It bothers me that people have been so negative about the Kawada Hotel. It is NOT the Hilton chain, or the Sheraton's chain - but, if I wanted that sort of hotel, I would go there. So,
please when deciding on what sort of hotel you want don't rubbish the hotels that give you good service and are in an ideal spot (transport wise). True, the Kawada is looking tired, it is also true that the rooms are small, but they have a laundromat, ice machine, drinks machines, and an excellent "safe room" and the staff are terrific. No, they don't have the wonderful uniforms that the chains have, but, I am not looking at that. What I want from a hotel is a clean bed, a safe room (locks all work) and when I request something, I expect it done. That is what the Kawada has. The most appealing aspect of this hotel is that it is on the transport hub. All kinds of buses run 1 block from the hotel. Taxis, rail (right across the street), and seniors bus transport (for 25 cents American) to anywhere downtown. The "Alleys" is within walking distance, the Jewellery centre 2 blocks, and 2 blocks is the fruit and vegetable market - and what a wonderful display of food! As far as being in a safe area - I am travelling alone and I walk around at night in that area and I feel safe. I have not been mugged or questioned, and I am a senior. (Perhaps they feel sorry for me!). I will always stay at the Kawada and for the price - it is a real bargain. The staff are terrific. The problem that I see for the Kawada is that it has no restaurant (or coffee lounge). But there is a pizza place not far from there and the reception staff will give you a list of businesses that will bring in food (hot) for you.

First I arrived in the dead of night and even though I had a reservation, I was forced to pay for an extra day for 6 hours. Later that day I was moved to a different room and it was worst than the first. The "Double" room consisted of a single against one wall and a roll away shoved next to it which blocked the other side. I had to crawl onto the bed from the foot of it. Bathroom was kind of scary. Water leaked from the ceiling by the elevators. If you are young and need a place to crash...this is your spot. Up side...a refrigerator so I could store my fresh fruits and drink from the open market nearby. The market is awesome. Main street was nice and busy, the other side you should not venture on at night ...or the day for that matter. It is considered part of the Asian ghetto.

The Kawada is located at the top of Hill Street at the corner of Hill and 2d. It is a block from the superior court and the county administration buildings, which makes it an ideal location if you have busness at either place. Two blocks the other way is the Ronald Reagan State Building, Two blocks up 2d is the Disney Concert Hall. It's a bit of a climb from the Kawada but worth a look. The rooms are reasonably priced and comfortable. The building was built in the early '20's and received a complete makeover in 1990. The old girl is starting to look like she could use a sprucing up, but the rooms are clean and the beds soft. When I started staying there in 1996, the hotel was nor near anything but fast food restaurants. Now there is a good pizza place and a good chinese retaurant both at 2d and Main, about three blocks away. A block down Hill Street is the Grand Central eating plaza which has several good stands with a convenience store on the Broadway side.

There is valet parking. I gave the place only four stars because it is beginning to need a facelift, but it is a really good place to stay. The staff is really nice and helpful. All of the rooms have refidgerators. Many of the rooms have microwaves, and some have kitchenettes. There are fancier places to stay not too far away, but the Kawada is the best value. Since it is right at the corner of 2d & Hill, there is some traffic noise. If you are a litght sleeper, make sure you get an interior room. If you are a heavy sleeper like me, it doesn't matter. Rooms near the fire escapes have two windows, in case that matters.

My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights after arriving from a 13 hour flight. Well, what can I say. The area wasn't what you would call terrific. Did not feel safe. The actual hotel had one good point. The lobby was cosy and clean and staff were okay. When we got to our room, we just laughed. It was old fashioned and reminded me of a nursing home room. There was a particular smell of urine through the corridors and hot and stuffy. We knew it was only a couple of stars and was cheap, but definately made us realise you get what you pay for. I'm glad we only had 2 nights which was spent relaxing and getting over the flight, and waiting for our next part of the trip. Would not stay here again but it was an experience and we learnt from our mistake.