Escape to LA: Del Amo's Best-Kept Secret Hotel!
Escape to LA: Del Amo's "Best-Kept Secret"? More Like a Chaotic Paradise! (An Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm, slightly-stale coffee from the in-room coffee maker?) on the Del Amo "Best-Kept Secret" hotel in LA. Let me just preface this by saying… I wasn’t exactly expecting a five-star, red-carpet experience. But I wasn't expecting to feel like I'd wandered into a time warp, a spa, and a chaotic family reunion all rolled into one.
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- Meta Description: Honest and hilarious review of Escape to LA: Del Amo's "Best-Kept Secret" - from the accessibility to the spa, the food to the (sometimes) questionable décor. Is it a hidden gem or a hidden… something else? Find out!
Accessibility – Bless their Hearts! (Mostly)
Okay, let's start with the good. Wheelchair accessible? CHECK. They've got ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. The rooms themselves are pretty spacious too. (And trust me, I've stayed in places where maneuvering a toaster would be a challenge in the allocated space). Accessibility score: 7/10. The hallways felt a tad narrow in places, and the automatic doors sometimes gave out a dramatic whirr before opening… like they were judging me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Coma Incoming!
Where do I even start? This place is a culinary adventure. Restaurants? Plural! They've got a main dining room with Buffet, Asian Cuisine, Western Cuisine (the classics), and even a sneaky Vegetarian Restaurant tucked away somewhere. I’m not even exaggerating when I say, some of the buffet options were… interesting. I’ll leave it at that. The Breakfast Buffet was the real MVP though – scrambled eggs that actually looked like eggs, some questionable pastries, and Coffee/tea in restaurant to wash it all down. Thank goodness for the Coffee shop! And the Poolside bar was a little slice of heaven, perfect for a quick happy hour. And if you're feeling lazy (like I was, most of the time), they have room service [24-hour]. Which is pretty amazing when you're staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, thinking about what you ate in the buffet. So many options, so little willpower. Dining score: 8/10 (Mostly because of the sheer quantity)
Ways to Relax – Spa-tacular?
Spa! Yes! I’m all about that spa life, and, this hotel got a decent one. They had a Pool with a View, which was gorgeous, especially at sunset. Then the things I was really looking forward to: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath. The Spa/sauna combo was heaven. I spent a glorious hour just… existing. The massage? Well, I can't say quite how it compares to the massage at the Ritz, but, it was good! In short, a great oasis. Relaxation score: 9/10 (Mostly for the sheer escape).
Things to Do – Entertainment Overload!
Okay, this place isn't just about eating and relaxing. They have tons of events, or at least they say they do. Meetings, Seminars, the whole shebang. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Check. On-site event hosting? Check. The problem is, it felt like the event planners were perpetually on vacation. They did seem to have a Gift/souvenir shop, but it was perpetually closed. Some days there was a Band, other days, the silence was deafening. Things to do score: 6/10.
Rooms & Amenities – The Good, the Bad, and the Refrigerator That Refused to Chill
Okay, the rooms. Let's just say they have character. Air conditioning? Check. Non-smoking rooms? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Bless their hearts, check!!! Yes, I could live online, which is key. Daily housekeeping? More or less. They usually came in at some point, unless they didn't. My bathtub had a mysterious stain that defied explanation. The Refrigerator? More of a “mildly cool box." The mini bar was stocked. The bed was comfy, and had an extra long bed. Rooms sanitized before stays? I think so? Though sometimes I wondered. I do appreciate the Safe in room. The Bathroom phone was also a nice touch, even If I didn't use it. Room Score: 7/10 (Mostly because of the Wi-Fi and bed comfort)
Cleanliness and Safety – Did They Survive the Pandemic?
Alright, let's be honest. We're all a little obsessed with cleanliness these days. The hotel seemed to be making an effort. I saw evidence of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, etc. They make them available. There was the first aid kit. They were also making efforts to ensure they provide essential condiments because that’s important! Also, they offer Breakfast takeaway service which is super thoughtful! Cleanliness Score: 7/10.
Services and Conveniences – The "We Try" Award
Concierge? They're there! Currency exchange? Maybe? The Cash withdrawal option was clutch. Elevator? Yes, thank goodness. Luggage storage? You bet. Laundry service? They have it. Car park [free of charge]? Yes! The Airport transfer? They also have it. The front desk [24-hour]? Yup. It's never a bad thing. A little bit of everything, a whole lotta… effort. Services Score: 7/10.
For the Kids – Babysitting, Anyone?
I didn't travel with kids, but they advertised a Babysitting service and Kids meal. And the Family/child friendly claim? Well, let's just say it was an adventurous place for families. Loud, fun, and probably full of sugar-fueled children.
Getting Around – Parking Paradise (Sort Of)
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Woohoo! Car park [on-site]? Yup. Taxi service? Available. Getting around Score: 8/10 (For the free parking alone).
Final Verdict: A Gloriously Imperfect Getaway
Is the Del Amo “Best-Kept Secret"? Maybe. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But honestly, that's part of its charm. It's got heart, it's got chaos, and it's got enough amenities to keep you happily occupied for days. It's an experience. Honestly, if you are looking for the perfect, pristine luxurious hotel experience, look somewhere else. This place is a bit of a fixer-upper, but its full of character and charm. I'd go back. But next time, I'm bringing my own refrigerator.
Overall Score: 7.5/10 (Would recommend, with a healthy dose of realistic expectations)
Winnipeg's BEST Hotel Deal: Fairfield Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a journey, a pilgrimage, a trip through the heart of… well, Torrance, California. And, more specifically, a week spent nestled in the comforting, slightly generic arms of Extended Stay America. Here's the (highly improvisational) plan:
Week of May 6th, 2024: Extended Stay America, Torrance – A Narrative in Erratic Chapters
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a Laundry Room
- Afternoon (Roughly 3:00 PM): ARRIVAL. Airport (LAX, naturally – because everyone flies into LAX and then gets stuck in LA traffic – it's practically a national monument at this point). Uber/Lyft from the airport. Traffic was, predictably, a soul-crushing ballet of brake lights and existential sighs. Arrive at Extended Stay America – bright, sterile, and smelling faintly of cleaning products and despair. Check in. Pray the room doesn't face the freeway. (It does, ugh.)
- Pre-dinner (Around 6:00 PM): Unpack. Discover the “kitchen” (read: kitchenette) contains a fridge, a microwave, and enough counter space to prepare instant ramen. Panic sets in. Where am I going to get decent coffee? Where am I going to find anything that isn't prepackaged or deep-fried? The existential dread deepens. Begin to seriously consider just eating Taco Bell for every meal. It's a thought.
- Evening: Explore the immediate surroundings. Walk to the Del Amo Fashion Center. Get lost. Admire the sheer, overwhelming Americanness of it all. See a movie (most likely a forgettable superhero film – the only thing playing anymore it seems). Grab a sad, pre-made sandwich from the food court. Head back to the hotel room. The freeway noise is relentless. Curl up in bed, feel the strange, temporary sadness that comes with traveling alone, and stare at the ceiling.
- Bonus Round: Laundry Room Apocalypse: The hotel laundry room. Ominous. Dingy. Full of the echoing whir of dryers. Try to operate one of the washing machines. Fail miserably. Ask an elderly woman with a shopping cart full of… things… for help. She’s a saint. Successfully launder some clothes. The smell of detergent is oddly comforting.
Day 2: Cars, Coffee, and a Brush with Hollywood (Sort Of)
- Morning (8:00 AM – Ish): Struggle to brew passable coffee using the in-room coffee maker. Fail approximately 3 times before giving up, then walk to either Starbucks or a local coffee shop for the real stuff. Head straight for the cars. Torrance is a car-loving town. Visit a car museum, a car dealership. Wander around. Admire the shiny metal boxes that represent freedom and aspiration.
- Mid-Morning: Head to a nearby breakfast spot. The diner experience. Order pancakes, bacon, and a bottomless cup of coffee. Watch the local characters. People-watching is a universal human pastime, no matter where you are.
- Afternoon: Drive over to a beach, explore the coastline a bit. Consider going to Santa Monica, but the thought of the crowds makes me shudder.
- Evening: Consider seeing the Hollywood Sign. Get lost in the San Fernando Valley. Drive around looking for a good spot to take a photo of the Hollywood Sign. The search (and the traffic) ends up being more interesting than the Sign itself.
Day 3: Museums, Microbrews, and the Quiet Desperation of a Hotel Gym
- Morning: Venture forth, into the bright, chaotic sun of Los Angeles. Head to a museum. Maybe the Getty Center (if you're feeling fancy). Maybe the Petersen Automotive Museum (if the car thing is still interesting).
- Afternoon: Seek out a local microbrewery (Torrance has a few). Sample various IPAs, stouts, and whatever the hell else they're brewing these days. Judge them. Loudly. (Kidding. Mostly.)
- Evening: Attempt to use the hotel gym. Discover that the treadmills are either broken or in use. Resign myself to a few push-ups and sit-ups in the room. Feel slightly guilty about not working out. Eat your feelings (probably a burger). Feel guilty about eating your feelings. Spiral.
Day 4: Beach Combing and the Allure of the Dollar Store
- Morning: Head to the beach. Pack some snacks, listen to the ocean. Take a walk. Collect seashells. Feel the sand between your toes. Watch the surfers. Feel jealous of the surfers.
- Afternoon: Discover (and get irrationally excited about) the nearby Dollar Store. Wander the aisles in a haze of cheap plastic and forgotten dreams. Purchase things I don't need. Discover a new appreciation for the sheer, unadulterated stuff of American life.
- Evening: Consider ordering in. Think about walking to get food. End up wandering to a local restaurant instead.
Day 5: The Hollywood Walk of Fame (A Messy, Glorious Mess)
- ALL DAY: Dive headfirst into the Hollywood experience. Specifically. Go to Hollywood. Prepare for crowds. Prepare for disappointment. Prepare for the sheer, overwhelming weirdness of it all.
- Morning: Hollywood Walk of Fame. The stars. The people dressed as characters. The aggressive souvenir hawkers. The general feeling of being slightly ripped off. Embrace the chaos. Find a star. Take a picture. Get yelled at.
- Afternoon: TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's). Handprints. Footprints. More crowds. More tourists. More feeling overwhelmed. Go along with it. That's the spirit. Then, eat something or drink something that hits the spot.
- Evening: Find a bar. Have a drink. Try to figure out what the actual point of Hollywood is. Fail. Decide that's okay.
Day 6: The Quest for the Perfect Taco and a Moment of Zen
- Morning: Dedicated taco research. Start with Yelp. Read reviews. Drive around. Try as many different taco trucks/restaurants as possible. Declare a champion. (It will be a difficult decision.)
- Afternoon: Look for the most relaxing place possible, maybe try a park, or a temple.
- Evening: Pack up my things. Reflect on the trip. Contemplate the various things I did and didn't do. Wonder if I should have been doing something different, or something better.
Day 7: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Fabric Softener
- Morning: Wake up. Pack the rest of my stuff. Do a final sweep of the room. Try to leave the place cleaner than I found it. (Always a struggle.) Check out.
- Afternoon: To the airport (LAX, again). Traffic. More traffic. The final, lingering smell of fabric softener reminding you of the hotel room. Reflect on the entire, chaotic, imperfect, and utterly human experience.
- Departure: Board the plane…
This, my friends, is just a rough guideline. Expect detours. Expect spontaneous decisions. Expect moments of brilliance and abject failure. Expect it to be messy. Because that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The mess. The honesty. The utter, unadulterated… humanness.
Enjoy the ride! (And remember to bring your umbrella. It might rain.)
Champaign's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You Won't Believe This!)
So, Escape to LA... Is it *really* a secret? Because the internet knows everything.
Okay, okay, maybe "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration in the age of Instagram. But hear me out. It's the *kind* of place that doesn't scream for attention. It's not flashy. It's not vying for influencer love. It’s more like... you stumble upon it, and then you whisper about it to your best friend. It’s a secret in the sense that it's not a cookie-cutter hotel chain experience. You *feel* like you've discovered something a little special. Like, you know that feeling when you find a hidden gem antique shop? Kinda like that.
Is the Del Amo Mall *actually* 'best-kept secret' territory? I mean... it’s a mall.
Right, *another* exaggeration maybe. Look, the Del Amo Mall isn't exactly a hidden paradise, but the *location*? That's the beauty. You're close enough to everything – beaches, restaurants, the airport (blessedly close) – without feeling engulfed in the Hollywood madness. Plus, you can grab some killer ice-cream at the food court when you're feeling the need for retail therapy and a sugar rush. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I just *need* a mall day. Don’t judge.
And, well, the hotel itself… it feels like a tiny oasis *near* all that chaos. It's quiet. It's peaceful. And after a day of navigating the LA grind, THAT is worth its weight in gold, believe me.
What are the rooms like? Will I find a bug? (I hate bugs.)
Okay, about the rooms. They're not the Ritz. But they’re clean, surprisingly spacious, and, most importantly, *comfy*. The beds? Oh, the beds. I swear I slept like a baby the first time I went. And if I may be blunt, the bathrooms were clean, and the water pressure was *amazing*. That matters.
Bug-wise? Not that I've ever seen. And trust me, I'm the type who screams if a moth flies too close. They seem to have their stuff together on that front; no critter encounters during my stays so far. Knock on wood.
My only small quibble... maybe the decor is a *tad* dated. But hey, that sort of adds to the charm, right? In a "grandma's house, but in a good way" kind of way. It's not sterile or pretentious; it feels lived in and real.
What's the vibe? Is it kid-friendly? Romantic? Lonely Hotel?
The vibe? It’s...relaxed. Seriously. It’s not a party hotel; it’s not a stuffy business hotel. It's just, you know, *chill*. I've seen couples there, families. But the overriding feeling? It’s a place where you can actually relax. Which, coming from someone who gets wound up just thinking about booking a hotel, is a *huge* selling point.
Kid-friendly? Definitely. There's a pool (more on that later…), and everything feels safe and easy. Romantic? Sure, if you set the mood. Lonely? That depends on you, sunshine. But it's certainly not the kind of place that makes you feel *more* alone. It’s welcoming.
Tell me about the pool! It's important.
Okay, the pool. This is where I have a *story*. First time I went? I was stressed. Badly. Work was killing me, I had a massive headache, and I just wanted to hide. I walked out to the pool, and it was *gorgeous*. Quiet, sunny, and not overcrowded. I literally spent three hours just floating, staring at the sky, and letting all my worries wash away. It was pure bliss.
Here’s the *real* kicker, though. There was this tiny little fountain, right? And it looked just like one of those fountains from Italian movies. I started listening to the water, just quietly dripping...I swear, by the time I eventually got out, I felt like a totally new person. I’m still not even sure if I’d slept. It was like some sort of cinematic vacation moment. And, weirdly, a giant bird swooped above, then just kept on flying. One of the weirdest pool experiences I’ve had thus far. *Chef’s kiss* to the pool, honestly.
What's the breakfast situation? Free? Buffet? Sacrificial offering?
Breakfast? Included! It's not the most gourmet spread you'll ever see, but it's decent. Think continental with eggs, toast, some pastries, maybe some fruit - all the usual suspects. It's enough to get you going in the morning. Honestly, I don’t ask for much in the morning before I have my coffee and I found it to be just perfect. The coffee, in fact, was better than I'd expected. You can grab a quick bite and then head out to explore. Or, if you’re like me, grab a plate, go back to your room, and eat it in your robe. No judgment here.
Okay, so what's the catch? Every place has a downside.
Alright, alright, I'll level with you. Here are a few *tiny* things that might not appeal to everyone. Parking can be a little tight at times. Be prepared some maneuvering when you get there. And, if you’re looking for over-the-top luxury, this isn’t it. This is not a five-star hotel. There is no butler service. There is no golden toilet seat.
Also, occasionally, you might hear some street noise because, let's face it, LA is busy. But it's not enough to ruin the experience. Honestly? Those are the only real downsides I could dig up. And to be honest? I've stayed in much, much worse hotels that cost more. So, for what you're getting, I'm sold.
Would you actually recommend it? Or are *you* just a shill for Big Hotel?
Look, I'm not getting paid to say this. (Although, Escape to LA, if you're reading this... *hint hint*). Here's the thing: I've been back several times. And would go back again in a heartbeat. Maybe *that* says it all. In this age of blandBudget Travel Destination
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