Devoid of character, surly reception staff
After having stayed in a couple of really good hotels during our visit to the US, the Hollywood Plaza Inn was a real disappointment. Our checkin was processed efficiently by the disinterested and surly receptionist, who managed to muster just enough enthusiasm to explain to me where the on-site parking was located.
The on-site parking is underneath the building, and the spaces are necessarily very tight due to the support pillars that act as dividers. I could park, but found getting out of the car to be a challenge.
Whilst spacious enough, the warm and humid room was devoid of character (except for a faint musty smell). The air conditioning unit was essential, but it was also very loud, and regularly caused the lights to dim (presumably whenever the compressor was forced into action). If you are a light sleeper and require a reasonably cool bedroom, you'll struggle to sleep here.
With plastic cutlery and paper tableware, and a dining area too small for the number of guests, queuing for the uninspiring buffet-style breakfast was a demeaning process. The food was adequate, but nothing more. And where most hotels provide fresh orange juice, this hotel provided watered down orange cordial.
There was nothing particularly bad about this hotel, but there was little that was particularly good either.