I stayed at the Westin Bonaventure for three nights in conjunction with a huge conference (1500+ attendees) and booked my room directly with the hotel using a conference reservation code. I'm also a Starwood Preferred Guest Gold member. The conference rate was $130/night and because of my elite SPG status I was upgraded to a "tower suite" in the Green tower. The two rooms and 1-1/2 baths were probably created from two original individual rooms, which by themselves would have been quite small. The room was very nice with Westin's "modern" furnishings and, of course, the Heavenly Bed, which is truly fabulous. I had two televisions--one each in the bedroom and living room. Everything was clean and well-maintained. Broadband internet in the room was via wireless or direct Ethernet connection.

The Bonaventure is a product of John Portman, who loved atriums, fountains and pools in the lobby, and it's very 1970's. Lots of concrete contribute to a rather sterile feel--sort of like the outside brought inside. The Westin, of course, really can't do much about the dated design short of destroying the building. The arrangement of separate towers clustered around a central core makes for a rather confusing layout. You're OK once you've figured out the color-coding and which floors don't have elevator service. If you want a more "intimate" or "classic" feel to your hotel experience, don't stay at the Bonaventure.

Dining options either in the hotel or downtown area are either very cheap or expensive. The Bonaventure has LA Prime Steakhouse which is as pricey as any national chain steakhouse (Morton's, Ruth Chris, etc.). A "food court" has several fast food venues (Chinese, Korean, pizza, etc) at which you can get something for $5.00. The Bonaventure Brewing Company is available for "moderate" prices. I didn't try it, so I can't comment on quality or value. Just around the corner and within steps of the Westin is Cafe Pinot, one of Joachim Splichal's restaurants. Wonderful "cutting edge" cuisine with entree prices in the upper $20's. My partner and I went there and it was truly worth every dollar!

The fitness center at the Bonaventure is great! Contrary to a few previous reviews, I thought the equipment was very up to date and well maintained. Cardiotheater is available at every station. Access is available anytime with a room key, and there is no charge! There's also an indoor track with a special running surface that encircles the central tower on the same floor as the fitness center. You would feel like a hampster after going around the short circuit more than a few times.

The lighted heated outdoor pool may be just short of twenty feet in length and is quite adequate for lap swimming. This is also available anytime. The water is clean and clear.

Parking is expensive at $35/day (tax included in this amount). But, for being in downtown LA surrounded by skyscrapers, I didn't expect much better.

Overall, a very nice stay!