I was in Los Angeles for a total of nine days recently. The initial four of which was spent here at the Orchid Suites. And they were a good four days.

Unlike the previous reviewer, my experience in check-in was pleasant. We came in late past 10 pm, tired from a 4+ hr. drive from Las Vegas. On our way over, I was worried that our room might be given to another guest so I called to confirm our arrival. The person who answered assured me that our room is waiting for us. Upon arrival, the same man who I talked to earlier greeted us with a smile. Check-in was a breeze. Good start I thought.

The last time I was in L.A. was more than a dozen years ago. And my memory of this part of town was that it was seedy. But reading the reviews here in T.A., I found out that the area has undergone a transformation. But unless I witnessed it myself, I had my doubts especially since I was travelling with my 7 & 12 yr. olds. So security was a major issue. I took a chance since I felt that this is the area I wanted to be in.

The road where the hotel was located is a real quiet road where nary a vehicle pass. This despite the presence of delivery trucks to the nearby big hotel and mall. The traffic from the surrounding very busy streets of Hollywood, Highland and Franklin could not be heard.

One of the things I liked was that upon check-in, you will be given a key (aside from your room key) that can open all the other common doors like the entrance and garage doors which were locked. Safe.

The garage is located underneath the hotel and was ample. It was always full but I managed to find a spot all the time. And for those wondering, I saw big SUVs parked with space to spare.

Transporting your luggage was easy since there was an elevator.

The room was big, generously appointed, and clean. The look won't win any awards and might even be dated and turn off some, but it didn't matter to me. I liked the fact that it had a complete kitchen with a ref, mini oven, microwave, coffee maker and plates and glasses even. You can save money by preparing meals occassionally. A bonus were the mini safe in the closet and the working heater in the bathroom (it was cold when we were there).

Service was good. The front desk staff would suggest activities for the day when they see you in the morning (or at least one did). And they were cheerful when answering my daily querries. Aside from the ready answers when asking for a great place for breakfast or a nearby grocery store, they researched and got back to me when I asked sor something they didn't know ( I asked for a nearby church if you must know).

And let me repeat the available free wi-fi.

You could probably find better accommodations elsewhere. But at $139 a day, it is hard to fault this hotel. Okay, included breakfast would be nice. Would I come back? I definitely would.

After my stay here, I brought the family to San Diego and Anaheim, but returned to L.A. for unfinished sight-seeing. But for comparison's sakes, I decided to book at the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel for the 2nd half of our L.A. holiday.

Let me state that it is hard to choose between the two hotels.

While I liked everything that the Orchid offered, the free breakfast at the Celebrity may be clincher for some. Add that to the fact that the latter is $10 cheaper.

But on the Orchid's plus side, you feel more secure in it. Plus, it is a more convenient hotel. This is expounded in my review of the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel.

The way I see it, if you have a car with you, the Orchid Hotel might be a better deal. If you don't, the free breakfast and the $10 difference might point you to the Celebrity instead.

Personally, I'd put the Orchid Suites in front by a whisker (I had a car). Travelling with my young ones, I like the security and the convenience it offers. Plus the free breakfast the other hotel offers I offset by buying some bread, cereal and juice myself (which is pretty inexpensive).

Sorry if this review has stretched out the way it did. Jet lag has given me extra time to write early in the morning (2 am). I just hope I helped you decide if this is the right hotel for you.