The Standard Hollywood

The pool is beautiful, the food was great, and I felt safe there. It's also close enough to walk to plenty of sights and things to do. Those are the reasons I gave it three stars. After staying there several times, though, I started noticing service problems. On one visit they charged me for minibar alcohol, even though I haven't had a drink since the 1990s, literally. Another time, I got a much smaller room than the one I'd paid for on a three-night stay, although it still had a pool view. The front desk staff often weren't very friendly, and after the smaller-room incident I was too bothered to go back or risk having something else happen, accidentally or otherwise. As a woman who often travels alone, I want a friendlier, more welcoming hotel experience. It is a safe spot with a lovely pool, though.

The Standard in Hollywood has a playful, very LA-in-your-20s feel, though the rooms are a little dated and it's a no-frills place. I've stayed there a few times. Before my last visit, I got in touch more than two weeks ahead to arrange champagne and a special birthday treat in the room for my boyfriend. I spoke with several people to ask about the cost and available options, got transferred between departments, and called and emailed the concierge more than once. I even explained how long and difficult it was becoming, but nobody replied. I was honestly surprised after doing my part to arrange it. On my last try, Philip and Jon wrote back to say they'd provide the amenity for free because of the delay, and they upgraded our room too. My boyfriend was very, very surprised, so they made up for the earlier mess. Well done!

The room was clean, or at least it looked really clean to me, and the service was great. The price is pretty good for somewhere right on Sunset Boulevard, and there are all the amenities you'd need. But this definitely isn't a nice hotel. Everything from the carpet and desks to the headboard, lamps, and TV feels super cheap. It's a good pick if you're looking to hang out with friends, party, use the pool, and stay in a good part of LA.

Late-night noise from other guests is the reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five. The room was really clean and had a nice view of the pool and Los Angeles, and the service was exceptional. Staying at The Standard was an experience I'll remember, even though it's not the kind of hotel I usually choose. Next time, I think I'll plan around the noise and enjoy the nightlife nearby.