I know the expression 'oasis' is used in every hotel brochure on the planet - but it is totally true in the case of the Sunset Marquis. The hotel is a block from Sunset Strip - one of the busiest places in LA and you genuinely feel sat outside around the pool, or in your suite that you are in the calm of the country.

The hotel is still undergoing a transformation and the restaurant and spa are still to open (I believe that this will be in July). However the potential is there. I stayed in one of the new Villas. A really nice concept of suite and very private (they will be popular with the music and film talent that flocks to the area). The decor is smart, but not memorable. The nicest feature is the bathrooms (oversized with Aveda amenities). There is a huge plasma screen in both the bedroom and sitting room, as well as an ipod docking station. A small glitch, was the lighting - which did not turn off all the lights. A minor engineering problem, but irritating all the same. Another small criticism is that I could hear the person walking around the room above - thicker/stronger floors would have been nicer (especially as the room is a new build).

The service was extremely friendly and the staff very helpful. There is free internet in the Concierge. Although the restaurant is temporary (next to the pool), the food was nice and well presented. Like many US hotels - the gym could be a little bigger.

The hotel is laid out with beautiful gardens - more like a little village, than a city hotel. There are two pools (the newer one is nicer).

The Sunset Marquis has great potential and is well on the way to being a Hollywood gem.

I am in the process of booking my second stay at the Sunset Marquis Hotel and I would not stay here if the hotel and staff were not the best. I have written several reviews of hotels on tripadvisor, some good and some not so good, but I believe that if we are going to use a tool like tripadvisor when planning a hotel visit we must be reasonable and truthful.

I was amazed at some of the reviews of the Sunset Marquis because my stay could not have been better. We had a wonderful experience from the time we arrived until 5 days later when we left. Casey the valet was exceptional. He was the first representative of the hotel that we met when arriving and he set the tone for a wonderful visit. We had absolutely no problems with checking in and the young ladies at registration could not have been more pleasant. Our villa was beautiful. François is absolutely the best hotel professional that I have had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. He could not have made our stay more pleasant. From the time we walked into the hotel until the time we left our trip was exceptional and we were treated like celebrities even though we certainly are not.

I am not connected with the hotel in any away. I am a guest who has stayed in the LA Hiltons, Sofitel's and other hotels in the past and now stay at the Sunset Marquis because this is where I receive exceptional service and the best value for my dollar. If you would like to contact me about my stay please do so at garda19@aol.com.

When I can't get in to L'Ermitage, the Sunset Marquis is my second choice in LA. I love having a suite...chill out in the living room solo or with friends, then having the bedroom completely separate is great. Also love the 2 mini-fridges in living room...I frequently go to the store and stock my own fridge with the stuff I like, both drinks and snacks. TV's and DVD players need to be updated though, which I'm sure is coming as they rehab the hotel. Fun bar, and close enough to fun restaurants and bars in WeHo and BH that cabbing back and forth is not expensive. Great place to stay for hipsters, but think older folks might not like it so much.

This was probably my 12th stay at the Sunset Marquis and it gets better every time. The new villas are now built and the little village-style addition to the property adds yet more atmosphere to the place. The new villas and suites have the same charm as the originals but even more comfort, luxury and style. The old charm remains and the staff - some of whom I believe have been there for over two decades - are as kind and welcoming as ever. Nowhere in the world am I treated more courteously, and yet as though I am a friend. I would never stay anywhere else in Hollywood and probably would never stay anywhere else in Los Angeles.