The location was great for what we were there to do (go to Universal Studios), and the free shuttle to the park and City Walk was very convenient. The hotel was VERY busy the weekend we were there, but an army of staff attended to every need. We had read other reviews stating the hotel had recently been renovated., but we didn't notice any changes (we last were there in 2003). Our room did have a few things that implied maybe renovations weren't completely finished, though (patchy paint, etc). However, our room was very clean, comfortable, and had a great view of the pool and 101 Freeway. The downside to our stay was other hotel guests. When returning to our room at night, we smelled cigarette smoke in the hall and through the air vent in our room. It disappated quickly, but was very rude! There was also a woman having a meltdown on her kids in the stairwell of our floor - at 10:30pm! Again, very rude - and loud! Parking was a little high in our opinion - $18-per-day (compared to parking in Universal Studio at $12). Overall, our short stay was pleasant (with a few problems).

Overall I had a good stay. The hotel has been newly remodeled, the hotel is clean, rooms are small but adequate, and the staff is friendly. I was on the terrace level of the hotel which was not good. There was a sidewalk outside my room so I couldn't open the windows when I was in my room because anyone walking by could see in. Intenet is $9.95 per day...it should be free. There is no ATM on site. When I asked I was told to walk to the Hilton (which makes me wonder why I didn't stay at the Hilton)...Very easy access to Burbak airport and Studio City. A bit far from L.A. attractions such as Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.

I am surprised by some of the very negative reviews of this hotel. My husband, daughter (6yr old) and I stayed here for two nights in April and had a good stay. The rooms as previously reviewed are typical of Starwood hotels - modern and sleek. The size was fine for the three of us with 2 queen beds, and the room was ultra clean. The staff was very nice and helpful. We did have a couple of problems that were handled. The first room were were assigned was not made when we went in (on the 12th floor). They were apologetic and assigned us the 19th floor. Then, there was no water, so they called maintenance (which came within 15 minutes), and determined that construction had shut off the water but that it would return in an hour or so. Again, the front desk apologized for not telling us that could be the problem The rest of our stay was uneventful. The hotel was quiet and clean. It was convenient to Universal Studios (we took the free shuttle) and the price was excellent ($135/night) especially for the quality and location of the hotel. They even refunded our prebooked non-refundable 3rd night stay when we had a family emergency and had to leave early. If you drive there, self parking is pricey (I think around $15/day).

Switched rooms 4 times and was charged twice on my credit card!!!!!!! I was angry but the staff was unfriendly, tried to tell me how to act, made excuses, tried to be little me, and never smiled.

The first room the curtains were pulled down.
The second room was right next to an elevator and had carpet stains and the phones didn't work.
The third room a light didn't work and there was a drawer full of MEN'S DIRTY UNDERWEAR!!! GROSS!!

They tried to resolve it by upgrading us to a corner suite, which looked more like a handicap room. To top the night off...I just wanted to relax and listen to some music but their 'expensive I-home' didn't work!!!! They even gave me complementary buffet breakfast, but I just hated my experience soo much that I just wanted to leave that hotel and not take it!

WORST HOTEL EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!!!!! I WAS THERE FOR ONLY ONE NIGHT AND WE SWITCHED ROOMS A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES IN A 30 MINUTE PERIOD!!!!!!!

DO NOT GO HERE! PAY BETTER MONEY TO STAY AT THE HILTON, OR EVEN THE RENAISSANCE NEAR KODAK THEATER!