Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn

Opened in 1980 and in the heart of historic Chinatown, Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn is tricked out with decidedly kitschy Chinese decor. Picture ornate lanterns, bright red walls and columns, gold dragons sitting, and even a waterfall along the wall. In typical L.A. fashion, the rooms open onto a small, enclosed courtyard, which is a sweet -- if a little grungy -- village unto itself, housing a pharmacy, travel agency, massage parlor, gift shop, notary, and a 7-11-type cafe. These are mostly frequented by area locals. Although the dining area is clean and the breakfast offerings robust -- gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as cappuccinos from a machine -- it's a dark space, with brown tiled floors and only a few tables situated near a window. Otherwise, this is mostly a home base for travelers coming and going to other spots in the region. Guests include European and Chinese tourists, Amtrak travelers, senior citizens, and Angelinos looking for a place to crash during games at nearby Dodgers Stadium 

The Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn is located in Chinatown, a 15-minute walk from Union Station. While the entrance is on a busy thoroughfare, the rooms are not exposed to noise. By L.A. standards, the area is relatively walkable. Between N. Broadway and N. Hill is a pedestrian-only outdoor mall that's home to Chinese restaurants, gift shops, a wishing well, and scenic red lanterns strewn about. In fact, there are 90 restaurants of various price points within a mile, but the neighborhood has an unequivocally un-touristy vibe. Dodgers Stadium and Little Tokyo are a five-minute drive away, and the Staples Center takes 10 minutes to reach by car. Budget 20 minutes for a drive to Hollywood. Easy access to the Metrolink and Amtrak -- both at Union Station -- make it painless to get to the beach in Santa Monica, or even to San Diego. Depending on traffic, the drive to LAX or Bob Hope Airports can take between 35 and 60 minutes.

Rooms are clean, simple, and well equipped. Almost entirely bedecked in brown, the only nods to the Chinatown aesthetic -- so present elsewhere in the hotel -- are vaguely Asian throws over the beds and a few pieces of Chinese-inspired art. All rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, air-conditioning, Wolfgang Puck coffee, and flat-screen TVs with over 400 channels. Guests can request microwaves for free. Some of the rooms did smell a bit musty during our visit in the fall of 2017. The bathrooms are pleasantly modern, as they were overhauled in 2017, and include rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries. Sinks are separated from showers and toilets, making it easier for two or more people to get ready at the same time. Cribs are free. While some rooms might be billed as having views of Dodgers Stadium, they're not particularly clear -- in most cases, various concrete eyesores are present in the foreground. Guests traveling in groups can choose conjoining rooms, and configurations in all rooms include one king bed or two queens.

Because it surrounds a courtyard full of businesses, the hotel feels like a village unto itself, and guests only have to walk a few feet to see a pharmacist or get a massage. The cafe (which is really more of a 7-11) makes homemade pizzas and sandwiches, and sells lottery tickets, cigarettes, and bubble tea. The gym doubles as a martial arts studio, so guests can join classes for free. Yoga-to-go kits are also free, for the shy who would rather practice downward dog in the privacy of their own room. Bottles of water are free, but the gym itself is a bit stuffy. The free breakfast is hearty, with gluten-free, vegetarian options, and hot and cold fare. There is a 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi, and the hotel even offers laundry and dry cleaning services for a fee. Many areas of the hotel are ADA compliant, which is helpful for mobility-challenged travelers. Keep in mind that there are fees for parking.