Hotel Angeleno

It’s clear why this upper-middle-range hotel’s slogan is “We’re not square.” The Hotel Angeleno is a circular 1970s-built property with half-circle balconies and windows that wrap around the 17th floor. This location, which primarily appeals to business travelers or guests visiting UCLA, is beside the 405 Freeway, with traffic continually going past the hotel. California palms line the driveway at the hotel’s entrance, where there’s a valet parking stand -- a free service for guests. The daily wine and cocktail hour is another nice, free perk. Red sofas and wooden wall panels in the lobby lounge create a modern and inviting setting. Renovations to the corridors, top two floors, and meeting rooms were completed in early 2015. 

Traffic is constant in this busy West Los Angeles location that overlooks the congested 405 Freeway. This isn’t the best location as far as walkability since there’s not much to see or do in walking distance. However, a free hotel shuttle takes guests within a three-mile radius of the hotel, including to the J. Paul Getty Museum, with free admission, and UCLA, which is one mile away. Two miles from the hotel are bars, shops, and eateries on Westwood’s main strip, Westwood Boulevard. Within five miles is high-end shopping in Beverly Hills and Century City’s nightlife. The famous Sunset Strip, with nightclubs and comedy clubs, is 30 minutes away by car. The Third Street Promenade and beach in Santa Monica is a 15-minute drive away. It’s about 10 miles to the Los Angeles International Airport.

Rooms have a simple and modern look with wooden furniture and brown interior furnishings -- upholstered headboards, bed skirts, and carpeting. Small, unfurnished balconies have views of the city or freeway. Most rooms have 37-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, irons/ironing boards, mini-fridges, and safes. Neutral striped wallpaper decorates bathrooms, which have bathrobes, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Deluxe rooms are available with single kings or two double beds. View King Rooms are on the 11th and 12th floors and Executive King Rooms are on the 14th floor and up. Executive King Suites, also on the higher floors, have sofa beds in living rooms, with 42-inch TVs, and dining areas. 

The circular design of this building provides great views of the city, especially from the top-floor West restaurant and bar that serves California wines and cuisine in a modern and stylish space. In the lobby is a coffee shop with snacks, candy, and chilled drinks. A poolside snack shop allows guests to order cocktails and light meals. Orange cushioned lounge furniture and potted palms are placed around the outdoor pool, where there’s a comfortable furnished terrace with a fireplace that can be rented for private functions.Remodeled in 2015, five meeting rooms fit up to 350 people and offer large windows with city views; some also have balconies. A business center has a printer, ATM, and Apple computer. Overlooking the pool, the fitness center is equipped with modern cardio and weight machines, flat-screen TVs, healthy snacks, and cold water. Valet parking is provided at no additional charge at the hotel’s entrance.