Upon arrival, I was worried I may have made a mistake in picking this place. The front looked a little seedy, and major construction on the building was underway. I arrived early and used the hotel PC while I waited for a room. Bottom line: on balance, was good for the one night.
STAFF:
All front desk staff members were friendly, professional, and helpful. But: a guy looking like an employee or construction worker was sitting back, smoking a cancer stick in the courtyard, and nothing was done about it. The building has outdoor corridors lining the cement courtyard, with rooms facing in on either side, so the whole area reeked of smoke.
BUSINESS SERVICES:
One of the 2 PCs was clearly not working, and the other kept trying (unsuccessfully) to dial up a broadband connection. The display on the working PC was also out of whack, way too big for the screen. Since I had time to kill, I fixed the Internet connection & computer display, with the text medium-sized, for older guests. Until they make the Control Panel inaccessible to guests, don’t expect a working PC.
PERKS:
Being a BW rewards member (free), I got to choose either a boatload of points or a small (nice!) gift bag of snacks. Took the bag, which also included two water bottles. BTW, there’s a place to refill your own water bottles, in the breakfast area.
TIP: learn the emergency exit route, at least in case you can’t use the elevator (only one). Getting out by stairs was a bit confusing.
ROOM:
The room smelled a bit musty and at first glance, looked really out-of-date. However, I think it was just a poor choice of carpet. (They should fire their interior designer. The smell later dissipated.) Upon closer inspection, it was evident that all the tile and fixtures–including door handles–were new. (See photos.) There was even a rain head shower, if you like them. (I prefer strong water pressure.) There was a small balcony, but what looked like gnats were swarming there, so I didn’t open the door. The remote had been sanitized.
NOISE:
Construction noise was loud but could have been worse. You can hear your neighbor’s A/C unit humming. There’s street noise and an elementary school of screaming kids nearby. Not a place for peace & quiet during the day, and cars occasionally rumble by at night.
OVERALL:
Very clean and still new, despite being furnished like a 70s motel room. I had to leave before breakfast, but the front desk had already prepared a “grab & go” bag with an apple, granola bars, and a bottle of water. Only due to noise, not a place for an extended stay, otherwise one of the best in its class.
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management421, Guest Relations Manager at Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn, responded to this review
Hello Bengo4: Thank you for your comments and feedback about your recent visit with us. We hope you will join us again the next time you are in Los Angeles. Sincerely, Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn