
LA LIVE Luxury: Your Dream Residence Inn Escape Awaits!
LA LIVE Luxury: My Dream (and Occasional Nightmare) Residence Inn Escape Awaits! - A Super Honest Review
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on LA LIVE Luxury, the Residence Inn promising you the ultimate LA escape. This ain't your grandma's hotel review – I'm bringing the raw, the real, the slightly neurotic truth. Prepare for a mixed bag, because life, like this hotel, is rarely perfect.
First Impressions: Glitz and Grumbles (and a Near-Disaster with the Valet)
Pulling up to LA LIVE, the sheer scale of it hits you. It's…a lot. Giant screens, flashing lights, the whole shebang. The promise of luxury hangs heavy in the air, but so does the potential for wallet-drainage. The exterior is impressive, sleek and modern, hinting at the experience to come. Finding the entrance was a minor adventure, but hey, welcome to LA, right?
- Valet Parking: Let me tell you about valet parking. It's a service. A convenience. But on my arrival, it took about twenty minutes to get a hold of an employee, and even though the entire staff was kind-faced and efficient, the whole experience made the initial impression of the hotel go down… and up. You know. Like a rollercoaster.
Accessibility: A (Mostly) Smooth Ride
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to accessibility. LA LIVE seemed pretty decent on this front.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Plenty of ramps, elevators everywhere, and the public areas seemed easy to navigate. I noticed designated parking spaces very close to the entrances, which is always a good sign (though securing a spot can be a different story, depending on the day).
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I peeked at a couple of the accessible rooms, and they looked well-designed. The thought that went into them were truly appreciated.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort with a Side of "Are You Kidding Me?"
The rooms themselves are where things get interesting. They were well-appointed, modern, and clean. Honestly, they had everything you'd expect from a reasonably-priced luxury hotel.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank goodness!), Alarm clock (classic!), Bathrobes (fancy!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Free bottled water (always a win!), Hair dryer (crucially important!), In-room safe box (for those valuables!), Internet access – wireless (YES!), Ironing facilities (wrinkled clothes are a no-go!), Laptop workspace (a must for the modern traveler!), Mini bar(tempting!), Private bathroom (obvious!), Satellite/cable channels (entertainment!), Shower (refreshing!), Wi-Fi [free] (Praise be!).
The Imperfections: There was one minor hiccup. The first room they gave me had a weird smell. Like…old socks and disappointment. I'm not exaggerating. A quick call to the front desk, and poof a second room was available! Problem solved. The second room smelled like, well, a room. Normal-room smell.
My favorite thing: The Blackout Curtains: This is huge in LA! The city never sleeps and those lights… oh, those lights! These curtains were amazing. Essential for getting a decent night’s sleep.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Pretty Safe, Though I Did See a Dust Bunny Sneak Past…
Let's be real, safety is paramount these days. LA LIVE seems to take it seriously, which definitely put my overthinking mind at ease.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: The hotel emphasizes the importance of sanitation, and it shows. You can feel the effort.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (This is a good thing!)
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were always wearing masks and seemed genuinely concerned about safety. I felt secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bliss and a Poolside Bar That Almost Broke Me
Okay, let's get to the good stuff… the FOOD. This is where the Residence Inn really shines (and sometimes disappoints).
- Breakfast [buffet]: I love hotel buffets and this one was pretty good. It had your classic breakfast items, and a couple of interesting dishes. The omelet station was ace!
- Poolside Bar: This is where things got…interesting. Let me paint you a picture: Sun, pool, cocktails… perfect. Until the bill came. Prices were eye-watering. A single cocktail cost as much as a decent lunch. I almost choked. The cocktails were good, but… yeah. Buyer beware.
- Restaurants: Had a meal in the restaurant (a la carte) also. I ordered a steak, and it was… okay. Tasty, but not mind-blowing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Poolside People-Watching
This is where LA LIVE really delivers. Relaxation is easily accessible.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous! The perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Pool with view: The view of the LA skyline from the pool is stunning. Instagram gold, people!
- Spa: The spa was incredible. One hour body scrub? Yes, please! It was an amazing experience, worth every penny.
- Fitness center: I’m a sucker for a hotel gym, and this one was well-equipped.
Services and Conveniences: Mix and Match, Sometimes a Hit, Sometimes a Miss
- Concierge: Super helpful! They booked me a table at a restaurant that I loved and also gave me some great tips on what to see and do.
- Laundry service: Thank goodness for dry cleaning and laundry services.
- Daily housekeeping: Everything was always clean, and the staff were friendly.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly but…
- Babysitting service available – helpful for some,
- Family/child friendly: The pool area is definitely geared towards families.
Getting Around: Airport Transfers and the LA Traffic Tango
- Airport transfer: Available, which is a major plus.
- Valet parking: There is a car park, but the valet made everything way more enjoyable (after they actually showed up!).
The Verdict: Worth the Splurge, With Caveats
LA LIVE Luxury is a solid choice for an LA escape. It boasts great amenities, a fantastic location, and generally high standards of service. However, be prepared for potential sticker shock at the poolside bar, and the occasional room-related surprise.
My Final Thought: I'd absolutely stay there again. The good outweighed the bad, and the overall experience was memorable. Just… budget for those cocktails, and maybe pack your own socks.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to go on a rollercoaster of a travel itinerary. Forget pristine spreadsheets and perfect plans. This is the Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. LIVE Los Angeles (CA) United States - My Honest, Messy, and Totally Unedited Adventure:
Day 1: Arrival, the Hollywood Hustle, and Questionable Pizza Decisions
1:00 PM (ish) - ARRIVAL. God, I hate airport crowds. Finally, I'm in L.A.! So excited to begin my trip, I went ahead and booked our hotel, Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. LIVE Los Angeles. Getting through LAX was a nightmare. Seriously, it felt like herding cats through a minefield of luggage. Found my "Ride-Share". The driver, bless his heart, was also named Dave. My Dave was from Ohio. The other Dave, the driver, was definitely not from Ohio.
- Emotional Reaction: Joy blended with the creeping dread of "Did I seriously forget deodorant?"
- Minor Detail: The Uber smells like stale fries and dreams deferred. Classic.
2:30 PM - Checking IN. The Room is Smaller, But at least it has a Mini Fridge. The Residence Inn itself is… well, it's a Residence Inn. Clean-ish. The free breakfast is a lifeline, let's be honest. I feel like I'm permanently hungry, even when I'm not.
- Quirky Observation: The framed art is of, like, generic city skylines. Inspiring? Debatable. Functional? Definitely.
- Messy Detail: The bathroom counter has a suspicious stain. I'm choosing to remain blissfully ignorant.
4:00 PM - Hollywood Walk of Fame Fiasco. Okay, I had to do it. I had to see the stars. Got the idea to walk toward the iconic Hollywood sign, and realized I'm 10 miles away from the sign. Walked a little ways, quickly realizing that the stars and the sidewalk are covered in grime. Spent way too long trying to find my favorite celebrity's star. Found a guy dressed as Iron Man. Took a picture. Paid him a dollar--the best money I've ever spent.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Disappointment. Mild disgust. The whole thing feels like a well-oiled tourist trap.
- Opinionated Language: The "stars" are nothing more than a testament to commercialism and the relentless pursuit of fame. (But I still took a selfie, don't judge.)
7:00 PM - Dinner. The pizza incident of 2024. We were starving, and the only place open seemed like a questionable pizza place near Hollywood Boulevard. The pizza… was an abomination. Soggy crust, questionable cheese, and toppings that had clearly seen better days. I think I got one bite in and that was it.
- Double Down on Experience: We, in our hunger, decided to eat this god-awful pizza. We ate the pizza. We didn't feel good about eating the pizza. But here we are.
- Rambling: I should have trusted my gut. I should have looked up some reviews. I should have just eaten gas station snacks. Life lessons, people. Life lessons.
8:00 PM: Regrets and bed. The only thing better than the bed right now is a new travel plan.
Day 2: Museums, Magic, and the Aftermath of Questionable Pizza
9:00 AM: Breakfast and the Breakfast Buffet Blues. Free breakfast! Scrambled eggs, questionable sausages, stale bagels. You take what you can get.
- Minor Detail: The coffee is strong. Thank God.
- Emotional Reaction: Cautious optimism that my stomach will behave today.
- Rambling: I need more coffee. I need to make some plans. I probably need to call my husband and apologize for the pizza.
10:30 AM: The Getty Center. Actually Incredible. Okay, the Getty Center is gorgeous. The architecture, the views, the art! It was amazing! I was not expecting to be blown away. The whole place is like the most beautiful, art-filled oasis ever.
- Quirky Observation: The security guards are so polite. It's strangely delightful.
- Opinionated Language: Everyone needs to go here. Seriously.
1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch. Because I'm not risking pizza again. I packed a sandwich, bought it the night before, and it was alright. Better than the pizza, I'm sure.
2:30 PM: The Magic Castle. A Secret Society, but I had VIP access. My cousin arranged a VIP pass, so I was able to get into the Magic Castle before anyone else. I saw some of the greatest performance.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone is dressed to impress. I felt incredibly underdressed, in my jeans and t-shirt.
- Double Down on Experience: The illusions were mind-blowing! The atmosphere was so mysterious and intriguing, and everyone was so friendly.
6:00 PM: Dinner. This time, proper planning. I looked up some reviews, and found a restaurant in Los Angeles. The best chicken I've ever had.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Relief and joy!
- Messy Detail: I finally feel like I'm getting a handle on this whole "traveling" thing.
8:00 PM: Back to the Residence Inn. Bed, glorious bed. Reflecting on the day. Feeling like I could get used to this L.A. life.
Day 3: Day Trip to Somewhere! And the Reality of Travel
- 9:00 AM: Late Morning. Still no plans. I'm not a morning person, okay?
- Messy Detail: I'm starting to feel worn out from everything.
- Rambling: I want to rest, but I don't want to waste my vacation.
- 10:00 AM: deciding and planning the Day Trip. Deciding now, to get this show on the road!
- 11:00 AM: Day Trip. Went to the beach. Got some sun.
- Opinionated Language: The Beach is great!
- 7:00 PM: Back to Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.
- Messy Detail: I am feeling a bit defeated, but also full of joy.
- 8:00 PM: Bed.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Questionable Pizza
8:00 AM: Breakfast. Same menu, different day. At this point, it's like I'm old friends with the scrambled eggs.
- Quirky Observation: I think the same people are here every day. Are we all trapped in a Residence Inn vortex?
- Emotional Reaction: A wave of melancholy. But also, relief.
9:00 AM: Packing. The struggle is real. I'm terrible at packing. Always over-pack. Always forget something important.
- Messy Detail: Found the deodorant! Yay!
10:00 AM: Checking out. Goodbye, Residence Inn! Time to go!
11:00 AM: Airport. The final test. Hopefully, this one will be quicker.
Emotional Reaction: mixed. I'm happy to go home, but I miss the city already.
Rambling: Time to get some real food! And to try to forget the pizza. Maybe.
Minor Detail: I might have brought a few too many souvenirs…
And that's it. My ridiculously honest, messy, and utterly unedited journey through Los Angeles. It wasn't perfect, it certainly wasn't polished, but it was mine. And it was an adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap and maybe a therapy session to discuss the pizza. Happy travels!
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Okay, so LA LIVE Luxury... is it *really* all that? Like, worth ditching my entire life and moving in?
Alright, friend, let's be brutally honest. "Luxury" is a loaded word, right? You’re picturing Hollywood, the glitz, the glam… and *maybe* you’re right. LA LIVE Luxury, specifically at the Residence Inn, is… well, it *can* be. Here’s the crapshoot: I went with, like, super high expectations, and I'm going to level with you, the initial "wow" factor was real. The lobby felt posh, the staff were *ridiculously* polite (like, suspiciously polite… are they robots? Kidding! Mostly...). But then you get to your room, and THAT’S where the real test is. Is it HUGE? Is it overlooking the arena? Does your coffee maker actually work? Sometimes YES, sometimes NO. It depends. The devil's in the details, I’m telling you. Don't necessarily ditch *everything*, but a stay? For sure, if you can swing it. Just... temper those expectations.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actual living spaces, or just… boxes?
Boxes, absolutely not! (Unless you get the *really* basic one… and I pray you don’t!). The "suites" – and they *call* them suites, so embrace it – are *actually* pretty decent. I stayed in one with a separate living area. Huge. Like, I could've done yoga, practiced my interpretive dance moves, and still had space left over. The kitchenettes are a lifesaver, especially when you're battling that LA traffic and just *need* a Trader Joe's frozen meal. (Don't judge; we've all been there.) The beds? Heavenly. Honestly, I almost missed my flight because I couldn’t tear myself away. My one minor gripe? Sometimes, the cleaning crew is… *overly* enthusiastic. I swear, they straightened *everything*. My haphazardly placed magazines? Gone. My strategically messy desk? Pristine. It felt…invasive. But hey, clean is clean, right? Still, a little bit of *lived-in* chaos wouldn't hurt, you know?
Food! The most crucial question. What are the dining options *actually* like? I need more than just a continental breakfast, people!
Okay, food. Here's the breakdown, and honestly, this is where things get… complicated. The Residence Inn itself has free breakfast, which is… fine. Cereal, fruit, waffles, the usual. Don't go expecting Michelin-star quality. But it's *free*, which is a win in my book. Now, surrounding the place? THAT’S where the magic happens, and where your wallet could… well, it could *cry*. You have a million options. From casual (Yard House, which is consistently good, and a good place to catch a game) to… seriously upscale (Bottega Louie – amazing macaroons! But the lines… oh, the lines!). Pro-tip: pre-book dinner reservations. Trust me. I was once reduced to scavenging for a sad pretzel at a kiosk because I didn't plan ahead. The horror! And the food? It's good. Really good. BUT, you’re paying for the experience, the views, the atmosphere, maybe even a celebrity sighting (it happens!). Just factor that into your budget! Because, you know, reality bites sometimes.
Parking – A nightmare in LA. Tell me it's not a complete disaster!
Oh, parking. The bane of every Angeleno’s existence. And… yeah, it’s not *great*. Valet is available, which is the easiest route, but prepare to shell out some serious cash. Self-parking in the attached garage is slightly cheaper, but good luck finding a spot during a Lakers game or a big concert. I spent a solid twenty minutes once circling, getting increasingly hangry, before I found a ridiculously tight space. I’m pretty sure I accidentally parked within a centimeter of someone else’s car. My anxiety levels were through the roof! And the worst part? You have to walk a bit to get to the hotel entrance. It really makes you work for that luxury. So, plan ahead, factor in extra time, and maybe, just maybe, take an Uber. Unless you're a parking ninja, in which case, I bow down.
Is it noisy? I need silence to function. Will I be subjected to the constant thrum of the city?
Okay, noise. This is another one of those "it depends" situations. LA LIVE is, well, *live*. There are always events happening, concerts, sporting events, you name it. If you get a room facing the street, you might hear some city buzz. But, and this is a BIG but, the windows are pretty soundproof. I had a room overlooking the plaza and even during a raucous pre-concert party, I could barely hear anything inside. Now, the internal noise… that's more variable. Thumping from the gym in the mornings? Possibly. Noisy neighbors? Always a chance (especially if they're also in town for the same event). But, overall, they do a pretty good job of soundproofing. If you're *super* sensitive, bring earplugs. Better safe than sorry. And try to avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevators unless you want to hear ding-dong all night long. Trust me on that one.
Okay, spill! What's the best thing about staying there? What makes it *worth* it?
The BEST thing? The location. Hands down. You’re *right* in the thick of it. Walkable to everything. Concerts? Check. Restaurants? Check. The Staples Center? Right there! The feeling of being in the center of all the action is pretty exhilarating. I remember attending an event and literally stumbling back to my room afterward. Pure bliss. The buzz is addictive, that energy is palpable. That feeling that anything could happen. And honestly? Being able to just *walk* to everything is a huge win in LA, because let’s face it, driving here is almost a full-time job. Plus, the convenience factor is unmatched. You want to grab a late-night snack? No problem. Forgot something at the store? Easy peasy. The sheer convenience and the vibrant atmosphere make it a memorable experience, imperfections and all. THAT is why it's worth it.
What's something you *didn't* like? Be honest!
Okay, the elephant in the room... or rather, the *slightly-overpriced-elephant* in the room: the cost. It's not cheap. Especially during peak season or when there's a major event. I winced a little when I saw the final bill. The other thing that bugged me was the pool. Not the pool itself, that was fine... but the limited hours. I'd have loved to have a nighttime dip under the lights but no such luck. AndStay Scouter


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