We stayed at this Residence Inn on a trip to the Rose Bowl. First, its not in Beverly Hills it is on a very noisy corner of Pico and Beverly Blvd. There is a Vons market across the street but for everything else you have to drive.

From start to finish this was a sad story of poor facilities and horrible service. Check in was fairly easy however I had requested an upper floor away from the stairwell and I got a lower floor right next to the stairwell.

The major problems started when we walked in the room (very small and poorly maintained). We found that the cloths rack in the closet was broken and the plug in the bathroom was broken--both things that were very visible to housekeeping. Called down and had someone come up and fix. The next day we had trouble with the safe and happened to notice that a low battery signal was flashing (thanks heavens we noticed then and not when we were leaving at 5:00 a.m. and needed our Rose parade and Rose bowl tickets). Had someone come up and change the battery but again this is a basic maintenance issue.

Housekeeping was horrible. Towels were not stocked, coffee pot not emptied, bathroom sink not cleaned, crumbs still on the kitchen counter top. Second night I specifically asked to have more towels delivered the next day as my cousin was joining us. Not only did we not get extra towels but we got fewer towels than the first day.

And then there was the parking.--$22 a day for secure parking. Problem was that they kept the gate open all weekend so there was nothing secure about the parking. So people who checked in on Saturday just drove in the parking lot and weren't charged while those of us who checked in on Thursday and Friday paid for the entire stay. Of greater concern were the 40+ car arson fires, some less than a mile from our location yet the hotel didn't keep its garage secure. When I asked, every time I was assured that the gate was being fixed.

Breakfast was not restocked. If you didn't get down before 8:30 there was not much left. And I always love the fact that Marriott wants you to reuse towels and sheets to protect the environment, but they use enough Styrofoam to fill a landfill.

Just a poor hotel all the way around.

We have come to expect the best from this Company. This property, falls short in some areas.
The studio suite we stayed in with a queen size bed, was small. The placement of the bed, allowed access from only one side of the bed. If your by yourself, its no problem, but for 2 people, and being senior, one must crawl into bed from the other side. If a late night trip to the bathroom is needed, and not wake the other person, get ready to crawl out the front of the bed. Not a very good setup. The breakfast was ok.....something you would find at a days inn, not up to marriot standards, Only one elevator working the day we were leaving....being on a lower floor, elvator was always full to get to the lobby. Had to walk the stairs. Being handicapped did not help the situation. There is free wifi ok kitchen, and a ipod docking station.,, and the valet parking was great. Parking garage is a bit of challenge if you self park. I wrote management in response to their email on how i enjoyed the stay. They apoligized for the elevator, and said that if I called in advance, they would see if they could find a room with a bed that had access from both sides. Am I missing something ? I have never stayed in a room at these rates that was not big enough to accomodate walking room around the bed. I love the Marriot Brand, but it seems that this property must have belonged to some other company, and Marriot tried to raise it to their standards. I will always try to stay at a Marriot Property, but will start asking more questions by calling direct, rather than booking on line.

The main reason we chose this hotel was because it had a full kitchen (we were travelling with young children), had two bedroom suites, had breakfast included and seemed close to tourist attractions in Beverly Hills. Our experience there was OK but not great. The rooms were tiny!!! Breakfast was OK but only plastic knives and forks and plates were supplied. Very tacky. The hotel was not really close to anything (except one nice deli). Basically the location of this hotel is not good for tourists. Would not stay there again and would not recommend.

Generally I would rate any Residence Inn at least a 4 star but in this case I just can't bring myself to do it.

CONS - relatively small for a suite and cramped for 3 people. 2 people would be just ok. Bed is situated so its difficult to get to one side. Room was on the inside of the hotel but had windows looking into the other rooms on the backside of the hotel. The hallway to our room had a funny odor. Never did find out what it was. Two elevators is just not enough to serve this hotel as there are too many floors for only two. We waited about 5 mins for an elevator. Parking is expensive. Self Service is a total pain and they ask you to pay $22 a day for your trouble. Valet is $25. Room price will vary significantly. They have several dciscounts they can offer but rarely tell you about all of them. $172/night is what I paid and that was with a discount for being there to visit someone at a local hospital. Normal rate was quoted at $189. The hotel rooms are too expensive. Parking is too expensive. The hotel is not conveniently located. The hotel is not centrally located to Beverly Hills so be prepared to drive if you need to get someplace in Beverly Hill.

PROS - the room and the hotel is clean. On time maid service but bare minimum is done during your stay such as no vacuming. Breakfast is free and a nice benefit for staying at any Residence Inn.