California Dreaming

The Ramada Inn is decent value for the money that you pay. The only complaints I really had about the place was the fact that the pool (which is in the parking lot) was under construction at the time of our stay, we were not notified of this at the time of booking, nor at the time of check-in. Internet hookup was also broken at the time of check-in, and the access point in the lobby was also out of service. Even if it was in service, they charge quite a bit, we found a small Internet house a couple blocks away which was really helpful, and cheap too.

Complimentary breakfast buffet is the same every day, but very filling which helps save on cash. The fridge and Microwave in every room, also came in handy on money in the pocket. Food around the restaurant consists of fast food places only (Wendy's, a few Mexican family establishments, and Dominos).

The location may seem a little threatening, but really isn't too bad as long as you don't come in with the impression that Beverly Hills style is all across Los Angeles. We felt safe walking outside at night, but I definitely would not recommend walking outside alone at night. Having a subway station within a block is fantastic help in getting to many of the big attractions.

Should be noted: the hotel prides itself on being located close to Universal Studios, but it's not within walking distance. It's about a 10 minute Subway ride away—the subway access point is within walking distance.

This was the first hotel I stayed at on my trip to Los Angeles, in May of 2005.

The service was pleasant, however, just make sure to book a room on the inside of the hotel, as opposed to facing the balcony, or the airport runway. It's damn noisy all night :(

The hotel is close to LAX, but not much else. Public transit to major attractions is within walking distance (15-20 minutes), but expect a long ride to anything exciting.

I did not eat at the restaurant, and as far as I know the hotel only had a small continental breakfast, that wasn't included, free, in our booking.

The pool is lit, heated, and open 24 hours, which is a nice bonus!

Nice, but if you don't need to stay near the airport... don't. Good for business travelers.

Two nights at this place I honestly regret. Paying $100-plus a night for a suite, I was expecting some comfort. Instead, we got some hole in wall cottage-style place I'd expect if I was renting some cottage for the weekend out in the booneys. The bedding was torn and old, there was some murky substance in the bathroom upstairs, the TVs worked only when they wanted to. Customer service was horrible as well, a simple phone call to the front desk seemed like we were waking-up the clerk.

There is a pool and a hot tub, however both are very small. The pool wasn't cleaned either, and we had to get the clerk to open the gate for us.

Location is fairly far from Disney and other attractions. The nearest restaurant is a Quiznos/Starbucks that you need to walk about 15 minutes to, and nearly get hit by the highway drivers on the way.

There are many more value resorts in the area that are far better for the price, and closer to attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Citywalk is fantastic! So many brand name stores (Billabong, A&F, Guess), and fantastic restaurants. My friends and I ate at this seafood place on the walk, it was expensive but really worth the price—I wish I could remember the name of it but its no longer listed on the Citywalk website.

B.B. King's Blues Club is also really interesting, the night we went they had a blues concert in the main concourse of the Citywalk! It was mardi gras themed and there were waterfalls and lights—a really fantastic atmosphere.

We didn't get a chance to get into Hard Rock Cafe, it was lined up out the door. But, the building itself and the atmosphere that it spews out seems very inviting.

After shopping and dinner... if you don't like clubbing you can always see a movie at the movie theater which is right on sight and houses a full theatre with IMAX too!