The Hopeful Traveler: Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa

View from Hollywood & Highland Center.
Panorama Suite occupies the west end of the top floor.

I first discovered the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel back in 2004. One never really visits Los Angeles in general being it is the one of the most sprawling cities in the United States. Obviously your purpose for coming to L.A. would designate which parts of this massive metropolis you would visit.

In 2004 my purpose was to see the various casts of Baz Luhrman's directed version of 'La Boheme' at the Music Center. I wanted a hotel that would be close or convenient to other attractions as well. The hotels in downtown Los Angeles were the obvious choice but at night this area was really a ghost town and more so on the weekend.

View from North Highland Avenue

My hotel reward program at the time was only with Marriott so I was looking at the brands under this choice. A new hotel had opened under their Renaissance brand connected to the equally new Hollywood & Highland Center. This new hotel (actually refurbished) called the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel was also along the new subway line that connected to downtown LA to the east and was one subway stop away from Universal Studios to the west.

This hotel makes it one the most convenient in terms that you do not need a car to enjoy the attractions nearby or along the subway route. The hotel is part of a revitalized portion of Hollywood Boulevard with the shops and restaurants in the Hollywood & Highland Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre and Grauman's Chinese Theatre all within a block of the hotel. One could spend an entire weekend enjoying this part of the city when including a visit to Universal Studios and Downtown L.A.

Located 13 miles from LAX, this stylish hotel boasts a modern design in bright and warm colors. 600 rooms including 32 suites are situated on 20 floors. Look for additional posts regarding aspects of this hotel property.

I had enjoyed my stay at this hotel so much, I stayed at this property on additional visits in 2009 and for writing of this post in 2010.