Starwood Preferred Guest - Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel [Master Thread]

Sorry if this is a duplicate thread. Did a search and found nothing.
Is Sheraton taking over the LA Hyatt downtown?
I stayed at the LA Hyatt on S Hope St this weekend and was told by the front desk personnel that the hotel will change hands on May 20th. That it is being taken over by Sheraton. Anyone have any news? Pricing? Changes/Rehab?
It's an Ok property but a good location for Staples Center, Metro, etc.

It's true!

The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles at 711 S. Hope St. will become a Sheraton Hotel effective May 20, said Mark LeBlanc, vice president of business development for the hospitality group, in an announcement sent to local hoteliers. Modesto-based Rim Hospitality obtained the management contract for the 485-room hotel and will take over next week.
http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2005/05/09/news/news_briefs/at02.txt

Here is some more info from yesterdays LA Times:


Hotels Break Ranks on Union Contract
One signs a deal while the general manager of another urges surrender on expiration date issue.
By Nancy Cleeland
Times Staff Writer

May 20, 2005

A coalition of prominent Los Angeles hotels has suffered a double blow in its yearlong power struggle with the hotel workers' union, as two of nine original members publicly broke ranks on the crucial issue of the contract expiration date.

The Unite Here union is demanding that the contract end in 2006 as part of a campaign to line up expiration dates across the country. That could allow the union to call a national strike as it goes up against national chains, leaders said.

The expiration date has been the key point of contention between the two sides, with the Los Angeles Hotel Employer's Council pushing for a longer deal.

The latest hit to the council came Thursday, when Unite Here officials said they had signed a 2006 deal with the newly renamed Sheraton Los Angeles. The former Hyatt Regency was a council member until it changed ownership this week.
Like pacts recently signed between the union and six independent hotels that are not part of the coalition, the Sheraton Los Angeles contract calls for modest wage increases and a continuation of family health benefits.

More surprising was a plea for surrender sent out by Wilshire Grand General Manager John Stoddard, once a strident opponent of the union. His May 12 letter to fellow council members, obtained by the union and released Thursday, calls for capitulation on the expiration date for the sake of the local economy.

A union-led boycott has led to the cancellation of dozens of events at council hotels, amounting to at least $13 million in lost revenue, according to union researchers who are tracking customers.

"Six other hotels in the Los Angeles area, including the Beverly Hilton, have found the union's proposal to be acceptable and have signed a contract with a 2006 expiration," Stoddard wrote. "I see no reason why this same deal should not be acceptable to us."

The Wilshire Grand is contractually obligated to remain in the council and cannot sign an independent contract with the union. Union officials said the hotel would remain on their boycott list, but they would stop active campaigning against it.

Hotel council spokesman Fred Muir said Stoddard's position was no surprise and that he had been urging a more pragmatic approach for a while. With 2006 fast approaching, Stoddard argued that the council had little to lose by giving in now.

Muir said none of the other hotels shared that view. "They still think a longer contract is the way to go," he said.

With the loss of the Sheraton Los Angeles and the conversion of the St. Regis to luxury condominiums, the council is down to seven members, contractually bound to cooperate in negotiations. They are the Hyatt West Hollywood, Westin Century Plaza, Sheraton Universal, Wilshire Grand, Millennium Biltmore, Regent Beverly Wilshire and Westin Bonaventure.

The Millennium Biltmore is also on the market, and if sold, probably would drop out of the group.

Tom Walsh, secretary-treasurer of Unite Here Local 11, said he expected to see more council hotels coming over to the union's position.

"We've got a lot of momentum on our side," Walsh said. "I think we're in a very good position now."

It wasn't listed on sheraton.com when I looked earlier today, though it's been removed from Hyatt's list of properties in Los Angeles.


http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050523/235750.html?.v=1

Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Hyatt Regency Reflagged as the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
Monday May 23, 1:00 pm ET
Sheraton Flag Flies Once Again in the City of Angels' Downtown District

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2005--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) announces that the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles was reflagged on May 20th, as the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown. The property is owned by 711 Hope, LP and managed by Rim LA Manager, LLC of Modesto, CA. The 485-room hotel will undergo a $10 million renovation which will include modifications to guest rooms, meeting rooms and public space.

"We are delighted to be back at this terrific location with this great property and feel it is important for Starwood's distribution to once again have a Sheraton hotel in downtown Los Angeles," stated Katherine Lewis, vice president, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

"I am so proud to be at the helm of this fabulous property and look forward to raising this hotel to its full potential and delighting our guests with the Sheraton experience." said Patrick Birmingham, the new general manager of the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown.

The Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown will feature all of the brand's signature amenities and services including highly acclaimed Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed(sm). The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed is a luxurious nine-layer custom designed bed that features an 11.5 inch thick, high coil count plush-top mattress, down and allergy sensitive pillows and crisp sheets. The hotel also features 28,000 square feet of meeting space which includes a 12,000 square-foot ballroom that can seat up to 1,000 and a 6,000 square-foot round rooftop ballroom offering stunning views of the city.

Situated in the Los Angeles financial district, this contemporary hotel is connected to Macy's Plaza, an expansive shopping mall offering many fine shops and dining outlets. The hotel is close to several downtown attractions including Staples Center, the popular sports and entertainment center which is home to the LA Lakers, LA Kings and LA Clippers and also hosts top performing acts and boxing events. Additionally, the hotel is within walking distance to the Los Angeles Convention Center, the theater district and Los Angeles public transportation system, Metrolink and Red Line.


Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

It's on the Sheraton.com site now:
Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1598)

Award category is not yet listed, but I'd bet on category 3.

It's on the Sheraton.com site now:
Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1598)

Award category is not yet listed, but I'd bet on category 3.

According to the reservation database, it will be a Category 3 property.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I'm currently at the newly flagged Sheraton in downtown LA. This was the Hyatt up until a few weeks ago as has been discussed in previous threads.

At check-in, I was briefly delighted as reception offered a suite (I'm only SPG Gold) when I requested it. But, the smile turned to amazement as I stepped into the time machine known as the elevators.

The hotel is a total dump. Looks like it was last renovated in the early 80s. The decor is green and brown - the bathroom looks like a cheap motel and the general feel is, well, nasty. The bed is fine as it seems to be only place they choose to put any dough.

I'm here for a conference or else would get out of Dodge as quickly as possible.

Well since it just got reflagged, I would imagine a renovation is in store. I would be wary of any hotel right after a change in flag, especially before they get a chance to bring it up to brand standards.

Well since it just got reflagged, I would imagine a renovation is in store. I would be wary of any hotel right after a change in flag, especially before they get a chance to bring it up to brand standards.


Since my last post, highlights include:

1. No hot water from bathroom sink

2. Twice incorrect room service order (which, of coure, inlcuded a 19% service charge "for my convenience")

This was a dismal property when a HY. Not surprised HY reflagged it -- but why Starwood? IMHO Starwood is flagging too many existing builds which do not meet most SPG expectations.

Thanks for the warning! This hotel is off my LA list until they get it refurbished.

Stayed there a year ago being a Hyatt Diamond and I have to disagree that the property is so bad.It is an older downtown 3 Diamond poperty with little ambition to get a fourth one, but not the end of the world...
Corner rooms have nice panarama views though.Hertz desk in lobby is very convenient.

The question is, if it is worth it to invest some $$$, I am not an LA expert, but it seems that most of the growth is the area is not taking place downtown.During non conference periods, the Hyatt Regency was often available sub $ 100 on weekdays !

With those rates the hotel is simply burning money and I doubt that a major renovation would result in higher rates, people would prefer better close by properties anyway.

Leaves us indeed with the question why Sheraton decided to reflag it...

Can you tell us if they had the Sweet Sleeper beds? How about the lounge? I recall using the Hyatt lounge a few years ago and it was nice if a bit small.

Can you tell us if they had the Sweet Sleeper beds? How about the lounge? I recall using the Hyatt lounge a few years ago and it was nice if a bit small.

They did have the Sweet Sleeper beds which were nice - and really stood out as being the only new thing in the hotel in what looks like 20 years.

I had a Club Level room - so you'd think I'd be able to tell you about the lounge. But, when I checked in, I was told that the lounge was closed on Sat and Sun (which was no surprise). I tried to go in on Monday but it was locked. Why? "Because the Hyatt closed it on Mondays, sir."

At least for me (Platinum), the Bonaventure is one of the most consistent upgraders. I have about 20 upgrades to suite, one stay when they were truly sold out and I didn't.

I would also choose the Bonaventure, as the former Hyatt (now Sheraton) was a substandard property to begin with -- and no swimming pool. But I like the Sheraton LAX Gateway so much, I commute from downtown when here on business.

I thought the hyatt was average - I got a suite upgrade there based on my hyatt status. It was pretty small for a suite but it was nice inside.

The Bonaventure is 2/2 on suite upgrades for me. No lounge though. I hate the parking there but what can you do? The Hyatt/Sheraton has a big self parking lot, which I totally dig. There is also nothing to eat near the Bonaventure. Nonetheless it's an ok place and I would stay there again (I plan to).

There is also nothing to eat near the Bonaventure.

Huh? There are loads of restuarants near the Bonny! Where do you think all those thousands of office workers eat? There are some really nice ones, average, fast food, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, etc. Also the top floor of the Bonny has a very nice restaurant.

I was wondering where all those people ate. I understand there are restaurants in the hotel - but downtown LA seems deprived of restaurants like any other downtown has. I didn't understand it. Still don't.

Just open your eyes and walk around and you will find some fantastic restaurants. Morton's, Smith & Wollonsky are nearby, as is the Water Grill and the fabulous Palm. Lots of mid-range restaurants too. Or you could ask the concierge. There are also some good Asian restaurants inside the hotel shopping mall. Little Tokyo is nearby as is Chinatown and Santee area for authentic Mexican.

I pulled up this thread because I was considering the Sheraton Downtown but you all have convinced me to stick with the Bonaventure. But regarding this:

I was wondering where all those people ate. I understand there are restaurants in the hotel - but downtown LA seems deprived of restaurants like any other downtown has. I didn't understand it. Still don't.

Well you really can't compare Los Angeles' downtown to your average city's downtown, imo.

But as one of "those people" who daily eat (and work) in downtown L.A. I would add to Stimpy's list, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, McCormick and Schmick's Seafood, the zillion Joachim Splichal Patina Group restaurants and of course Ciudad which is directly across the street from the Bonaventure. And for midpriced restaurants the California Pizza Kitchen in the Wells Fargo Center is good and in the Bonaventure The Brewery is not bad. (You do know that you take the bridge from the Bonaventure to the WTC which then connects to the B of A Bldg - 333 S. Hope - which will put you right across from the Wells Fargo Center. Just a little ways down from the Disney Hall.. And through the Wells Fargo Center you'll find the Watercourt Plaza - by the Omni and MOCA. Restaurants abound).

I'm off to lunch :)

Concluded a 2 night stay at the Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles a few nights ago, and here's a review.

Platinum. Booked the lowest priced "Traditional" room available at a AAA rate of $129:

Room Features: Traditional Non-Smoking, Sweet Sleeper Bed, Highspeed Internet For A Fee, Large Work Area, Windows That Open

One day before arrival the online room description changed to:

Room Features: Suite Non-Smoking, Sweet Sleeper Bed, Highspeed Internet For A Fee, Large Work Area, Windows That Open

...so it seems they did a little advance Platinum upgrading. :)

Started to make my way to the hotel and discovered most of the streets around the hotel were closed for the Los Angeles Marathon! Yikes. I called the hotel from my car and the bell desk gave me good directions on how to snake through the downtown streets and make an end-run to the only way into the hotel.

Parking was easy in the self-parking garage ($22 per self, $24 per valet) and after walking a short distance via a small underground shopping arcade...entered the lobby and reception area.

Lobby looks to be recently redecorated. Very nice. I was greeted with a smile and my upgrade was confirmed. Front Desk staff was very friendly and efficient. Parking Pass (unlimited in-and-out) was issued along with keys. Was also informed of complimentary Club Lounge access on the 23rd floor and the hours of breakfast, appetizers & cocktails, and even a late night dessert offering.

My Suite was on the 19th floor. It appears most of the standard suites are basically 1¾ rooms...an adjoining door thing from a living room area to the bedroom. It's not quite the size of 2 rooms as they use the area behind the elevators as the bedroom area (2 standard suites per floor), and so you lose a bit of that real estate. The bathroom is in the Living Room area side.

Wired and wireless Wayport ($12.95 3pm to 3pm) in the rooms. Local phone charge of $1.00 unlimited time with no extra charge for minutes over 60 or anything.

It looked like much had been recently refurbished, but you could tell there were still a few elements that were from the old Hyatt days. Sweet Sleeper bed and all. Very nice little suite overall. The air/heat system is really funky however. Just a slide switch from cold to hot, and an on/off switch. It's temp setting didn't appear to do anything though. It seems like one of those old setups where the hotel controls the temp. Blew cold during the day and warmed up at night. No complaints as the temps were just the way we liked them, but for some this might be a problem. The bathroom was a long narrow thing with a small sink area. Not the best part of the room and obviously an old design element. But it was nicely appointed and the fixtures were new.

The Club Lounge had a real nice and extensive selection of booze (honor bar) and a limited selection of cold appetizers and one hot item that changed nightly. Breakfast as the usual stuff for a Club Lounge and they kept it clean an well stocked. Free bottled waters too.

By far the best feature of the hotel was the staff. I've rarely encountered staff throughout an entire property that was so friendly and helpful. From housekeeping to folks that just greeted you as you walked through the halls or lobby, to the Bell Desk to the Front Desk. The Front Desk staff was particularly friendly and helpful. Never a sour puss or a "no." Very "can-do" in my experience. They even were happy to send faxes for me no-charge from the Front Desk, as the Business Center wasn't refurbed and "We're not too proud of it yet." That was honest and refreshing. The Club Lounge staff was very good too. Really, it was something I wasn't expecting from this hotel. I was expecting just your standard Sheraton standard. Whoever is training and running the staff here is doing a great above Sheraton standard job, IMHO. Kudos to them! :)

Room Service was prompt and the presentation and food quality was very good. The hotel sits smack in Macy's Plaza, with a small mall and underground shopping arcade, so there's plenty of other real close in dining options as well.

Here's some photos of our Suite:

http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/sherdowntownLA1907.jpg

Platinum Amenity points and stay credits posted correctly one day after checkout.

Physically slightly above average in the public spaces, average in the room, and way above average in the personnel department, is how I would describe it. A good stay. I'd go back.

I must agree with PremEx, a very nice property and excellent servcie indeed. I was upgraded to the suite, but took a corner room instead because I dislike the elevator noise, which can be heard in the bedroom of the suite when everything is quiet(may not bother everyone, though).

Lounge was closed during my visit on 1-16-07, but was given coupons for full buffet breakfast downstairs.

My all day parking pass didn't work a couple of times, so I had to return to the front desk for a new one.

Like PremEx, I would return here again!

I was upgraded to the suite, but took a corner room instead because I dislike the elevator noise, which can be heard in the bedroom of the suite when everything is quiet(may not bother everyone, though).

I always request a room away from elevators and ice machines because I'm a light sleeper. And we were very concerned about the potential elevator noise when we arrived to our Suite on the 19th floor. But we never heard a peep! Must have been very good sound insulation in our Suite. We actually discussed at the time how amazing it was we never heard anything from the shaft. :)

I stayed here in March and agree it is a nice property. I did the Westin Bonaventure - Sheraton stay where I spent the first nights at the Westin and the last at the Sheraton – I met a colleague at the Sheraton where he was staying. I liked the lounge a lot - great staff. Upon chekin there were 15 people in line. I asked the lady checking people in if I had to wait in the line as I am Plat. One person in line (lobby lice) bellowed out that I needed to get to the back of the line. The desk agent asked the manager to come up and she did with my room keys in hand. Nice that they took care of me! Got end corner room on SPG Floor.

Any updates at this property? Are all the beds sweet sleepers? Club? Suite upgrades for Plat? Nice bar or restaurant?

I need to decide between this hotel and the Holiday Inn - Convention Center. I'm plat with both Starwood and HI and the HI has the better location, but I would take the Sheraton if there is a good chance of an upgrade and a nice bar or club.

Any updates at this property? Are all the beds sweet sleepers? Club? Suite upgrades for Plat? Nice bar or restaurant?

I need to decide between this hotel and the Holiday Inn - Convention Center. I'm plat with both Starwood and HI and the HI has the better location, but I would take the Sheraton if there is a good chance of an upgrade and a nice bar or club.

I stayed there in late February......and will say that I was quite satisfied with the property.

I was already upgraded to a club floor room the day before my arrival.

Evening offerings in the lounge were adequate......however, I didn't really get a chance to sample the breakfast offerings since my rate plan included the full buffet downstairs. However, I did stop in the lounge one morning to quickly pick up a cup of coffee and a danish 'to go'. ;)

FWIW, while their restaurant's breakfast buffet was good compared to those offered at other SPG hotels.........the one offered at the Bonaventure is still much better. ;)

The hotel is very close to the Metro Station....which makes it very easy to reach Union Station in order to take the FlyAway bus to LAX........as opposed to taking SuperShuttle or other mode of transportation.

The only problem that I experienced was with the keycards.....

One of the cards wouldn't work to open the room door......which required a complete new set to be issued at the front desk.

Also.....none of them (old or new set) would work in one of the elevators (the one at the far left) in order to access the club level......which meant that I had to 'transfer' to another elevator at a higher floor as well as avoid using that elevator for the remainder of my stay.

Bottom line.....while I have previously always stayed at the Bonaventure whenever in downtown LA, I would definitely consider staying at the Sheraton again.....especially if there was a major difference in the nightly rate.

A.J.

I stayed at Sheraton 2 days ago. Upgraded to club level the day before. Room was just fine, I am pretty sure it was Sweet Sleeper, but I didn't particularly notice. No time to visit club lounge (my usual - in after 10, out before 8). Parking was less expensive than Bonaventure (which just went up to $35 - an unfortunate change in my opinion).

Stayed here one night last week(2nd stay-first as Plt.)was offered panormic room on CL or suite on 16-took the panoramic as the suites are built around the elevator.
Big problems this stay.No Heat!(engeineering sent up a portable heater)and the wayport wireless was not working.
Also-could not get an"outside"wireless connection-do Sheraton hotels "blanket"so that you are forced to use their wireless?

The restaurant has pretty good pasta lunch. It's like buffet, you can pick your favorite indegrient and the chef will cook your dish infront of you.

and the wayport wireless was not working.
Also-could not get an"outside"wireless connection-do Sheraton hotels "blanket"so that you are forced to use their wireless?

I forgot to mention that Wayport shut off my internet at this hotel because they said I was using file sharing applications and that people use those for illegal activities. What incredible nonsense! And they would not even refund my money! To Sheratons credit I they took it off my bill, but I will never stay at a Wayport served hotel again. :td:

My SO, who doesn't have any status, stayed here one night here for business a couple weeks ago. She experienced a couple of minor issues during her stay, and complained about them in an online survey that she received afterwards. GM personally responded with an apology and offered a generous number of courtesy starpoints ^. I was especially impressed because I often fill out the follow-up surveys from stays at other properties but have never received any response whatsoever.

Stayed last night and got Club Floor--nice enough snacks, great service all around--no suite upgrade--very easy freeway access.

I have been staying at the Bonaventure of late but might switch to the Sheraton even though I get suites at the Bonny. The parking at the Sheraton is about $15 lower.

I've logged two stays at the Downtown LA Sheraton in the last two weeks; both of them exceeded my expectations in most respects. Both stays were upgraded to a suite, though not on the Club floor. Both rooms were quite nice, although next to the elevators (what was someone thinking designing the best rooms this way?) Noise wasn't really an issue either time, as I got in late and was dead tired, and slept soundly. I *did* hear some elevator noise in the am, so I'm leaving this aspect unresolved.

Decent water pressure, nicely maintained rooms. A drink at the bar was enjoyable, but pretty much solitary both nights. It's not a busy place. Morning car service was exemplary, once they told me to push the "push to talk" button to get out of the garage.

Breakfast in the lounge was, on both occasions, set up late. The first time, it was only available a few minutes late, but the second time, they didn't get around to brining in any real "breakfast" until nearer to 7:00 am. (I needed to use the internet and read the paper while waiting. No large demerits, as I didn't arrive until 6:45, but I'll watch this for improvement.)

The bedding was entirely wonderful, and TV reception was good. The halls were quiet. I'll be back, as long as they don't send the rates skyward.

Stayed there three times to max the recent promo. Two times the check in process was fine but once it was PITA. I was told that my suite was not ready. It was around 2PM. I decided to go through my emails and mail and went back to the front desk at 4PM.

Suddenly my suite had changed to a regular room and even then it wasn't ready. I spoke with the manager on duty who was not helpful - rather he was downright rude.

At that point I placed a call to the Platinum Concierge who spoke to the FD and suddenly they found me a suite.

The suites are next to the elevators. Overall I am not impressed with this property.

The only good thing is that Spirit of Australia crews are staying at this property. ;)

Just recently spent one evening at the Sheraton Downtown on Hope Street. This property desperately needs some attention. Upon having our car valet parked ($28/night) we had to carry our suitcases down a stairway to the lobby below as none of the elevators would travel from the street entry to the lobby level, and the down escalator was not working. We were not put on one of the 3 SPG floors - but did snag a standard suite on the 17th floor. Everything in the room (and hallways) were quite worn and in need of refurbishment. The key cards needed to access the elevators to the lounge floor rarely worked. All in all an adequate property - but needs an uplift NOW!

Stayed at this property for one night, in a suite on a SPG floor (not the top, club floor- actually right below it). Was told at checkin that they have me in a suite on our SPG floor, with club access without having to ask, which is nice. This Sheraton is in a strange location, with a Macy's, some random stores (bought books at the Borders express), and a Bally's which serves as the fitness center. You actually go THROUGH Macy's to get from the garage to the hotel, and have to walk through the mall food court and some shops to get to the hotel. My rate included parking, and the drive up to the lot goes through some headache/dizziness inspiring loops. I wanted to try to count how many degrees of loops it entailed, but got too sick before doing so, suffice it to say that it's a LOT. The lot is shared with the shoppers.

The hotel itself is alright, club lounge is CLOSED on the weekends even though it says open 24 hours. Snacks at evening time were standard, one hot item. Had a TV and computer, etc. They give you a voucher for breakfast on the weekends for the restaurant, but only for the cold side of the buffet. If you want the hot side (eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, pancakes, french toast, oatmeal), you add 3.30. Kind of strange... especially seeing how the cold side had very few items (a fruit bowl that wasn't there when we arrived so we just initially saw yogurt and breads/pastries). Was able to print a BP at the lobby LINK computers. That's about it, I think...

Took advantage of the stay 2 and get 1 Free Weekend promo, and stayed here on Saturday night. Was assigned a deluxe king room, however when requested I was offered the junior suite. I was told that it would be loud (elevator noice, and was recommend to take a quiet club king room, which I did accept. When I got to my room, I felt vibrations coming from the main duct of airconditioning unit, which kept me up most of the night (can't change room since Mrs Sink was asleep). So, for those light sleepers don't get anywhere near 2403 or 2303.