Driving directions from Los Angeles International Airport: Follow signs to take I-105 (Century Fwy) east to I-110 (Harbor Fwy) north. Take the I-10 (Santa Monica Fwy) exit toward Santa Monica, then exit on the left at Pico Blvd. Turn left on Pico, then right on S Hoover St. Bear right onto S Rampart Blvd, then turn right on Wilshire Blvd.

Getting there: The best option from the airport is a shuttle ($5–$15; fees subject to change without notice), or a rental car.

Getting around: The hotel is well-situated to take advantage of public transportation. City buses (less than $5) pick up right outside and provide a link with downtown, Hollywood, and other destinations. The Metro subway (less than $5) is a short walk away and can take guests to Hollywood, Universal City, and Long Beach. Guests with several destinations in mind may prefer to rent a car. Parking ($5–$15) is available at the hotel. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

The Royale Restaurant and Lounge - Adjacent to the pool, this large casual restaurant features eclectic cuisine for various international appetites, and patio dining. Wide-screen TV can be viewed in the attached lounge with a wooden bar.

Amenity highlights: The snappy restaurant and bar spill onto the sunny patio and pool area. Room service delivers meals to guestrooms, which feature intimate private dining areas. High-speed Internet access, a gift shop, coin-operated laundry, ATM, and phone card machines are added conveniences—and the old-fashioned brass and glass mail chute is authentic. Electronic voices (one female, one male) on the two elevators announce floor numbers and whether you’re headed up or down. The helpful staff arranges sightseeing tours and theater tickets.

Insider tip: The Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro subway stop is three blocks away, but the stop at Wilshire/Vermont (five blocks west of the hotel) is probably safer. Either way, you’ll hop the convenient Red Line that runs between downtown L.A. and Universal Studios Hollywood.