Hilton HHonors - Hilton Garden Inn Montebello

Am currently making reservations to attend the 2003 Breeders Cup at Santa Anita racetrack.(Oct 25th) All the Hiltons in Arcadia are booked solid this place seems to be my best bet.
I know it about 20 miles away.
Can anybody tell me about this place or shouls I try elsewhere if so where?
Thanks
Mike

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MIKESILV:
Am currently making reservations to attend the 2003 Breeders Cup at Santa Anita racetrack.(Oct 25th) All the Hiltons in Arcadia are booked solid this place seems to be my best bet.
I know it about 20 miles away.
Can anybody tell me about this place or shouls I try elsewhere if so where?
Thanks
Mike </font>


Mike - I work near Montebello and live about five min. from Santa Anita.

My first suggestion is the Hilton Glendale, which is about 12 miles west from the track, but it's all freeway.

There is also the Pasadena Hilton, which is about 6 miles west from the track

Then it would be the DoubleTree Montebello and then the Hilton Garden.

I've been in rooms at all but the HG (but I don't kiss and tell) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Because you would have to take mostly surface streets to the track from Montebello, the travel time from Glendale is about the same. Pasadena would be a bit closer still.

Both Glendale and Pasadena have numerous restaurants, adult beverage places, nightlife, etc. Montebello is a little more rugged at night, if you catch my drift...

I will check the Hilton site to see if I've forgotten a property, but I think you'll like Glendale and Pasadena.

Go baby, go!

Thanks much, thats the info I wanted.
Edited to add, The Glendale and Pasedena Hiltons (plus the Hampton Inn and the Embassy Suites) are all booked solid according to the website.
Perhaps I will have to stick with the HGI Montebello, is the Doubletree in a better locale? How bad is it really?
What about the Hilton Wittier?
May need to call the Diamoond desk.
Thanks again.
mike

[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 06-05-2003).]

Wow, that's surprising that they are all booked this far in advance. I would almost suspect that they have blocked rooms for some event (like the Breeder's Cup) and will release inventory before Octiober.

Just wondering what your expectations are for where you want to stay. If you are looking for a decent room and treatment from the staff as a Diamond, I think you are OK in Montebello. Without knowing you, I would say that if you ended up staying there you, more than likely, would not find much to do in the surrounding area. I will say that there are some solid choices for food in the area, but nothing outstanding.

The DoubleTree Rosemead/Montebello is adjacent to a shopping mall. It's actually a very nice propertly for the area. I think it started life as a Sheraton. I've eaten at their restuarant a few times and it's not bad.

The Hilton Garden Inn is in a residiential area with commerical properties not far away. I'll try and swing by and take a closer look. Montebello is a mostly middle class area, largely Latino, although there are large Asian neighborhoods in the adjacent areas. Whittier is largely Latino as well.

Here are some long shots for your consideration - the Universal Hilton (about a 30 min drive) or the ES Brea (30 min)

Hope this helps.

The Doubletree in Montebello is in a better more accessable area than the HGI. I had stayed there back in the Sheraton days... and it is a nice property...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LAX 1K:
The Doubletree in Montebello is in a better more accessable area than the HGI. I had stayed there back in the Sheraton days... and it is a nice property...</font>

Drove by the HGI Montebello today at lunchtime and would have to agree with the above statement. I am not saying that it's a bad property, just that the DoubleTree Rosemead has a better location.

[Edited to add]

Since then, I have been to and stayed at the HGI Montebello and it was very nice, new, and quiet. The rooms are comfortable. There is a very upscale Italian restaurant across the street.

What is the condition of the property? I have read a thread that the area is largely middle class Latinos and Asians. Is it safe to walk around at night? What is the security at the property?

What is the condition of the property? I have read a thread that the area is largely middle class Latinos and Asians. Is it safe to walk around at night? What is the security at the property?

Your description Montebello area is accurate. It's probably more Latino than Asian, but that changes if you start heading south.

I have not stayed at the property yet, however, my fiancee and I are doing our wedding reception at Quiet Cannon next door. Everyone flying in for the wedding will be staying there. The property is adjacent to Quiet Cannon, and on a golf course. It's in a reasonably private area (at least, given the fact that it IS in LA). There's a pretty long drive from the street up to the property; past a small pond, a hole on the golf course, Quiet Cannon, and then finally the HGI.

I only went IN the hotel once, to negotiate a group rate for my family and friends. I feel like it was $69/nt, but I'm on the road right now with my fiancee and the paperwork is in her magic little wedding book back home. The hotel was your typical new, HGI fare. I would happily stay here paid if I had work in the area.

I can't accurately comment on security so I won't. I have no idea either way.

-jd

I stayed at this property in November 2005 during the Breeders Cup.
Property is your standard HGI and got upgraded to a suite and got full breakfast.
As Doogles described the general area and location, with hotel sited on the golf estate, to enter the complex/site we were provided with a pass to show at the gatehouse.
The entire south side of the street is taken up by the golf-course ( and part of the north) the adjacent property seems to be a popular place for weddings and parties so our return both on Friday and Sat the hotel parking lot was full, but there was plenty of parking in the lot across the street.
I presume you will have car since its quite a ways from the more commercial activity on the main drag.

We had no concerns about security and should we return to the area would not be too put out staying there.

Doogles congrats on your wedding perhaps you will invite the OP if he is in town at same time :)
mike

mike

Thanks for all the info guys.

Congrats to you on your wedding.

I'll be there tonight and will give a trip report.

Thanks for all the info guys.

Congrats to you on your wedding.

I'll be there tonight and will give a trip report.

Thanks for the kind wishes, both of you. It's still 9.5 months off though. :) It'll be tough being married, since the finacee doesn't understand the concept of staying an extra mile away because the hotel will upgrade us or whatnot. Or paying an extra $5 in order to fly AA and get the upgrade.

Anyway, try to weasel an upgrade (at the HDI) and tell me about the "junior suites" they tried to sell me on.

The fiancee is still pushing to stay at this property the night of the wedding, but I still want to go more upscale.

-jd

Stayed at the HGI Montebello last night. The property is located within the golf estate with great views, very secure, well maintined and the staff is wonderful.

The only complaint I have is the breakfast. HGI Arcadia, SFO North and Milpitas/San Jose had a much nicer buffet in my opinion. The breakfast staff were not very helpful. We went down for breakfast around 10AM, the outside patio overlooking the golf course was 50% full and the main dinning area was 25% full. We decided to sit in the main dining area because it was starting to get warm outside. Out of the empty tables, none were ready(not cleaned up or no silverware and napkin). The wait staff didn't acknowledge us at all after my companion and I sat down for at least 5-10 minutes. I had to walk up to the wait staff and ask for silverware. When he finally showed up, he had one set of silverware only and it was missing a fork. Later, he came back with a fork and another set of silverware(no fork again!). The buffet area didn't have any serving plates or glasses until I asked for them. Our coffee were never refilled when asked(I guess we were only allow one cup per person). The wait staff never bother to produce a bill for me, so I just left my two coupons and a tip on the table.

I know my breakfast was free(Gold benefit), should I file a complaint or just let it go?

Any updated information on this property since the last post in 2004? I'm looking to spend one night in the LA area on Aug 18/19, and am looking to keep the cost under $100. This seemed like a good option since it claims to be less than 10 miles from LA. However, having never been there before, I have no idea what the neighborhood might be like now. Any updated information would be appreciated.

Any updated information on this property since the last post in 2004? I'm looking to spend one night in the LA area on Aug 18/19, and am looking to keep the cost under $100. This seemed like a good option since it claims to be less than 10 miles from LA. However, having never been there before, I have no idea what the neighborhood might be like now. Any updated information would be appreciated.

Specifically, is there a mall close to this Hilton Garden Inn? Ideally, a mall with a GAP - I hear they're having a fabu end-of-season sale on men's shirts. ;)

Any updated information on this property since the last post in 2004? I'm looking to spend one night in the LA area on Aug 18/19, and am looking to keep the cost under $100. This seemed like a good option since it claims to be less than 10 miles from LA. However, having never been there before, I have no idea what the neighborhood might be like now. Any updated information would be appreciated.

The location isn't the best in terms of restaurants and shopping, although it is right next to freeway that will take you right into downtown LA.

The neighborhood is mostly low income homes, security is okay on the hotel property, but I would not go walking outside the property at night.

Gangster types usually shows up to party at the event center/club next door on weekends. Could get noisy if you are staying in the rooms closer to the club.

DT is just few miles away and it is nicer in my opinion. And you are still within 13-15 miles of LA.

I was just at the HGI last night with some co-workers from out-of-town. My office is five minutes away, so both the DT and HGI are used by us a lot. Nothing wrong with the HGI itself. I like it very much once you get inside the property. I pretty much agree with the tip not to venture far after dark, though, unless you know the area. The DT Rosemead/Montebello is across the street from the Montebello Town Center Mall (http://www.montebellotowncenter.com/) and they do have a Gap. From the HGI, you would get on the Pomona (60) freeway East for one exit to reach the mall.

Post in this thread if anyone wants restaurant recommendations. :)

The DT Rosemead would be my choice. Plushier than most DT and a big mall across the street too. Nil traffic problems.

MisterNice

The DT Rosemead would be my choice. Plushier than most DT and a big mall across the street too. Nil traffic problems.

MisterNice

I would have to respectfully disagree. The DT Rosemead was in relatively bad shape the last two stays (within the last 12 months) I had there - they are "planning" to refurbish the rooms in 2008 when you mention to the management the run down condition of the guest rooms and furnshings. It is my very last choice in this area of LA. There is a mall across the street and about as common and run of the mill as you can get.

On the other hand, I have stayed at the HGI Montebello several times in the last year and it has exceeded expectations, newer, very clean, good customer service and consistent elite recognition and has a great breakfast and the have dinner specials nightly. It is located on the top of a golf course and as mentioned, a primarily residential area but is perfectly safe IMO. This has become my first choice in the area when I am working our East LA projects.

Good Luck!


T

Anyone have recent experience with the Doubletree Rosemead? Travelling with family next month and need a place reasonably close to downtown. The DT is showing some very decent rates ($89), which makes me wonder if there might be something wrong with it!

Anyone have recent experience with the Doubletree Rosemead? Travelling with family next month and need a place reasonably close to downtown. The DT is showing some very decent rates ($89), which makes me wonder if there might be something wrong with it!

The Doubletree LA/Rosemead used to be one of the properties of my choice, but it has been on the down hill lately. Property is showing signs of aging...carpet and bathroom mostly.

Tried to check-in a few weeks ago, the agent could not find my reservation....one cookie was handed out when there were two of us, there were plenty of cookies in the oven by the way. One breakfast coupon for two guests, had to ask for the second one....high speed internet did not work, but no one could figure out how to fix it...The next morning for breakfast, waited forever just to get seated, then waited again for a long time for our order to be taken.

Diamond desk was contacted regarding my no so good stay, hotel front desk manager contacted me once, but never replied after that.

Just my experience...

I hate to dredge up old threads, but I have a meeting in Downtown LA at the end of May 08. Was just wondering if anyone has anything new to report on the HGI Montebello vs. Doubletree Rosemead.

Seems like not much difference.

Looking for someplace relatively inexpensive (I own my own company and do not have unlimited travel resources) located within about 15 miles of Staples Center.

Montebello/Rosemead seem like decent choices but what about the neighborhood and general safety.

Other Hiltons that might be better?

I hate to dredge up old threads, but I have a meeting in Downtown LA at the end of May 08. Was just wondering if anyone has anything new to report on the HGI Montebello vs. Doubletree Rosemead.

Seems like not much difference.

Looking for someplace relatively inexpensive (I own my own company and do not have unlimited travel resources) located within about 15 miles of Staples Center.

Montebello/Rosemead seem like decent choices but what about the neighborhood and general safety.

Other Hiltons that might be better?



Montebello is mostly Hispanic, but to me it is relatively safe.

The HGI is located on a golf course and closer to where you need to be. A typical HGI with some nice suites for upgrades and very quiet. Decent breakfast.

The Doubletree no longer has my business because they kept screwing up my stays(deduct pts after I turn in the reward cert, twice, and had to jump through hoops to get it resolved). It's across the street from a mall, but not much else near by. Have seen some street racers gather at the parking lot, revving engines and just doing some silly things. Rooms are kind of outdated and the carpet can really use some freshen up. Freeway facing rooms can be noisy. Breafast is nothing to write home about, service is poor.

I haven't stayed at the DT but I had ~50 nights in the HGI in the last two years and recommend it unconditionally. Small but nice gym, decent pool area, great breakfast, several restaurants within 5-10 minutes. Get one of the end rooms with fireplaces if you can (about 50% experience on Diamond upgrades but i paid for it once or twice too- about $50 more per night.)

The location isn't the best in terms of restaurants and shopping, although it is right next to freeway that will take you right into downtown LA.

The neighborhood is mostly low income homes, security is okay on the hotel property, but I would not go walking outside the property at night.

Gangster types usually shows up to party at the event center/club next door on weekends. Could get noisy if you are staying in the rooms closer to the club.
DT is just few miles away and it is nicer in my opinion. And you are still within 13-15 miles of LA.

Has anyone experienced problems during weekend stay, i.e. safety concern? TIA.

Has anyone experienced problems during weekend stay, i.e. safety concern? TIA.

My knowledge is a year or two dated but the short answer related to the hotel specifically is no- there was adequate security between the club and the hotel and the parking for the hotel was reserved from the club.

The club was an interesting diversion Thu- Sat pm but i could see the potential for trouble there.

When I return, I will ask for a room on the top floor - I heard noises from the room above me last month and I suspect that the building is wood frame construction rather than concrete.

Their staff is pleasant and the security seemed very adequate.

I also prefer this hotel over the nearby DT. The DT was quieter and in a better neighborhood, but the breakfast was pathetic and room/hall decor was looking rather worn. I'll be back at the HGI in 2 weeks.

When I return, I will ask for a room on the top floor - I heard noises from the room above me last month and I suspect that the building is wood frame construction rather than concrete.

Their staff is pleasant and the security seemed very adequate.

I also prefer this hotel over the nearby DT. The DT was quieter and in a better neighborhood, but the breakfast was pathetic and room/hall decor was looking rather worn. I'll be back at the HGI in 2 weeks.

Just at the hotel for a few days this week, Doubletree Rosemead, seems new beds and mircowave and flatscreen TV, so rooms seem much better than mentioned before. Nice to get gits for my Taiwanese at the mall (coach store, which Taiwanese are crazy for), and easy drive to Central Los Angeles with good price, so I was happy.