Loved It!

We first made a reservation at the sister property, the Magic Castle Hotel. We were alright with the room but hated the parking (too tight) - so we asked about the Hwood Hills rooms - we got a much better room for just a little extra and the parking was much better. it was gated and our walk to our room was easy. we had a great view of the hillside homes and Hwood Blvd and the city. We felt like we lived there - like it was an apt. We had lots of privacy and enjoyed the property. We even walked up the old sidewalk to the Japanese restaurant - wow, what a view! We could walk to Hwood Blvd and were in easy driving distance to West Hwood, Bev Hills, the beaches, and the airport. This hotel is fabulous and the continental breakfast was adequate and nice to enjoy the by pool. I plan to stay here everytime I'm in LA!

Decent at Best

PROs: Huge Rooms and Balcony, Nice View (Probably Much Better in Other Rooms), Very Courteous Staff, Terrific Location, Good Bath Products, High Quality Feather/Down Pillows and Duvet, Has Kitchenette, Housecleaning Staff is Thorough, Lots and Lots of Clothes Hangers, Maintenance Staff Arrived Very Quickly to Repair Broken Light Switch, Accomodated an Early Check-In, Rate of $116 (plus $8/night for parking) is a Good Value for This Area of LA

CONs: Cheap Decor (Very Ramada Inn Circa 1986), Only Basic Cable (No Premium Channels), Very Small Television, No High Speed Internet Access or Dataport in Room (There Was a Sign About Wi-Fi at the Sister Property Way Down the Hill But No Indication in Our Room About Internet Service), Chipped/Peeling Paint in Bathroom (on Walls, Ceiling and Door), Warped Bathroom Floor, Just a Generally Run Down Feel to Room and Furnishings, No Top Sheet on Beds (Fitted Sheet and Covered Duvet Only), Hard Beds, Shower Pressure So Intense it Reminded Me of Scene from the Movie "Silkwood", Uneven Water Temp in Shower Required Constant Adjustment to Prevent Scalding or Freezing, Tiny Table-top Ironing Board Instead of Full-Sized One, Weird Arrangement of Kitchenette...Had to Pass Sideways Through a 10 Inch Gap Between Corner of Cabinet and Corner of 'Fridge to Enter (a Large Person Simply Wouldn't Have Been Able to Go Into the Kitchenette), Assigned Parking Isn't Monitored by Staff and Our Space Was Often Occupied by Other Guests or Visitors, Weird "Shed" in Parking Lot Filled with Old Furniture and Matresses, Continental Breakfast is Served Down at Sister Property Making it Highly Inconvenient (Even if it Hadn't Been Raining)

My partner and I recently (February 2005) stayed at the Hollywood Hills Hotel and were greatly influenced in our decision to stay there by the reviews on this site. Neither of us can imagine what could possibly lead someone to give this property a four or five star rating unless that person simply hasn't stayed in a nice hotel before. This is not a Four Seasons, Westin, or "W" Hotel. This is a decent hotel, tops. Nothing extraordinary about it save some lovely views and the unusual size of the rooms.

Though we can't say enough kind things about the staff there are definitely numerous flaws and shortcomings. Overall we'd say this property is shy of being "average" when compared it to huge number of places we've stayed througout the USA and in Europe. Is this hotel "fine" and an "okay" choice? Absolutely. With some additional work this property has the potential to be superb. But until that happens keep your expectations modest.

Outstanding Service!

We booked a reservation for two nights at the Hollywood Hills Hotel (HHH) back in November of 2004. When we arrived, we found out that there was mix-up with the reservation. The staff member who was working at the time was extremely apologetic and very accomodating once I showed him my confirmation email. (Thank you Richard!) Since the rooms at the HHH were completely booked that night we arrived, they put us in a room at the Magic Castle, (the sister property) which is at the base of the hills. They gave us a two bedroom suite, which was much too big for the two of us, but it was a nice gesture. We were definitely looking forward to the views that the rooms up at the HHH provided, but we were satisfied with our accomodations. It was late at night, and we wouldn't have been able to enjoy the views anyway. (I do want to note that both the rooms at the Magic Castle and the HHH smelled a little odd, but once we got the fans going/windows open, and the air circulation going, the odour pretty much disappeared. I also want to say that the beds in both hotels were VERY comfortable, and I could have stayed in them all day!)

We had plans the next day to tour around the city, but the front desk staff just said to leave our packed bags in our room, and they would move it up to our new room up at the HHH for us when we were gone.

The complimentary breakfast was great, (love those croissants!) and the location was also very convenient for us.

In the end, we received one night free for our troubles. (which didn't end up being much trouble at all with all of their help!) But it was much appreciated. When I arrived home, I also received a postcard from the staff apologizing once again for the mix-up, and wishing that I had a pleasant stay.

Thank you again to the staff, if they ever read this. They really went out of their way to accomodate us, and they made our stay very enjoyable.

Great choice!

We discovered this hotel on your website and booked it because it sounded so great. Well guess what? It was! The front desk staff was so helpful with everything from giving directions to taking care of small problems with the room. The location was convenient for touring the area. The breakfast was yummy and the view off of our balcony was spectacular. I would recommend this property to anyone visiting the LA area, except if you have any physical handicaps as it would be somewhat difficult to negotiate the hills and steps going to and from your room. Otherwise it's fabulous!

Greatd price, Great view, Great Staff We will be back!

My husband and I stayed for a week and a half. We were there on business and wanted to be close to everything Hollywood had to offer. We had no problem using the metro to the convention center. During our free time we took in the sites, tours and Hollywood blvd which is all within walking distance. The Hollywood bowl is near by as well. The accomodations were great our suite was spacious, clean and confortable. The staff was always helpful and very professional we had no problem parking our car at magic castle during the day. I would absolutely stay here again.

THE place to stay in LA. Fantastic accomodation, location, views and staff

This hotel is quite simply excellent. Nestled away in the Hollywood Hills, its location is superb. We, (2 adults and 2 kids aged 15 and 11) originally booked four nights at the hotel and ended up staying for six in August 2004. We booked direct with the hotel and got an excellent rate for a suite with full city views. The view from our balcony (which was big) was incredible - during the day and at night. The suite was large and tastefully furnished - a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, oven, toaster and coffee maker, queen sofa bed, armchair, dining table and desk with a master bedroom (king bed), large bathroom with a spa bath and shower. Plus 2 TVs!. This place is like having your own apartment in Hollywood. It is set in beautiful scenic gardens which stretch up from Franklin Ave (one block up from Hollywood Boulevard) to the Yamashiro restaurant. The pool is a good size - we had it mostly to ourselves during the entire stay - with a pagoda feature. You can see the Hollywood sign from the gardens of the hotel and look out across the whole of LA.

The staff were extremely helpful at reception. The Continental breakfast (included in the rate) is served at the Magic Castle hotel - the sister hotel which is located at the foot of the hill. You can eat breakfast by the pool of the Magic Castle or take it back up the hill to your room. Excellent choice of cereals, croissants, pastries and juices.

Nearby is the Hollywood and Highland Mall with loads of places to eat and drink - just alongside the Kodak Theatre, Chinese Theatre and Walk of Fame.

We would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting LA. Its in a great location for exploring Hollywood sights, Universal studios, Beverley Hills, Santa Monica and the northern beaches. And its tucked away in the hills so you feel both near and far away at the same time.

The whole property is within security gates so a very safe place to stay and keep your car (parking is $8 a day).

This hotel definitely made us stay longer in LA and we will definitely return in the future.

Quiet charm

A lovely hotel nestled in the hills above Hollywood. Great views even from the "partial" view room.

The only negative is the road in - it is tight and winding.

The staff are helpful and very friendly and the price is right!

Comfortable and Clean!

An older hotel on the exterior, but the inside is updated and very clean. Our room had one of the most comfortable (king size) beds we have slept on in a hotel. The room we stayed in is considered a small room, however it is still comfortable for 4 occupants. Besides the king bed the room also features a comfortable pull out sofa, full kitchen and a balcony.

The hotel property has a public laundry that is also clean. The hotel sits high on a hill above the city, so the view from the property is wonderful. The staff is friendly and helpful. If we visit the area again, this will be the place we stay.

Hollywood Hideaway

We usually stay at well known hotels when we visit Los Angeles. However, on our past trip we decided to try the Hollywood Hills Hotel and were pleasantly surpised. We checked in at the Magic Castle Hotel and they gave us a key and map to our room. When we got to our room we were amazed at the views of Los Angeles!! The continental breakfast was great, and all of the staff were accommodating. This hotel is great for people who love the city and want to be within walking distance of the fun, but don't want to be in the middle of it. We'll definitely be back!!

Awesome Views of LA!

I was looking for a place for my parents while they came to visit me. I discovered this hidden treasure in Hollywood. It's tucked away in the Hollywood Hills surrounded by a magnificent view of Los Angeles. They are located next to one of LA's top restaurants, Yamashiro! The rooms are great with excellent views! I was impressed by the quality of the room. It even came with a kitchen, which was great for my parents. The rooms are super quiet and my parents totally enjoyed their stay! They also serve one of the best continental breakfasts I have ever seen! Wonderful scones and muffins, even cereal and fresh fruit. If you are looking for that special Hollywood get-away, check yourself into the Hollywood Hills Hotel!