In a city of big dreams and even bigger signs, citizenM Los Angeles Downtown brings comfort and cool right to South Spring and West 4th Streets. This stylish spot puts you at the gateway to the Broadway Theater District and Little Tokyo – with museums, markets and taco joints just a stroll away. The metro station is one block over, so you can zip off to the Walk of Fame, Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard like a local. Prefer to stay close? No problem. Our living room has skyline views and a bar worth staying in for. In your room, nestle into an XL king-size bed with blackout blinds, mood lighting, Chromecast and an in-room tablet that controls it all. Free Wi-Fi, 24/7 food at canteenM and contactless check-in come as standard. For working travellers, there’s societyM meeting rooms and Union Station just 10 minutes away. Big beds. Big art. Big city fun.
"This hotel is in a great location in Downtown LA. From LAX, I took the FlyAway bus ($12.75) and then two subway stops ($1.75, flat fare) to Pershing Square, and it was just across the street. There's a paid outdoor parking lot opposite the hotel (I don't recommend renting a car in LA – traffic can be bad, parking is expensive, and California gas prices are high, around $2/liter. Public transport is only $1.75 per ride, with a $5 daily cap, and a $20 refill on a Tap Card is usually enough to get around LA).
Safety-wise, I'd say it's decent. It's in a transitional area between the more dangerous Skid Row and the safer Financial District in DTLA. I'd advise against coming back too late or wandering around at night. If you do come back late, it's best to take an Uber. If you're walking, try not to stare at the homeless, and don't engage if they talk to you. The hotel has a live front desk and security. You need to use your key card to enter after 6 PM and also to use the elevator. It feels very safe during the day, so you can confidently go out and explore. Theft and robbery aren't as prevalent in the US as some might think; you'll see plenty of people playing on their phones while waiting at traffic lights, and people carry their backpacks normally.
The hotel rooms, while not huge, have distinctive lighting. There's a tablet by the bed that allows you to activate a 'sleep mode' with one tap, and you can control the lights and TV channels through it, which is very cozy and comfortable. However, there's no kettle for hot water. For someone like me who likes hot drinks, you can go to the bar on the first floor and ask the staff for hot water for free. They also have various free tea bags. Coffee and alcoholic drinks are extra, though. If you don't feel like going out at night, ordering a drink and chatting with an American is a great way to experience the nightlife – Americans are really good conversationalists!"