Very good hotel, but poor location

Stayed for 4 days in LA at Crown Plaza and the hotel was very impressive. The staff were very friendly and the room was very clean and the furnishings were of good standard. Great television with alot of channels, but the main downside was the location. Unless you want to spend all your time in Rodeo Drive shopping for a few designer shops (I found Rodeo Drive very disappointing, you'll find more shops in Bond Street!) there's not much for you to do in Beverly Hills. Taxi's in LA are very expensive, you'll have to pay around $20 just to get to the nearest shopping center from the hotel.

To be honest we went at the worst time, where there was a strike on the Metro service, which included all transport, so the only option was to take the Hotel taxi's service - which was priced reasonably well and very comfortable in a Lincoln or taxi's everywhere.

We thought the hotel's restaurant was quite pricey and the only had breakfast on our last morning there. The service was very good and the food was reasonable - but personally I would'nt go there again, as it would be more value for money going to a diner.

I would warn people who stay there that their tours are expensive, they say they do very cheap rates for Universal and sightseeing tours, but your best off booking them yourself at Chinese Manns Theatre as they do hotel pickups and everything at a slightly cheaper price - dont be fooled by the hotels personal service - where they drive you in the Lincoln and they drive you whenever you want in a day, we were quoted $30 per hour....very expensive - you better off renting a car.

Overall the hotel was very nice but unless you had a car or took a cab or the bus (we didnt see a metro service anyway that was near to the hotel), you're better off staying closer to the nightlife in West Hollywood where the fun is and close to everything!

Could do much worse!

We (2 adults and a 12 yr old) stayed at the Crowne Plaza for a week starting 26th May 2003. I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. The staff were all great - Debbie in the gift shop was extremely friendly and helpful. She gave us money off vouchers for Universal Studios etc.

Even the housekeeping staff were very polite and friendly. The housekeeping is to a very high standard, and done on a daily basis.

Room furnishings were good quality, as were bathroom fittings. The air conditioning was a little loud. Satelite TV had enough channels to keep us happy, but we didn't really spend alot of time in the room. Taxis are available outside the entrance, and Town cars can be arranged through either Debbie or the consierge (we used these alot as they were not much more expensive than taxis, yet had English speaking drivers and air con - def worth a couple more dollars). Bus stop right outside hotel for downtown LA or around the corner for Santa Monica. What a location - only four blocks away from Rodeo Drive! We didn't eat at the hotel, but thought the prices looked a little on the high side. Go to Island burger bar a couple of blocks away, but beware, the burgers are HUGE!!! The only reason I have not given this hotel an excellent rating is because I am just being fussy I guess! Would most certainly go back there.

Beverly Hills Bargain

Beverly Hills was the final stop in our 2 week California tour. When I got the price from the Internet, I couldn't believe that they had good hotels in Beverly Hills at those prices. For around $90,we got a large room with 2 double beds and a panoramic view of LA with the Hollywood sign in the distance. The food in the hotel was very good and the staff were all very helpful, especially when we asked for driving directions.

The people at the Concierge desk were particularly helpful in this respect. Rodeo Drive is about 4 blocks away and nearby Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Freeway give you access to all the major LA destinations. We found driving in LA a bit of a nightmare and were just getting used to it when it was time to leave but the view from the Crowne Plaza will stay long in our memories. Well worth a visit.

It was pretty Good.

Overall the experience was pretty good. The hotel was nice, and we got great internet rates. The location was nice, and within a short driving distance from most everything that you would want to see. The staff was cordial but did not go out of their way to make us feel welcomed. We never had the door opened, or any bags carried (and we were two 20-something females, with heavy bags) They seemed more content to just stare. Which was fine-just one less person I had to tip. The rooms and hotel were clean and decent, but we had been led to believe that there would be a refridge in the room, there was not. It had a nice over look of the city also (If you looked over the rundown apartments right below it) The major downside is that there is no parking- you are required to park in their parking deck, which is about an extra $14-$15 a day. We stayed for a week, and it added up to be an extra $100. So be sure to include that into your expenses.

Chateau Marmont, it wasn't- but for the price that we got online- I'd definitely stay there again. There would be no way that I'd pay full price though.

Great Service!

First let me say that if you are staying here, DO NOT use the hotels directions from their website! They are NOT correct!

Second, once you do find your way there you will LOVE the place! We were treated like we were the only ones staying there! From the bellmen, to the front desk all the way to the manager, Jeff! The service was more than we could ask for. Our bags were carried into our room, the manager gave us explicit directions around town, the bellman always greeted us with a smile and the night shift even remembered our names!

Our room was very clean and the location is fabulous!

My friend and I had never been to LA before and we went off what others said about this hotel. So, from one tourist to the other, this hotel is a great place to be!

Rude Workers

The word here is rude, rude, rude. The young "lady" at the check-in desk was talking on her cell phone as I waited. It was obviously a conversation that had nothing to do with her job as I overheard her talking about "Dick" and the restaurant he took her to plus other jibberish. I finally got her attention and she said "What do you want?" Dumbfounded I told her I was checking in. After checkin in a porter took my suitcases to the room but dropped (literally) them on the floor outside the door. I walked into the room and expected him to follow me in with my luggage. I turned around and he was gone. How's that for service. I made out a complaint with the manager but he never apologized. I'll never stay there again and I will tell everyone I can not to stay there.

Fair deal

Let's face it out, the good thing about this hotel is the position. And in L.A. THAT counts. You're near Beverly Hills, some fastfoods and a mini-market. You can actually walk around during the night...The pool and the jacuzzi are nice, the bistro is pretty expensive but the rooms are pretty. No cable tv, minibar or microwave but that depends on your standard : we paid 85$ for a double thanks to a promotion on their website and sincerely it was a fair deal. Not the best hotel I've ever stayed in of course but for that price I didn't find anything really better and in such a nice position.

ps : do NOT use the phone, their rates are just too high...

Little less than expected

I have stayed in several other hotels around Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. This stay has been the least favorite so far. Except for a few people on the staff, most couldn't care less about treating a customer the right way. I have been here for 5 days and came into contact with 3 actual good employees. The rooms do not have Pay Per View movies, mini bar, or high speed internet access. I can assure you I will not be staying here again. I would advise that you research your hotel well prior to booking your stay. This time, I did not and I have regretted it ever since. I expected more from a Beverly Hills hotel.

Great Position

We have just returned from a 5 night stay at the Crowne Plaza in Beverly Hills.Since I last stayed here 18 months ago the hotel has been refurbished and is now looking much smarter in a palette of browns and beiges. The great thing about this hotel is its position-close to Beverly Hills, numerous shopping centres and just a walk to many restaurants.There is a large Ralphs supermarket a 5 minute walk away which is handy if you are travelling with kids as we were. The staff and management were friendly and helpful and we were even able to swing a late check out at no extra cost. The bar area/lounge off the lobby is a pleasant place to have a drink and has a large wall mounted t.v. screen-we enjoyed watching the Golden Globes on it.Rooms and bathrooms are compact but the good rates make up for that. Overall I recommend this hotel!

A Truly Memorable Trip

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza whilst attending the Oscar ceremonies in 2002. The people were amazing, the staff friendly and helpful and the breakfasts in the bistro....what can I say...all you can eat buffet with all you can drink orange juice. Heaven. I want to come back...so if you read this and you will have me, come and rescue me from the rain and cold of the UK and let me into your amazing city and your fantastic hotel just one more time.....we can but dream.