Hi all

I'm currently in the middle of a 4 night stay at this property. Checked in Monday for business and figured I'd give a report on things.

There are still some renovations ongoing but for the most part, they are close to being finished. The "Marriott" sign on top of the building went up on Tuesday. The lobby, guest rooms and halls, club lounge and restaurant are all complete. There is some work going on near the elevators and on one of the elevators but from what I can see, it is pretty close.

Valet parking is the only parking option - no self parking. I believe it is $30 per night.

Rooms - I'm a platinum and got a standard room with no view really to speak of (so no upgrade). The room isn't bad but it is different than most FS Marriotts. Hard to explain but it has more of a Vegas style hotel feel to it than it does a FS Marriott hotel. For example, there is no desk or workspace in the room. Near the window, there is a large couch and a small circular table. So if you are planning to be using the hotel to work at night in your room, make other arrangements. Bathroom is OK - nice big shower but the rest of it is nothing special.

Lounge - For breakfast is has been the standard. Cereals, oatmeal, three hot dishes (eggs, meats, potatoes), bagels, muffins etc. The evening appetizers and deserts have been sub par. There hasn't been much out in terms of food. There are a few bowls of candy (M&Ms, Gummy Bears, Chocolate Pretzels) and a tray of cookies and fruit out at all times. The first night there were hot veggies and crackers but I have not seen anything else. I will go back tonight around 6 to see if anything is different. Last night around 7:30 I went in and no food outside that mentioned above was out. One thing is that there does not appear to be coffee or tea after breakfast. One guest asked the lounge attendant and he said "We don't have coffee or tea out after 12 noon". The one plus was when I checked in Monday the front desk clerk mentioned free drinks in the lounge. I did see many people drinking and there were no charge slips anywhere so this seemed to be the case. I'm sure this will change soon.

Location wise the hotel is directly across from the RI. It is a 10 minute or so walk up Beverly Drive to get to the restaurants and the start of Rodeo Drive. I am working in Century City so the location is key for me. A lot of the staff are former Crowne Plaza staff so I'm guessing they are catching up on the Marriott way of things.

I'm here another night so if anyone has any questions I can try and track them down.