Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

This Best Western is furnished in a tasteful Mediterranean style. The lobby is small, but a welcoming fireplace, gilded furniture, and faux patina on the walls give it character. Outside, the garden courtyard swimming pool was lovingly decorated with loads of plants and blooming flowers. West Hollywood's busy scene keeps traffic coming day and night inside and outside the hotel, especially on the weekends. Despite this, and the famous bars and eateries right outside the hotel's front door, the atmosphere is relatively relaxed and popular with tourists, both families and couples. 

The hotel is located right on Sunset Boulevard directly on the famous Sunset Strip, long been known for its famed music clubs such as the House of Blues, the Roxy, Viper Room, and Whisky a Go Go. The neighborhood has become quite upscale, but it's still dotted with medical marijuana dispensaries and the occasional panhandler. Sunset Plaza, a walkable half-mile stretch of designer boutiques like Roberto Cavalli and Catherine Maladrino and upscale restaurants like BLT Steak, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It's a 20-minute drive to Universal Studios and Rodeo Drive. Expect about 30 minutes to Santa Monica and the beach. Los Angeles International Airport is a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic (always the case when driving almost anywhere in Los Angeles).

The contemporary, Mediterranean decor here isn't quite as impressive as what is found in the common spaces, but rooms are still large and clean with a classic neutral color scheme. The look is a bit chain-like, to be sure, but then this is a chain hotel. The plush bedding, cushioned headboards (either buttoned or studded), and big flat-screen TVs with HBO are all upsides. Microwaves, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges come standard, and there are also kitchenettes and full kitchens available in the larger suites. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and toiletries. Some traffic noise in rooms facing Sunset Boulevard is to be expected. Rooms with pool access are available and very popular. 

All the brand standards are here including free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a free full breakfast with eggs, bacon, and sausage (it's popular, so the same meal is actually served in two rooms, one on the lobby level and one upstairs). The heated outdoor pool in a flowing courtyard is the clear highlight, and the padded lounge chairs are of a high quality. The small fitness center has several machines and is open 24-hours. There's also a 24-hour business center for printing boarding passes. There's a fee for secured parking, but it's likely worth it as street parking in this area is notoriously difficult, and the fee is much cheaper than valet at neighboring hotels.