CheapElite,

Excellent review. It's my second most avoided US property only beaten out by Sheraton Manhattan. Starwood really lags in LA behind other hotel chains. The W in Westwood is decent but priced out of most corporate levels.

If I have to stay downtown I generally pick the Sheraton over the Westin and non-Starwood over either. Otherwise I deal with a drive to get to a downtown meeting and stay on the west-side or even at the airport.