We read the Tripadvisor reports before booking this Residence Inn and noted some people found the rooms overlooking the freeway unacceptable and others said they were OK. Having looked at 2 of these rooms, we think we might know why that is....

We arrived here late afternoon and had to wait a while before a 2 bedroomed suite was available. We had requested a pool view room on booking, so asked if the room overlooked the freeway and were told it "looked over North Hollywood". Which means the freeway. This was a 5th floor room - right side bedroom was fine, kitchen/sitting area was fine, left side bedroom was very noisy. I tried to close the window but it didn't. The maintenance man came and said that was the way it was.

So back down to reception and given the key to another 2 bedroomed suite on the 2nd floor. This room is just above the freeway - same layout, same problem with the left side bedroom. I took a photograph of the gap between the window - one shuts fully, the other does not.

This could explain the different experiences - if you get fully closing windows or sleep in the best room then you will be fine. Otherwise.. well it really is too loud for sleep.
We were lucky and the helpful reception found us two adjoining studio rooms. Our party could cope with that and they did offer us another 2 bedroom unit later in the stay. We stayed put.

The location is good - clearly very close to the I-5, easy to get across to Glendale and Pasadena and a decent run down to Malibu. There is a Ralphs and what we Brits call a chemist just down the road. The Starbucks there also became a bit of a refuge for breakfast. Reception provide maps for these and the restaurants on San Fernando Blvd.
We walked to the restaurants each night - reasonable selection and a smallish Macys at the mall there. It was safe - lots of people out and about in the evening.

This Residence Inn was newer than some we've been to. They charge for parking but unlike some others, there was lots of space. The pool area looked quite clean and the laundry facilities were good. Housekeeping did a good job - can't be easy for them with the number of dog guests and that snake mentioned in one of the previous reviews (eek) - they were the best we've seen at a Residence Inn, or anywhere else for a while.

stayed here with family. we had 9 people total stay in 2 separate suites. each suite came equipped with a kitchen, microwave, stove, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. There was a TV in each of the 2 bedrooms and a sofa and TV in the community living room/kitchen area. The bedrooms were a little small, but is very efficient for larger parties. the sofabed mattress was thin and not very comfortable. somehow i managed to fall asleep on it because i was exhausted that night.

each of the 2 bathrooms has the sink area isolated from the bathroom, which is kind of inconvenient, if you are sharing the bathroom with the people in the bedroom.

our room was also facing the freeway. there was a little noise from the traffic which would bother light sleepers. i am a heavy sleeper, so it didn't bother me.

there is a pool on the 2nd level along with a fitness center. i used neither.

parking is available to guests on the ground level. it is a garage built into the footprint of the building. not sure if it is extra. it is not gated and allows for easy, but unsecure access.

we had a complimentary breakfast buffet the next morning. it was very good. they had scrambed eggs, sausage, milk/cereal, waffle makers, french toast, orange/apple juice, and fresh fruit.

We spent a single night and everything went very smoothly.Nice decor and decent breakfast in the morning. A flyer had a time for the breakfast til 9:30 but it really went til 10 so might be worth double checking. Not much staff in this property but everyone we needed was friendly. A not that parking is an extra $15 and the street parking doesn't allow overnight parking.

Checked in after a long haul flight and was given a room next to the freeway - really noisy! Despite being knackered couldn't sleep even with pillow over head. Tried to move but this wasn't possible until the next day, but the hotel arranged it and moved my stuff for me while I was out so full marks for that. Decent breakfast included in the price - pity they charge extra for parking. Next to a couple or bars/restaurants and easy walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.