InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

I stayed for six days and enjoyed every one of them. The location is adjacent to the Fox Studios main gate, and the studio puts up visitors here. The lobby is full of agents making deals with writers, etc. Century City is convenient for Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Westwood. The Westfield shopping center on Santa Monica Blvd (200+ stores, movies and fast food) is a five minute walk, but you'll need a car. It is L.A. My visit was during Oscar week, and on Sunday the lobby was full of tuxes and gowns and the entry was lined with limos picking up guests and taking them to the ceremony (or to the parties.) Quite impressive, if you like hanging with movie folks. (No big stars, mind you. They would be in the swankier B Hills digs.) The restaurant is good, but for expense accounts. You can do much better for the price in L.A. The spa is excellent. The front desk, concierge, and valets were super friendly. We had an issue with the internet access, and the management made it right. Our large room on the 5th floor had a splendid view of L.A. at night from our little balcony. (Think of the view of L.A. with the searchlights you see on the Fox movie logos.) Very comfortable, big bathroom, HD TV, comfy recliner, everything one expects in a top hotel. We got a good deal bidding online. Negatives: The price is high. There are comparable hotels in the neighborhood for less. They were strangely stingy with the amenities. We had to ask for extra soap and coffee pods. Valet parking and internet access are both exorbitant, and you are their captive. I would happily stay here again--if the boss were paying! --Demeny