The Sheraton LA Downtown is an excellent, full-service, mid-scale hotel located mid-way between the heart of downtown and the Convention Center. It adjoins the Macy's shopping center, which is a sad affair in desperate need of soap and water.

My room was larger, more upscale and more attractive than the upgraded room I stayed in at the brand new Westin Grand Central in New York. I have stayed at many Sheratons and this hotel is among the very best of the brand. The bed was super comfortable; the decor was upmarket, if not luxurious; the room was well lit enabling me to work without eye strain; everything worked; and there was only minimal outside noise audible in the room. The hotel is across the street from the subway and within walking distance of the convention center.

During the 80s and 90s I stayed at the old Sheraton Grande 25+ times and I mourned its conversion to a Marriott. Because someone once said this hotel was a "less than" replacement for the Grande, I have avoided it for over 10 years. While the hotel isn't a candidate for Starwood's Luxury Collection, it is an outstanding Sheraton property and I regret waiting so long to give it a try.

I will return!

The hotel wifi is virtually non existent in the room, my wifi hot spot barely works in the room, and the ethernet cord for wired access is not accessible from the desk. All of which makes its difficult to work from the room.

There was no room service menu in the room, and the Wall Street Journl was not available from Room Service.

I have to think the majority of the Hotel's traffic would be business travelers, but they don't seem tuned into to making it easy to work on business at the hotel.

Hotel was as expected for an early 80's building - very confusing lobby layout which must have been the rage during the times. Rooms are standard issue but the bedding is quite comfortable. Hotel lobby bar is dreary yet still demands higher prices. Fitness/Gym facilities are top notch as they give you a pass to the LA Fitness in the adjoining mall - this is a huge improvement over most 'hotel gyms' you can actually get in a complete workout. Ann at the front counter made the stay very pleasant and provided above the rim service. This is not the Ritz but for the savings it's an easy 12 min walk to LA Live.

I will preface this by saying that I am used to staying in Joie De Vivres, Ritz Carltons, and boutique hotels, so perhaps I have been spoiled. However, even based on comparable Hyatt and Marriott rooms I have stayed in, I'll say this Sheraton is really dreary. Our room was $340/nt, so I was expecting a certain level of service and quality. Other hotels that are much nicer have similarly priced rooms in the area. Even the Ritz was only $20-40 more than The Sheraton, and The Standard was less. The Sheraton's newly renovated rooms are in serious need of a renovation. The rooms are dark with orange-based taupes and dark wood furniture which lend to a somewhat depressing ambiance. The bathrooms are also horribly outdated, and the wallpaper made us a little dizzy. I will say, however, that the water pressure in the shower was hands down, the best water pressure I have ever had in a hotel. So good job on that, Sheraton! The bed was also very squeaky, so I woke up a few times when I moved. Probably depends on what room you are in.
The Sheraton also claims to be a business hotel, but none of my devices were able to pick up wifi in our room (macbook pro, ipad, iPhone, and roommate's PC laptop), so I had to plug in. I know, first world problems, but in a business hotel, I expect fast wifi to be available where promised, and to both room occupants at the same time. They removed the charge for internet from our room, which was appreciated.
The breakfast was pretty standard. Good, consistent food, attentive service, and pleasant staff in the restaurant. Front desk staff could use a little help. For instance, when we asked that they remove the charge for the internet, they asked if we called AT&T about the hotel's wifi connection. I'm not sure why a hotel guest should have to call the hotel's service provider to clear up the problem, that's not usually our job. I even overheard another guest complain of the same problem when we were checking in, so the problem was brought to the attention of the hotel staff even before we brought it up. It wasn't a rude interaction, it just made my travel companion and I say as we were leaving, "Seriously?" Just kind of incompetent.
I feel this hotel is overpriced. If you are in town for business, stay at the JW, The Ritz, or a smaller boutique hotel in the area (check hotel tonight). If you're in town for fun, don't stay downtown, go to Hollywood or Beverly Hills, for cryin' out loud!
This hotel is conveniently located, but there are lots of other places to stay that I would say are probably better. Do your research, and don't be fooled by the nice pictures on The Sheraton's website, definitely looks different in person.