CITIZENM LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 6.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $150
We’ve always seen CitizenM properties when doing hotel searches in various cities across Europe but had never stayed in one. The Amsterdam-based hotel chain was founded in 2008 and describes its properties as offering “affordable luxury” to its guests. We decided to test out the CitizenM Los Angeles which tends to have some of the lowest pricing for a 4 star hotel in LA and while there were some nice aspects to our stay, the room really disappointed, and luxury, whether affordable or otherwise, is not a word that we would use to describe the property.
LOCATION
8.5/10
Strategically positioned in Downtown Los Angeles, the CitizenM Los Angeles offers a nice location to base yourself from if you are going to be using Los Angeles’s public transportation system to get from place to place. That is because it is within walking distance of most of the city’s main metro and bus lines that can take you everywhere from Hollywood and Universal Studios to Santa Monica. It’s also a solid location if you’re not going to have a car because you can walk to a number of cool restaurants, cafes, and shops in the downtown area. The hotel is also surrounded by cultural landmarks, including The Broad Museum and MOCA, a short 10-minute walk away, If you’re flying in, LAX is about a 35-minute drive from the hotel.
AMENITIES
7/10
GYM 7.5/10
The gym, situated on the 10th floor, features a limited selection of high end cardio equipment including Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, and a rowing machine. However, the options for strength training are disappointingly sparse, consisting only of a bench and some free weights. While there is a smart mirror workout machine available, it was disconnected during my visit, and we were not able to use it. Despite a nice view of the area and the option to cool down on the adjacent terrace, the gym is disproportionately small for the hotel's size and falls short in providing adequate equipment for a comprehensive workout.
SPA
There is no spa at the hotel.
POOL
There is no pool at the hotel.
OTHER
One of the things that the CitizenM Los Angeles does have going for it is its cool lobby which offers food and beverages 24 hours a day and acts a trendy common area for guests. The space features a trendy and fun design that cleverly blends modern and retro elements along with art pieces and greenery. The lobby houses a business corner with a printer, a game area, and a dedicated children's play area. There are meeting rooms available for an additional fee. The hotel does not have parking but does provide free Wifi for guests in the rooms and the common areas.
ROOM
5.5/10
Our first impression of the hotel was certainly not bad - when we arrived it seemed to be in a good location and the lobby was super cool. But then we entered our room and all I could think was “this feels like a cruise ship room.” What immediately stood out upon entry is that the bed was the entire width of the room - that’s right, one wall served as the headboard for the bed and the other wall on the other side of the room was the footboard with no way to get in and out of the bed except from the one open side. This was not acceptable. Each standard room barely hits 150 sq. ft. in size and the bathroom was very small as well. Upon entry, we found a mirror on the right, accompanied by a modest open wardrobe that barely fulfills its purpose. There were some positives though as the hotel tried to use the space in the room wisely, figuring out how to cram in a mini-fridge, a safe, and some storage space under the sink and bed. There was also a wall-mounted TV above the king sized bed as well as a small desk with a chair. An iPad on the desk allows guests to control various room features, including mood lighting, TV, air conditioning, and curtains which I thought was the best feature of the room. Overall though, we couldn’t get over just how small this room was and for two people, it just was not comofrtable.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast did not come as of our stay, and the breakfast buffet at the hotel’s restaurant, CanteenM cost $20 per person. The buffet, operating daily from 6 AM to 11 AM, offers a selection that just didn’t seem seem appealing enough – mostly continental options like yogurt, cereals, fresh fruit, and various bread options - so we passed and decided to have coffee and a pastry at a nearby cafe.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Grand Central Market (3 minute walk) - A historic market that offers an array of food stalls.
Guisados (5 minute walk) - A popular LA taco spot with locations around the city.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Antico Nuovo (20 minute drive) - Amazing Italian spot.
Saffy’s (25 minute drive) - High end Middle Eastern food that is really delicious.
Mes Amis (37minute drive) - Sophisticated, yet cool, French eatery.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from Los Angeles, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Downtown Los Angeles offers a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. Here are some notable things to do in the area:
Stroll through Grand Central Market (3 minute walk) - Indulge in some culinary fun at Grand Central Market, where a variety of food stalls and eateries offer flavors from around the world.
Check out MOCA (10 minute walk) - The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is another art haven, showcasing compelling exhibitions and installations by both local and international artists.
Explore Walt Disney Concert Hall (15 minute walk) - Marvel at the architectural brilliance of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and catch a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Visit Little Tokyo (18 minute walk) - Experience the cultural richness of Little Tokyo, each offering unique flavors, traditions, and attractions.
VERDICT
The CitizenM Los Angeles does have some things to offer its guests that make the price point very attractive for the uber-expensive Los Angeles hotel market. However, for two people traveling together, it just doesn’t provide a comfortable room from which to enjoy your travels. If you are looking for a Los Angeles hotel that you’ll be able to enjoy, we’d suggest you look elsewhere.