The Crescent Hotel

Booked at the last minute for the same day. The location was perfect, and the room was decent, though on the small side unless you’re used to European hotels or older downtown buildings. My room wasn’t ready, but they switched me, which was good service. Valet was frustrating. I paid $14 more than the garage rate, but when I left at 9:45 a.m. there was no valet there, so I had to get my own car. What was I paying valet prices for?

Right in the heart of Beverly Hills, with everything I needed about a two-minute walk away. The room was huge, clean, and beautiful, and the staff were so kind and helpful. I loved every part of the stay. Honestly, the best place I’ve stayed in LA.

The location was a real plus, with markets and the farmers market close by, and I liked the hotel restaurant. I parked on the same street for $24 for the whole day. If I needed to be in the center, I’d stay here again. But if fresh air matters to you, check whether the windows open or are blocked by the AC unit. I couldn’t open mine, which was very difficult with my asthma, so I left early because I needed air while sleeping. Room cleaning during the stay also cost extra.

The location and cleanliness were the only positives for me. The rooms are so cramped that opening luggage is difficult, and there are no bedside lights, so you have to get up to switch the lights off. There’s no parking except the $40-a-night valet, though we paid $24 a night to leave the car in the garage next door. The windows are sealed and so thin that outside noise comes right through. We were woken several times by people outside and garbage trucks, and every morning around 7 a.m. there was vacuuming or cleaners talking in the rooms and hallways. For a place presented as a boutique hotel, it also didn’t provide basic services like housekeeping. These were the worst four nights of my life, and I’ve never stayed in a noisier room.