04/22/09

Great Food - Cool Spot

by zacharywerner

I would consider myself a bit of a food snob. My girlfriend proclaims daily that I obsess over the quality of the meal, the service and over all atmosphere of a place - "this isn't your last meal!!" she reminds me.

But when I do find a spot that has all of the above, when all you have to do is relax, enjoy the company of your friends and have a great FN meal - I'm loving it!

RH is this spot! With it's exposed kitchen, HOT staff, fresh grub, sick desert and great drinks - I was in heaven!

Get a table near the kitchen, order some aged prosciutto as an appetizer, braised beef cheek or one of their fish dishes, along with a signature cocktail (Mr. Plant) - and you're on your way!

• Pros: Great cocktails!!
• Cons: Deciding what entre to have, there are so many good ones!

05/20/07

Wait until 2008; sorely needed renovation in progress

by ug5vab1k1tkppsfaxeadi0avo

This hotel is currently undergoing a sorely needed, major renovation. During my May 2007 stay, the room featured faded carpet, stained furniture, waterlogged nightstands, and a loose shower curtain rod that fell down twice -- once after asking the front desk to attend to it.

Wireless internet signal was annoyingly intermittent and I had to move my bed to find a place to plug in for power. The business center consisted of one computer and printer with no available USB port; after waiting for some other guests who were figuring out how to use it, I had to give up and find a Kinko's.

Construction jackhammer noise was very loud during the business day, and the pool is closed. The location is very convenient, with easy access to nearby areas like Hollywood, Burbank, Beverly Hills, and La Brea.

Day parking with an in/out pass is available, which saves some cost of tipping valets. The king bed was quite comfortable and staff were very courteous and responsive, always saying hello. I was especially pleased by the service received over breakfast in the restaurant (although the decor left something to be desired).

Due to the room's condition (substandard for a full-service Hyatt branded property), I'd recommend staying away until 2008, when the refurbishment is scheduled to be complete.

• Pros: location, staff, full service, views
• Cons: business traveler amenities, decor, construction noise, pool closed, value vs. price

03/07/07

Pleasantly Surprised on First Trip to So Cal

by heidiemanuel

I was apprehensive about staying here after reading some poor reviews. Don't let them scare you! The hotel was great, awesome desk staff, lobby, bar, PERFECT location. Yes, you can tell it is an older hotel that has been nicely updated and remodeled, not new construction. So what if the aluminum windows frames are 20 or 30 years old? Room was clean, large, and had contemporary furnishings. It's true that it's not Trump International in NYC (yes I HAVE stayed there) but it's also $200 night, not $1000. We had absolutely NO problem with noise or dirty/broken rooms/fixtures. If you are a music fan, you will appreciate the history and karma that this hotel has. Lobby and bar/restaurant are very funky and cool. Had an unexpected surprise when we first got to our room and looked out the window and saw the view of amazing houses in the hill right behind the hotel. A fan of contemporary architecture, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that one of my personal favorites, Pierre Koenig's famous Stahl House, is actually right up behind the hotel to the right. I didn't know that's where it was located until I looked out the window and saw it, and then MapQuested it just to verify! In response to one review I read that said there's no good coffee nearby, there's a Starbuck's just 2 doors down. There are also plenty of lounges and restaurants within walking distance for all palletes and budgets, ranging from McDonald's to the loud but fun and family-friendly Saddle House next door (where the servings are HUGE so split one with someone!) There's the House of Blues across the street, and A-List bars & restaurants across at the Standard and the Mondrian. There are music and comedy clubs within walking distance as well. Very conveniently located near Hollywood attractions to the east and Beverly Hills to the west. Would prefer to stay here in West Hollywood than Hollywood itself which is touristy and parts are quite scummy. Will definitely plan to stay at "Riot Hyatt" again!

• Pros: LOCATION, views, "hip"ness, history
• Cons: pricey rate if you don't shop around or buy as part of package, $18 day parking