Westin Bonaventure: Los Angeles Hotel Review

The Westin Bonaventure is a three-star-plus highrise hotel located in downtown Los Angeles, at 404 S. Figueroa Street. Built in the mid-1970s, the Westin Bonaventure mixes its vintage charm with modern conveniences, with Starbucks, in-room wi-fi, and of course, those signature elevators that hug the building's exterior and take guests on a thrill ride on the way to their rooms.

The exterior and interior architecture of this historic 35-floor Los Angeles hotel are downright impressive; and at times, baffling. Guests may find themselves at a temporary loss, searching for a sense of direction within the independent guest towers, or while milling around the third and fourth floor plazas, which include winding indoor walking/jogging paths. However, what little frustration may be encountered in trying to get around the Westin Bonaventure will seem well worth it when guests realize the stunning array of options available without ever leaving the hotel.

Numerous restaurants, shopping, the spa, salon, outdoor pool and spacious outdoor area, and readily available internet access make it entirely possible to meet all your needs on property during short visits. When you do want or need to leave the hotel, ground transportation can be easily arranged, and the concierge can help you plan activities. Keep reading for a review based on a stay in September 2011. The purpose for my visit was unannounced, and no special treatment resulted from my reviewing the property.

Westin Bonaventure: Los Angeles Hotel Review

When I arrived at the Westin Bonaventure, check in was fast and friendly; on the day of check out, that process went smoothly as well. All staff I encountered during my two night, three day stay were helpful and had great attitudes. When I requested a late check out, a member of the front desk staff was happy to accommodate me. Another staff member, Ricardo, helped me out with complimentary in-room internet on my last day, as I only needed to use it for an hour or two before leaving for the airport, and wanted to avoid the hotel's $12.95 daily internet charge.

If I have a few complaints regarding my stay, they would have to do with the room itself. The rooms at the Westin Bonaventure aren't large, but they are comfortably appointed and have stunning views of downtown Los Angeles via floor-to-ceiling windows. However, my room wasn't the cleanest I've ever stayed in, and it was right by the ever-dinging elevators for my tower. There were smudges on the bathroom mirror, a few bits of trash left under the bed and discoloration on the bathroom vanity. The sink also seemed to have a film of soap scum built up that turned the water too cloudy to even see through when I filled the basin.

There was also no shower cap provided in the bathroom. Westin Bonaventure guests do have a desk, TV, robe, hairdryer, mini-fridge, in-room safe, a couple of complimentary water bottles and luggage racks to use during their stay, as well as plenty of pillows of varying density.

Westin Bonaventure: Dining & Food Review

Food at the Westin Bonaventure is varied. I ordered nachos at the bar one evening, and brought them up to my room. The next day, I simply grabbed a yogurt and apple from the same bar. I should note the yogurt I was given was past the sell by date, but the date was within the week following the sell-by date (which is still safe to eat).

The morning I checked out, however, I ordered room service so as to be able to review this aspect of the Westin Bonaventure hotel. I kept it simple with the American Breakfast, which includes two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, toast, juice, quartered potatoes with Parmesan cheese and coffee. The initial cost of the American Breakfast is $17, but by the time tax, tip and extra room delivery charges are added up, you're looking at around $30 for about $5 worth of food. In general, room service should be a last resort or a very special treat, not an every-day experience.

In terms of the actual meal, the American Breakfast was about a 7 out of 10. The bacon wasn't crisp, the potatoes were undercooked and a bit bland, and the eggs were a bit greasy. For what I paid, everything should have been a perfect 10. This was a bit disappointing, however, the room service staff was wonderful, and the table set-up was perfectly adequate.

The pool, which is open to registered guests from 6a-10p, is heated in the evening, but not during the day. The pool and sun deck never got crowded, or had more than a few people in the area at a given time. I did not use the spa, but did have my hair styled by one of the hotel's salon stylists. I very satisfied with the result, and the in-room service was an extra-nice touch. (At roughly $100, it didn't come cheap, either.)

Westin Bonaventure: Overall Impression

I would stay at the Westin again, and recommend it to friends. Though the property has its quirks, and most of the food is incredibly over-priced, this is true of many Los Angeles hotels. The long list of TV shows and movies the Westin Bonaventure hotel has been featured in ("In The Line Of Fire", "True Lies", "Nick Of Time", "CSI" and many more) is reason enough to come check it out. Make no mistake, this is no four-star property or luxury resort. However, it more than suits business travelers, families, couples and even your smallest, furriest travel companions (restrictions apply).

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Source:
Stayed at property 9/17-19, 2011