Kimpton Hotel Wilshire By Ihg

The hotel's rooftop area, featuring a bar, restaurant, and pool with panoramic views, stands out as a signature feature, offering a memorable experience for guests. Many visitors praise the generally friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and the hotel's central location near prominent cultural attractions. This makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and museum-goers looking to explore the city's highlights, as well as couples seeking a romantic getaway and business travelers needing convenient access to key areas. While the hotel offers a modern and clean environment, some guests express frustration over unexpected additional fees, particularly for parking and amenities, which can significantly impact the overall cost. Additionally, a recurring concern involves inconsistencies in room cleanliness. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to clarify all potential fees upon booking and consider requesting a room not facing the main boulevard for a quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop pool area, which, while described as small and shallow, offers delightful views and a pleasant spot for relaxation, though some guests note it closes early or is occasionally reserved for private events. A significant highlight is the 2nd floor lounge, providing a convenient 24/7 Nespresso machine and other coffee and tea options, alongside a comfortable communal table ideal for working or socializing. Most guests appreciate the inclusion of Wi-Fi, though a few report issues with spotty connectivity or poor bandwidth. While there is no fitness center on-site, the hotel provides access to a local gym, which some guests find less convenient. The mini-bar in rooms is well-stocked but comes with very high prices, and some guests wish for more space to store personal items. A popular amenity is the complimentary wine happy hour offered in the evenings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean, modern, and well-appointed, contributing to a comfortable stay. The comfortable beds and quality linens are frequently praised, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms feature spacious bathrooms with large showers, some even including soaking tubs, adding a touch of luxury. However, a notable number of reviews highlight significant issues with dirty sheets, including visible hairs and stains, and some report rooms not being serviced or cleaned adequately during their stay. While some rooms are described as quiet, particularly those facing away from the main road, others experience considerable street noise. Feedback on AC performance is mixed, with some finding it effective and quiet, while others report units not working or rooms being uncomfortably hot. Some guests also noted the absence of in-room coffee makers and difficulties operating the thermostat.

Dining & Food Quality
The rooftop restaurant, Videre, is a major draw, consistently praised for its great views and pleasant ambiance, especially for evening cocktails. Most guests find the breakfast offerings to be of good quality, often served buffet-style on the rooftop, and many appreciate that it is complimentary. However, some guests note that the menu choices can be limited, particularly for specific dietary needs, and during peak times, the staff can appear overwhelmed. While room service is available, some guests found it to be quite expensive. Overall feedback on food quality is mixed; while many describe the dishes as delicious, others feel the options are overpriced for the value, or that the overall selection is too small. The bar on the rooftop is a popular spot for drinks, contributing positively to the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Los Angeles's cultural attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity and walkability to major museums such as LACMA, the Academy Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the La Brea Tar Pits. It is also a short drive or walk to popular destinations like The Grove and Farmers Market, and within easy reach of Beverly Hills. While the immediate surrounding area is generally considered safe, some guests have expressed concerns about the appearance of the neighborhood, noting vacant storefronts or other less desirable elements. Valet parking is the only option available and is a frequent point of contention due to its high daily cost and occasional long wait times for car retrieval. The hotel's entrance is described as small and can be easy to miss.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting their professional and welcoming demeanor. The valet service is frequently commended for its efficiency and pleasant interactions, though some guests report significant wait times for car retrieval. While many guests experience a quick check-in process, some have encountered issues with rooms not being ready on time or perceived rudeness from front desk personnel. Housekeeping receives mixed reviews; while some guests commend their excellent service and clean rooms, a notable number report issues with rooms not being cleaned, dirty linens, or slow responses to requests for amenities. Overall, the staff's commitment to service is a recurring theme, despite some isolated negative experiences regarding specific service aspects or communication.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the presence of additional fees that are not always clearly communicated upfront. These include a daily amenity fee and a substantial parking fee, which can significantly increase the total cost of the stay and lead to frustration upon checkout. While the hotel offers IHG Rewards benefits, some members feel that stays booked with points are not as valued, occasionally resulting in less desirable room assignments. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a positive for guests traveling with animals. A popular perk is the complimentary wine happy hour offered in the evenings. Guests should also be aware of ongoing construction in the surrounding area, which may impact local accessibility. Some guests also noted the absence of a doorman at the hotel's entrance.