W Los Angeles - Westwood

I haven't had a stay at this property in a long time and since I was going to maximize miles in LA I thought I would stop here. I knew the pool would be closed, which meant there would be very few kids on sight.

I arrived about 10AM and after a long flight all I wanted to do was relax. My room was ready, I was upgraded to a huge suite. Sweet! The hotel was eerily quiet which is a good thing. So far this stay has been at 180 degree change from my last stay.

The property seems cleaner and brighter than I remember. This is the brightest W I've every stayed in. As with most W's the elevator has a gimmick, I actually like the mini photo booth camera.

I've stayed in a smaller suite at this property before, but this room is definitely an upgrade. I love being upgraded and this room fits me to a T!  The room is Hollywood casual and in good condition. Décor is sparse, but light and appropriate for its location.   In the corner is a glass top desk.  There are plenty of electrical sockets for your devices and a wired port.

For a parlor room so large, I felt a dedicated small dining area could have been incorporated into the room.  Instead of having the glass table as a multifunction piece. The suite has a good view of the Westwood/UCLA area and gets great light.

The bedroom is a great size large.  There is a wall mounted flat screen with HD channels, although I felt the channel selection was poor.   There is a nice sized closet.  The bed is the standard W Bed with nice linens.

 

 

Nice size bathroom. Accommodates two, but again, for a suite so large, it felt as though "something" was lacking.  There is one large sink with counter space to the side. Enough space for two people but it would be a tight fit at the sink area.   Nice sized shower with rain shower-head. Good pressure and water temperature, this bathroom has no tub.  Standard W toiletries. 

 

As with most W's there is no lounge.  But there is a small fitness center and pool with a very nice landscaped yard.  In spring and summer the pool is lovely, however, the pool is closed for the winter and renamed "chill". This was appropriately noted on the properties website.

 

 

In room Internet access is a $14.95.  I had a good signal and I was never dropped.

If you need access to the internet, there is a wired station just behind the reception desk. It's $7.95 for 15 minutes.  If you have a wireless laptop you can access the internet in the living room and pool area for free.  

Valet parking is $32 a night. You pull right up to the front of the hotel.  The valet staff get a big thumbs up as they were very fast and overly helpful. 

FINAL IMPRESSION

Overall hotel cleanliness:

Tight, light and clean perfect for the 30 something visiting LA

Staff attitude, conduct & support:

Staff was much improved. Very helpful.

Location:

Decent location in residential area and convenient to UCLA.  Basic restaurants and retail with everyday essentials is close by.

Would I return?

Not sure. Had two issues after check out. 1) Platinum amenity was not posted. 2) Charged for using the munchie box. This is my first time having to follow up on a Platinum amenity posting. I emailed the hotel and the amenity was taken care of within 24 hours.  Then the munchie box charged showed up on my credit card.  The hotel apologized profusely and removed it without question.  I don't like having to followup up on the basic service/operations, as it annoys me and outweighs a good experience.

Would I recommend this as family friendly?

Yes.  Although kids aren't the W Hotel Brands target audience, this location is teen friendly.

Good for business travelers?

Depends based on where you need to be in LA.

Good for a romantic get away?

Yes, nice rooms and property

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?

Not really as things in LA are spread out, so it depends on what your plans are.

Would I recommend restaurant?

ninethirty restaurant is on site, but didn't try it.  The menu looks to be all over the place, but hey I like a challenge.  Maybe next time.

Value for price paid?

Good

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 7