If so, what was your experience? I will be in Downtown L.A. for buisness next week and am thinking of staying there. What do you think? Also, what catagory of room do you reccomend there?

Thanks!
Laura

I haven't stayed there because I live in L.A., but the Standard is considered very hip. But where exactly in downtown L.A. are you going for business? The Standard is a little bit away from most of the largest office buildings.

Jean is right about the location. If you have meetings in the Bunker Hill highrise area, I think the Omni has the best location. It's also convenient to some nice restaurants, Disney Concert Hall, & MOCA. The on-site Grand Cafe isn't bad for dining, either.

I also like Checker's.

Jean is right. The Standard is more hip, but definitely not as nice as say the Bonaventure or the Omni or the Biltmore or the Wilshire Grand. If you can stay at one of those, you're better off.

Unfortunately I cannot comment on The Standard (have only paid a visit to the bar at their West Hollywood location and found that pretty charming).
However, as alternatives were brought up here, I was pretty unimpressed with the Westin Bonaventure. Looked to me as if it once was great, but that its glory had faded. My impression dates back to last year and unless they have undergone extensive renovations and have vacated their labyrinth-like lobby from those depressing fast food chain outlets, I would not consider this as an alternative to The Standard Downtown.

Thanks for the advice. My work is in the office building attached to the Wilshire Grand which I understand is not too far away. (The Wilshire was booked.) I think I'm going to give the Standard a try-- I'll report back on how it is.

It's a fine place to stay and the bar is superb. My husband works downtown and they do Fri. happy hour there about once a month.

the standard is crazy! stayed at the west hollywood location 5 years ago. it must have really started off the boutique hotel trend of late...i remember the price was lower than expected, and the atmosphere is ultra hip. they have shag carpeting on the ceiling in the lobby, bean bag chairs in the rooms, etc...there was a great view from the pool. but it's fun to sit and check out the scene.

So, i just got back for The Standard in downtown L.A. and here is my assesment: great place to stay if you want a fun, hip, vibrant experience. The bar, rooftop pool and restaurant are a lot of fun. The rooms are interesting.

However, if you are into creature comforts or are a buisness traveler it may not be the best choice for you. I stayed in the "huge" catagory of room which was a nice size with a great large bath tub. However, it lacked a lot: tissues in the bathroom (or anywhere), a clock that you could read from bed, reliable internet service, a trash can in the bathroom, etc. Service wasn't fantsatic either. The restaurant staff was great, but the front desk staff left a lot to be desired (like smiles).

Also, as a woman traveling alone I did not feel completely secure. There seemed to be lots of people coming and going into the buidling and little security.

Bottom line: i would stay there again if I was going to L.A. for fun (and for some reason wanted to stay downtown) with a friend or my husband, but i probably would not stay there by myself again.

If you're traveling alone again, I would stay at the Omni, it will feel like the safest of the locations. Thanks for the report back.