Los Angeles Marriott Downtown

The Los Angeles Marriott Downtown is a cookie-cutter chain hotel, propped by the brand name, a solid downtown location in the heart of the financial district and close to the Los Angeles Convention Center and the usual amenities and services afforded to guests at a Marriott. For all of that, though, there's precious little personality to speak of, and in an age of fierce competition for filling up hotel rooms, a posh hotel without a personality or a USP is like a not-so-beautiful woman wearing designer threads. Looks good from afar, but once you get up close, the proposition doesn't seem so attractive. Not to belittle a Marriott, because there's many pluses to counter the blandness.

If you inquire a bit more than usual, and select the right room out of the 400 guest rooms and 69 suites spread over 13 floors that the Marriott offers, you can get hold of a spacious room with floor to ceiling windows and a sweeping view of downtown Los Angeles with new and luxurious beds. Some of the rooms are dumps, but if you get the right one (change if you have to), a stay at the LA Marriott Downtown will definitely be a positive experience. But then, this applies to just about everything. If you do a little research about the attractions and things to do in Los Angeles, you can make teh entire trip an unforgettable experience. Point is, when you book a hotel room, make sure you get the best value for money.

In-room amenities at this Marriott include coffee maker, Web TV/internet browser, iron & ironing board, a seperate bath and shower with hairdryer, and bottled water, rollaway beds and cribs available upon request. Hotel services and amenities include an outdoor heated pool, business center with copying, fax and parcel services, car rental, vending machines, ATM, concierge desk, 24 hour room service, valet dry cleaning, 25,000 sq ft of meeting space with 23 meeting rooms, on-site fitness center, and valet parking for a fee.

Dining facilities on-site at the hotel include the Back Porch Restaurant with continental cuisine open for breakfast and lunch, the Lobby Bar and Lounge offering sandwiches and appetizers, and Moody's Bar and Grille for dinner.

Info: 333 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA 90071; (213) 617-1133; www.marriott.com