I’ve always wanted to really explore Los Angeles, but honestly, the city has always kind of intimidated me. So on our recent trip to California to celebrate our two year anniversary, we decided to spend part of our time in Malibu and part of our time in LA. Although they’re both in the same general vicinity, I wanted to get a real feel for downtown and it certainly lived up to my big city expectations.
I kind of liked the idea of it being a surprise with where we would be staying so I booked the hotel through Priceline’s Express Deal option. With this feature, you don’t get to see the name of the hotel you booked until after you purchase it, but you can filter your options through the star rating, amenities and the area the hotel is located in. From there, you get a list of nightly rates (not including taxes and parking) with a description of the hotels to choose from. Although their prices are generally pretty reasonable, for being Memorial Day weekend, I was able to snag the Westin Bonaventure at a really great low rate!
I’ve stayed at several Westin Hotels before, but this one was truly unique. The Westin Bonaventure is comprised of five glass towers right in the heart of downtown LA. Surrounded by skyscrapers, this hotel is easy to find right off of Figueroa Street. It is conveniently located off the freeway and allows you to easily get around the city. When you enter into the hotel from the valet parking garage, they have movie posters lining the walls of every movie the hotel has been in (too many to list). Parking runs about $49 a night which is typical for the area. Check in is at 3 pm and check out is at noon.
There is a pool deck on the 4th floor, overlooking the city. There is also a food court on this floor with a variety of quick bites if you need something on the go. They hotel is also home to Bonaventure Brewing Co., the only DTLA brewing company (also on the 4th floor). They do have a Starbucks inside the hotel on the Lobby level (please note – they do not take Starbucks cards or issue rewards) which was really convenient since Starbucks is practically my second home. There is a bar and a restaurant (Lakeview Bistro) on the Lobby level as well. They also have a rotating cocktail lounge on the 34th floor (the BonaVista Lounge) which we unfortunately did not get a chance to check out, but I would definitely add it to your to do list if you plan to stay at the hotel or even if you’re just in the area. The 35th floor boasts LA Prime, an elegant steak and seafood restaurant.
We stayed on the 28th floor in a King Bed Grand View room which was absolutely amazing! The views at night (and even during the day) from our room were spectacular. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you the most incredible panoramic views of the downtown scene. Some rooms even have a view of the Hollywood sign!
They offer WiFi throughout the hotel and also provide you with a coffee maker and your own Starbucks brand coffee in your room. There is also a safe, flat screen tv and mini fridge as well as a desk which is convenient if you’re traveling for business. Room service is available and they are also pet-friendly if you need/want to bring your four-legged companion along!
The bathroom was massive and very clean and modern. They supplied any necessary amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, hairdryer towels, robe, etc.) and the rain shower head was to die for – so relaxing (now I just need to get one at home)!
Westin strongly encourages all-around wellness, from the way you sleep to the way you eat and feel which is a feature I really liked. They have the comfiest beds designed to ensure a good night’s sleep. They also have a spa onsite, but you can opt for in-room spa services as well which is really convenient. They even have a program to loan you fitness gear while you stay with them so that you can pack lighter without missing a workout – no excuses here! They have a 24/7 fitness center available to you onsite or you can always take your workout outside and do some exploring. You can check out all of the Westin Wellness amenities here!
One thing that really stuck out to me most about the hotel was the friendliness of the staff. From check-in to check-out, every staff member we came across was very accommodating and polite. The valet attendants were quick to help us unload and get us in and out of the parking garage in a very reasonable amount of time. The front desk attendant was really pleasant and helped us find our way around the hotel. We even slept in our second day here and missed housekeeping, but we stopped by the concierge desk on our way out for the day and they made sure our room was cleaned before we returned. They also were so kind to deliver champagne, a fruit platter and a card to our room for our anniversary which was incredibly thoughtful. Overall, we really loved our stay at the Westin Bonaventure and would absolutely stay here again!
Be sure to check out my LA travel guide full of recommendations on places to stay, where to eat and what to do in Los Angeles!
XOXO,
Ashley
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