I grew up in Studio City and always found this place interesting because the décor was Japanese-themed half a century before anime or sushi bars were trendy --- but naturally, living down the road I never stayed here! So a recent visit back to this area finally gave me the opportunity. I was pleasantly surprised, especially after reading some cranky reviews on this site.

We arrived late but the staff was friendly and helpful, and even greeted me by name. The lobby is rather swank, with nice Frederic Remington statuary on display, though what cowboy art is doing in a "Japanese" hotel is rather a mystery; then again, this is L.A., where you get to make it up as you go along. The free WiFi was up & working and very useful. They do ask for a $100 deposit on your credit card as security, but the charge was voided when we left.

Our room was comfy and well equipped ('fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, etc.), the bathroom was spotless, and the bed was fine. We had a large balcony overlooking a well-planted courtyard, but the freeway noise (and the fact that it was still 80 degrees at 10:00 p.m.) chased us back indoors after a few minutes. With the A/C on low, we slept like babies.

The complimentary breakfast at the adjacent restaurant was adequate though not spectacular; again the wait staff were good-natured and helpful. Hotel guests get 10% off their meal if they eat in the restaurant for dinner, but we ate out with friends, so I can't comment on the quality of their Japanese cuisine. Many of the hotel patrons every morning were Japanese, however, so perhaps this speaks well of it.

Considering the rates at this hotel were literally HALF of what places a few blocks away were asking, you really can't beat the value for this area.

And attention, you surfers out there: my old board shop VAL SURF is still located across the road even after 45 years! It was a genuine pleasure to re-visit this landmark.

I was a little hesitant to stay here based on some of the reviews. I did anyways expecting the worst. It is dated but was inexpensive so for me it was an even trade. I didn't hear any noise from the street with the fan on. The staff was nice and overall I had no complaints. Close to all the sights of LA.

we are a family of 5 and stayed at the hotel for 5 nights during August 2012. the location of the hotel for families that are mainly looking for the northern LA attractions (Hollywood, Universal, SixFlags, Santa Monica) is great. you don't get stuck in traffic jams. however the hotel is right on the freeway so it means if you are noise-sensitive just don't go there. for us it wasn't a problem. rooms are clean and well maintained.
our biggest disappointment was breakfast that many other reviews praised. first of all its very basic. second, it doesn't matter at what time we got in, half of the things were missing. from cups and glasses, silverware, and all the possible types of food. seriously annoying.

all in all, you get a good value for your money

The hotel looks great on the picture but for the price you pay you would expect a better room. The parking spaces which are in the bank, are cramped I was afraid i would get my car door hit. The room feels tiny and we got the feeling of the crawlies; it feels more like a filthy motel than the nice hotel they make it to be. (bring your own portable DVD player.) I left a day early cause I couldn't take it anymore. I was willing to pay for both days as I knew they would. They and charged me $100 deposit upfront which remained in my bank for 7 days! They serve a free breakfast in their restaurant next door which is okay if you like cold, half cooked eggs, mushy potatoes, (not hash browns) and warm orange and apple juice. The neighborhood is NOT what you would think, but If you need a couple of good liquor stores nearby you're in luck.