a lot of $$. The Farmer's Market on Fairfax is really fun, good eats there too.