Business warriors need inspiration and juice, and this place provides it in its grand lobby cathedral, like the great churches of medieval Europe gave the folk in Ken Follett's epic novel "Pillars of the Earth". The rooms are standard 4 star fare of medium size, and you won't draw inspiration there. But the lobby, with towering pillars, fountains, glass rocket elevators, and tiered platform architecture-- that's what will make you feel good about yourself. I travel 4 stars only for business, and it helps me to be psyched up and juiced with winner drive. Plus, there is a full self service 24 hour Fed Ex Office (Kinko's) off the lobby that trumps any hotel's "business center". The circular lobby cafe doubles as workspace, we were all with our laptops, meeting clients (the fountain white noise gives confidentiality), no pressure to order any food, more like a concierge asking if you want anything to eat or drink. Plus, those glass elevators were filmed in "True Lies", with Arnold chasing the terrorist to the roof, who escaped by a motorcycle leap to the poor below. I looked at that pool from the elevator and thought of the movie with every ride.
So, if you are after a large luxury room at any price, this isn't the place. But if you are ok with a medium sized room and a good rate down the cavernous corridor in the Taj Mahal, this is it.
- Westin Bonaventure Hotel
- Westin Bonaventure
- Westin Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Westin
