JW Marriott at LA Live

The JW Marriott LA Live is located with the LA Live complex, so there is ample entertainment and dining options right at your doorstep.

Valet parking is rather slow.  When I pulled up to the hotel, there were 4 or 5 valet attendants but only one of them was working.  The other 3 or 4 were just standing around.  The supervisor was there as well, and he didn’t seem that concerned that cars were starting to get backed up into the street.  At $40, you would think, and hope, that not only would valet parking be very efficient but they should also throw in a free car wash.

Upon entering the hotel, there is a large atrium with a staircase on the right.  The hotel is mainly white, with splashes of bright neon colors throughout.  It almost has a South Beach feel to it.

The front desk is to the right and can be easily overlooked.  There are only a couple of kiosks.  Like valet parking, one front desk agent was more interested in looking at her nails, while the front desk agent who helped me very pleasant and efficient.  All Marriott Platinum benefits were clearly explained.  I was asked if I wanted 500 points or a $10 food/beverage credit.  He also explained that the lounge was closed on the weekends, but breakfast could be had at LA Market.  There was a $24 credit per person for breakfast, which I felt was rather generous.

I had booked a junior suite, since it was only $30 more than a regular room.  I have read that Platinum members often got upgraded to a junior suite, but with the cost minimal it wasn’t that big of a deal.  I had also booked a package where I received a $50 credit, so in essence I got free breakfast for being a Platinum member, and free lunch with the $50 credit.

Junior Suite

Sad View from Room

My room was located on the top floor in a corner room with views from two sides.  Unfortunately, the view from each window was of the 110 freeway.

Coffee Maker & Water

Upon entering the room, the coffee maker and two complimentary bottles of water are waiting.

Sitting Area

There is a small foyer with a bench that can sit three people next to it along with a small table.

Bathroom

Bathroom

The bathroom is rather large, with only a walk-in shower, however counter space is at a premium.  Water temperature in the shower is great, but water pressure is somewhat lacking.

There is a large closet that contains the safe, iron, ironing board and several drawers

Desk/TV

The desk area is wide enough to hold the flat screen TV, a few drawers and a small refrigerator.  The thing I don’t like about Marriott’s is that the desk is at a height that makes working on it almost impossible unless you are Manute Bol.  There is a small pull out table that you can use as a work surface but seems to defeat the purpose of the desk.  There are multiple outlets on the side of the desk that makes plugging in multiple devices easy.

Sitting Area

There is a sitting area with a chair, sofa and large ottoman and coffee table, perfect for having a small get together.

Bed

The bed is super comfortable as are the pillows.  At first glance, there does not appear to be any outlets in sight, but underneath the small lights mounted on the wall, there is an outlet underneath the fixture.  It is close enough to the bed that you are still able to use your phone while it is plugged in.

Breakfast in LA Market was rather good.  Service was great, and our server Jason was very accommodating.  The breakfast buffet is $26 but you can also have cooked to order eggs or omelet, pancakes or French Toast in addition to the buffet for the same price.  The pancakes are light and fluffy, and come loaded with blueberries, as well as blueberry or regular butter and real maple syrup.

My dining companion order the French Toast but indicated that she wanted it very soggy which is rarely done by restaurants.  When the French Toast came out rather dry, Jason happily exchanged it for her second choice, the Eggs Benedict which were very good according to her.

Entrance to Pool/Bar

Rooftop Pool

View from Rooftop Pool

There is a “rooftop” pool and bar, but it is on the fourth floor.  No great view of the city, but you can see the action happening down in the LA Live area.

The one thing I do not like about Marriott is that although it is indicated that late check-out for Silver, Gold and Platinum members, if available, there is nothing set in stone, like with Hyatt or Starwood where a 4:00 PM check-out is guaranteed with the exception of resorts.

I asked for a late check-out and was told they best extend it to 1:00 PM.  I then asked, even for Platinum members.  After doing some digging, I was then given an extension to 3:00 PM, COMPLIMENTARY which was highly stressed.

Overall, this was a great stay and would not hesitate to stay here again if I needed to be in the area.  Check rates early and book them if possible.  As my stay was nearing I kept a casual eye on rates, and it more than doubled in the week of the stay.