I think the problem with the hotel is more of the location of the city it is in!
It is NOT Beverly Hills, where the Renaisance is more sophisticated.
The biggest problem is trying to combine a private hotel with a city developement.
The location can be very good. I lived there 40 years ago before Westwood was a location and few went West to the beachs other then in Summer for some sun.

Finally, a perfect opportunity for me to vent:
(Apologies about adding no value)

My wife and I stayed at this property shortly after it opened and were using a "Bonus MR" points post-card which we had received. Back then, this hotel was new, nice, and very clean. We even paid extra to get a more “executive” room which overlooked the Magic Castle. At that point, I would've gladly stayed there again and again. (And recommended it to traveling colleagues).

But, two things occurred once check-out started that rapidly changed my mind:
1) To this day those bonus points have not posted despite repeated calls to the Marriott line, and to the property itself.
2) Within an hour of check-out, and no farther on the freeway than maybe Pasadena, I turned around and returned to try to get a shirt I had forgotten on a hanger in the closet. It was gone. The room was still not serviced, but the shirt was gone. Didn’t help that the room cleaning people in the hallway suspiciously watched as a serviceman accompanied me back to the room with a key to look for it. Housekeeping, Lost & Found, or whatever they termed the internal "group" who oversaw this type of thing didn’t have it, never received it as turned in, and/or never called to tell us it had been “found.”

*sigh*

I enjoyed my January '03 stay at the Renaissance Hollywood for a work conference. Fortunately I did not have to deal with the 'difficult' parking garage, but I found the rooms to be modern, well-decorated and comfortable. The conference center and food was great - much better than I am used to, even at other Marriott properties.

Sure, it's not Beverly Hills, but for visitors to LA who want to be near "Hollywood", I think it's a great choice.

Any updates on this property? The location can be quite convenient, except for the parking situation.

I'll be staying there tomorrow and will provide a brief update over the weekend. I called ahead to check availability of upgrades and was able to confirm a "king executive suite." I'm now 2 for 2 on suite upgrades when calling ahead, let's hope my luck continues.

I was back there for 2 days last month (couldn't get any other properties at a reasonable price) and found no signifcant change, except that the Internet service seemed slightly more reliable.

[This message has been edited by FormerLurker (edited Mar 25, 2004).]

Re: Renaissance Hollywood rapidly deteriorating
 

The executive suite is probably 50% larger than a regular room but I wouldn't consider it as a suite because it doesn't have separate living/sleeping areas. The room was nicely decorated with a sofa bed and a large bath/sitting area with a view of the Hollywood sign. I didn't use the internet service or the lounge. My only experience with housekeeping was the turndown service which was fine. Parking was no problem as I paid $22 for valet parking. Overall it's a nice hotel at a good location. Now if they can just give me a real suite on my next stay....

My experience
 

We spent one night this past week at the Ren Hollywood. No problems to report. Did have to call housekeeping to make second request for rollaway. But not surprised as this is typical when making request at checkin for many hotels. No problems with room. Had a decent view of Hollywood hills.

Did not like the new servi-bar! I have two kids, one is six. Seeing all those goodies just lying there is asking for trouble. For those of you who haven't seen these...they have three parts. The bottom is a safe. The middle is a refrigerated servi-bar. The top is non-refrigerated snacks, just lying there in the open. The servi-bar has a sensor. If something is removed from the top, it waits 45 seconds and then, if not replaced, charges you for the item. Even though the bellman made a point of explaining this, it was still a worry point, wondering if my kid would grab the disposable camera just to see what would happen. If it wasn't for the sensor, I could have moved the stuff out of harm's way. Fortunately, I didn't have anything happen.

Based on this thread, I used valet parking instead of worrying about self-park. I like the hotel's location. We wanted to check out Hollywood on the way to main vacation in San Diego. This was ideal for that. The On Air with Ryan Seacrest show (http://ryanonair.com) is taped next door at noon. They shoot some crowd stuff outside and you can watch the show on big screen. Best spot is patio of CPK restaurant. Show is rebroadcast locally at 5. You can see front of hotel in background.

We liked the Hollywood and Highlands development. Saw Ted Turner get his Walk of Fame star down the street (Photos: http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/...hotos&ei=UTF-8). Decent restaurant and shopping options there. Easy walk to Graumann's Theater, El Capitan and Hollywood sights.

Hotel staff were friendly and efficient. Did not dine in hotel as other options like California Pizza Kitchen and Nestle Toll House bakery (yummmm!) were nearby. Highland development also has several of Wolfgang Puck's restaurants, too.

Interesting pool area. Pool is on fifth floor. It's actually above the CPK and where they tape show. It has a plexiglass wall on that side, you can watch TV show and mall activity from pool. Nice view east towards Capitol Records tower.

I just completed a very nice stay at this hotel. I was upgraded to an Executive King Suite (really a Jr Suite) that was very nice, complete with a view of the Hollywood Hills/Hollywood Sign. All of the staff were excellent. The Breakfast buffet (included on my rate) was a step or two above the normal Marriott buffet. ^

Best thing about this Hotel!
 

The choice of restraunts in the Kodak Center are the best thing going for this place. I look forward to the Daily Grill for Lunch or an early dinner, when I am in town.
Then there is Wofgang Puck's place for a change in Menu items.
Have yet to get past the first two for a try at Travestere Italian.
I tried the Shabu Japanese once, but will pass on it for the choices given above.

You are not too far away from all those Calif cuisine places on LaBrea, Melrose and Beverly Blvds

^ :D :cool:

Chris: Email address needed for Renaissance Hollywood
 

Can I get an email address for the front desk manager at the Renaissance Hollywood?


Thanks,
Greg

LAXGreg,

I do not actually have that information. However, I can give you the address and phone information for this location.

Hollywood Renaissance Hotel
1755 North Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Phone: 323-856-1200
Fax: 323-856-1205

Hope that will help you!

Greg,

Try this one [email protected]

THANKS to you both!

Hollywood renaissance question
 

Hi!

Im from London and travelling to LA on 4 nov to 8 Nov.

I am trying to book hollywood renaissance. I usally get a rate of $135 plus tax. I cant get this on these dates.... Does anyone have an idea of whats going on in LA that is making the price $279 plus tax or more??

Any other good marriott hotels in the area that i could try. I have stayed in Renaissance long beach, that was OK