My wife and i are big fans of W hotels. we've stayed in about 6 different ones. My wife was 9 months pregnant so i decided to treat her to a last weekend in a suite at the W in los angeles (needed to stay in la in case she went into labor). We got the "spectaular" suite and were so disappointed. the suite is divided into two rooms, making them both pretty small instead of one big suite. It was also very dark. Lastly, the artwork and accesories around the room seemed cheap (many cb2 vases and such). Definitley not up to W quality. It turns out that this W is actually a conversion of an old hotel which is probably a big reason for this W's problems. The service was very good, but the restaurants were very average and VERY expensive. we ate there the first night and spent $140 despite only having one drink. we were pissed as there are lots of restaurants in la we would have love to go to for less than that. It seemed like everything there was more expensive than other W's but maybe i'm wrong. The spa is great and was the highlight for us. expensive, but a great experience. The pool wasn't that great which was a big bummer for my wife. the lounges weren't comfortable and the cabanas were a joke. Lastly, for those of you who don't know westwood, it is pretty lame. not too many good restaurants. This location would not be good if you want to walk to good restaurants, bars, shopping. the bars in the hotel are ok, but the crowd is not. Not hip, just cheesy.

If you are visiting LA, do not stay here. lots of other better, cheaper, better located hotels.

Just wanted to let you know about our stay. We usually stay at the Renaissance in West Hollywood. Comparing The W to the Renaissance, I would give the W a C- and the Renaissance an A+.
This was our very first time using Starwood points…we have been loyal Marriott Rewards people for many years
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• When we arrived at the W the bellman encouraged me to go check in and leave my bags there for him. I was concerned that the luggage and the loose bag and sweatshirts would get separated with several guys doing the work. Sure enough, as I was checking in I saw the cart come in and the loose items weren’t with my luggage. He said “Oh, I was wondering who they belonged to?”

• We checked in on points. The reservationist gave us a room directly across from the elevators which we heard loud and clear from our room. To Compare…on our points at the Renaissance or any Marriott, they usually upgrade us and always make sure that we have a fabulous location and room.

• The Bellman was not busy, but I was told to go ahead to the room and wait for my bags. Wait is just what I did. Feeling that there was absolutely no reason to wait since it wasn’t busy at all downstairs, I called the front desk to request that the bags be brought up soon. At the Renaissance, the bellman waits while you check in and then follows you in the same elevator to your room with your bags. No waiting necessary!

• The rooms were very inadequate for traveler’s needs. It’s as if the hotel never did an analysis of basics that traveler’s need. There was no place around the sink to put anything except a toothbrush and the toothpaste. There was no makeup table and mirror. The closets were tiny and there were no dresser drawers big enough to lay more clothes in them, except for the small ones in the closet. At the Renaissance, in fact, at every Marriott, there is always a makeup area with a mirror. There are always large dresser drawers. The sink area has plenty of room to lay out your toiletries.

• I called for the concierge and the operator put me on hold (with my permission), but then she came back on the line sounding very flustered and asked if she could take a message for the concierge. Surprise, the Concierge never called me back. At the Renaissance the operators never get flustered, in fact, they always say “Delighted”.

• When we went down to the pool late Sat. afternoon it was crowded and there wasn’t a seat to be had. We let the guy there know of our predicament. I think he had several options…First, he could have let us use one of the cabanas that were free since it was so late in the afternoon and there were no signs of it being occupied. Second, he could have watched us go to the bar and come and got us when some chairs became free. There was no follow up.

• Needless to say, we won’t be back.

I loved this hotel. It was very hip and cool and made me really feel like I was in LA, in a good way.

Great location if you're visiting UCLA, you can walk to everything in Westwood.

The "Backyard" is very nice for unwinding outside with a cocktail after a busy day.

The guest rooms are comfortable.

The hotel staff can be aloof at times but that is W. The whole W concept can be a bit over the top at times, and keep in mind, it is L.A. which to some people from NYC (myself included) is already a little over the top to begin with.

Overall the hotel is comfortable and conveniently located, a bit expensive for what you get but it serves its purpose.