Short Review

I had a very nice stay at this new hotel recently. But there are some issues.

The hotel is ready, but the Residences are still not finished. I'm not sure if that is why the hotel has no lobby, nor locker rooms for the rooftop pool and fitness center? But the 2nd floor Spa does have lockers and an excellent steam room. All complimentary for Ritz guests. All of the staff are gracious and try very hard to be helpful, but not all are very experienced.

Amex CTS did a FHR upgrade at time of booking to a Executive Club, then at check in we got upgraded another level or two to a Club Junior Suite. This was a very large room with a side office area that has an all glass bureau and another TV. The bathroom is very luxurious with his and hers sinks and a TV built into the mirror. The amenities are Bulgari and there was a Nespresso in the room.

The Club had some good points and bad points. It is very large and has great views. They had a high end telescope so you can do some peeping and the views on the 23rd floor are excellent. They have multiple services throughout the day and they have a nice selection of about 8 kinds of gourmet cookies and macaroons. The service is excellent and they do Concierge too.

However the food and drink selection was quite disappointing. At first I was a bit excited to see a magnum of 1988 Krug, but then realized it was just there for show. The wine selection was just awful and there was no Champagne. Just some cheap California sparkling wine. They were even serving Berringers White Zin!They have plenty of soft drinks, beer and if you want a cocktail, they go in the back and make it for you. I've been to several other Ritz Clubs and I have to say the food spread in LA isn't up to what you should expect.

We didn't eat at Wolfgang Puck's 24 and I gather it is very hard to get a reservation there. At check in there was a guy next to me trying to bribe the agent for a table on a Monday night! But he left disappointed.

This hotel is across the street from the Staples Center, the Nokia Theatre and LA Live, so you will definitely see sports fans here. One day its basketball fans, the next day hockey fans, the next day its the Grammies or Peoples Choice awards, etc. So it's a bit of a strange crowd, but super convenient if you are attending an event. Valet parking is $38. Wifi is free in the Club.