had a stay two years ago, didn't post a review but remembered the helpful front desk and the nice lobby, and booked a stay this week.

both good things are still as recalled, but i'd forgotten how incredibly loud the rooms are. each room has a little balcony with sliding glass door (to better look out at the freeway on both sides of the hotel). unfortunately, the doors are not at ALL insulated, and you can hear the traffic loudly enough that you'll wonder, as we did, whether the window is in fact open. it's not. now i remember complaining about this to the front desk two years ago. it's pretty bad, and apparently not something they intend to change. i thought last time it was just that particular--upgraded--room, but we got a 'regular' room this time and it was just as loud.

no upgrade available, said they were booked. upgrades here aren't to suites anyway, just to larger, somewhat nicer rooms. they did give a tasty welcome gift (in addition to asking at check-in if i wanted the 500 points as my platinum amenity^) of a plate of cookies, which was lovely. there was an additional issue with the 'do not disturb' sign being ignored, and some fairly clueless housekeepers, and we won't be back.

bottom line is the friendly front desk doesn't make up for the noise in the room. at least i can help someone else with this review--or, i'll help myself, when i'm headed this way again in another year or so.

edited to add--the friendly front desk might not make up for the noise in the room, but the 2000 points(!) they added to my account made up for the snafu with the housekeeper and a messed up pillow delivery. it's still not likely i'll stay here again, but they're clearly trying hard.