Let me start by saying this: the Chateau Marmont is not for everyone. They charge 5-star prices for accommodations that are probably 3-4 stars at best, but combined with the allure of Hollywood, their prime location, and access to their oh-so-exclusive (in their opinion) bar and pool area, it's worth it if you're in the mindset to party Hollywood-style.

I stayed there for two nights this past Februrary, in one of their one bedroom cottages. I was there with a friend, and we had a really good time.The Chateau oozes with Old Hollywood glamour. The staff are attentive, and the details are impeccable (Kiehl's toiletries, candles lit at turndown), but my only complaint would probably be some of the more dated aspects of the place. The bathrooms are definitely *way* overdue for a refurb, and the cottage walls are pretty thin. (I think our windows started rattling when a bus drove past on Sunset.)

Other than that, the property is really cute in terms of making you feel like you are at some secret hideaway resort (and the direct access off Sunset Blvd is much appreciated). It was too cold for the pool but we hung out at the adjacent Bar Marmont and had instant access as hotel guests even though there was a line on a busy Saturday night.

All in all, I think it's probably worth the hype, and I do consider returning.

Finally got to stay in the famous Chateau Marmont. First off, let me say that you can definitely get a far more luxurious hotel experience for the same - or less - price at a number of other LA hotels. If you want the perfect room and the huge marble bathroom with gold fixtures and a tv over the tub, I highly recommend the Four Seasons. It's glorious, and you will feel so pampered you never want to leave. Chateau Marmont is a completely different experience, and what you're paying for is truly the legend and the "privilege" of being part of it. If that's worth 5-star prices to you, it's a fabulous place to spend a weekend. We just got back from three nights in a two-bedroom suite, we were overlooking the driveway on one side and the garden on the other. Checking in here is like stepping back in time. The keys are actual keys, not key cards, and it's all so discreet they don't even tell you your room number, lest some unauthorized ear should overhear it. You have to look at the key to see what room you're in. The elevators are tiny and creaky and delightful. I had heard complaints that some of the employees here had a major attitude, or were unhelpful, but we found everyone to be great. The only time we had any problem, when a lunch order was lost and we waited for a really long time, they comped us the lunch and I hadn't even complained.
Now, I must warn you, you will spend a lot. A lot. Breakfast for 4? $125. Lunch? $175. Is it worth it? As I said, that depends what your expectation is. We happened to be there the week before the Oscars, and the place was full of celebs, and there was an Oscar party one night that all guests were graciously invited to. It was an experience you can't buy, being part of that scene. Well, I guess you can buy it, by staying at the hotel, but it probably wouldn't be a tradeoff for a lot of folks.
The rooms themselves are like little old apartments. The kitchens are funky and old and the bathrooms, well, funky and old too. And small. Pretty much one person at a time in there, so if there are three or four of you getting ready to go out at the same time, well, you have to take turns in he bathroom. It's all very clean, and the bath products are luxury, but it's more akin to some faded old grand-dame hotel in Seattle than it is to a 5-star hotel in LA.
I think that if you are someone who knows what the Chateau is all about and who wants to experience it from the inside, you 'll never get another chance to feel quite so much like a rock star, right down to having your picture taken by the dozen or so paparazzi who haunt the end of the driveway. It's like a private club to the stars, and being a guest there gives you a temporary pass to live like one. It's great fun, and worth doing at least once in your life. At the Four Seasons, you'll *see* a lot of stars. At the Chateau, you'll feel like you are one. If that's worth the trade-off for the funky room and the tiny tiled bathroom, go for it. At least once.

We are a family of 4 who stayed for 5 nights at the Chateau. We had a 2 bedroom suite and it was exactly as expected. The sense of history, nostalgia and ambience was wonderful. All of the staff we friendly and helpful. The gym was nop notch for a hotel of this size, and we had the gym daily to ourselves. Every piece of equipment that was in our existing routine was available. Our sons are 12 and 14, and they too loved the hotel and pool. They also enjoyed the peek a boo nude pics of the backs of the mirrors in the restaurant! The rooms were clean, fantastic kiehls ameneties in the bathroom. Beds were soft, large and very very confortable. If there was to be any critisim whatsoever it would be that you are not allowed to take photos in the hotel. Whist I appreciate privacy of other guests,( particularly given some of their clientele) I do think that taking general overview shots should be either allowed, or maybe the guests provided with a cd of pics pre approved by the hotel for personal usage?
If you are looking for somewhere with bling, and shine, this will not be for you. Expect an air of elegance, dim lighting, old grandeur.
The kitchen and bathroom are straight from the 30s, art deco style (original), and furniture to suit. I particularly was taken with the personalised stationery!
I have already booked to restay there this coming christmas, are very much looking forward to staying at our "Home away from home". Once you have worked out how to enter the hotel, you will have a great stay.

This hotel needs a reality check. They clearly believe they are a luxury hotel when in fact they are an overhyped second rate outfit. THe rooms are a disgrace-for $350 you were taking a bath with your neighbour being told by the concierge that the 'acustics are an issue but they are an old establishment and cannot change this'.Excuse me? I live in England and my flat is older then 1929-i do not have to take part in my neighbours metabolic cycle at volume 10!
Unless you are a celebrity I would take my money and go somehwere stylish where they actually value your custom. This hotel cannot compare to any 5 star that I have stayed in. If you want to see it-go for a drink and then return to your real luxury hotel room where your neighbours are a safe acustic distance away.