Downtown LA's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Downtown LA's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously, Wow
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to blow your mind (and possibly your budget). I stumbled upon the Super 8 in Downtown LA, and let me tell you… it redefined my entire understanding of "budget-friendly." I went in expecting… well, let's just say I packed my own hazmat suit. What I found? A genuinely surprising experience.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can Someone Actually Reach This Place? (Mostly, Yes)
Right, so the accessibility situation. This is HUGE for me, because frankly, I've got a dodgy knee that's seen better days. Super 8 mostly delivers. Elevator? Check. (Thank God.) Ramps? Present and accounted for. Wheelchair accessible rooms? They say they have them. (I didn't personally check – always call ahead and confirm EVERYTHING, my friends. Don't trust a website's promises blindly!). The exterior felt generally doable, though navigating the DTLA streets ain't exactly a walk in the park (especially at night!).
The real accessibility test? Getting to the place. Traffic in LA is a beast. Seriously, a soul-crushing, patience-testing beast. But once I clawed my way in, it wasn't too bad.
The Room: Clean-ish, But Let's Talk About the Beds! (And Those Blackout Curtains!)
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxury" is NOT the word I'd use to describe the décor. It's… functional. But remember, we're talking Super 8 here. The carpets weren't exactly immaculate (a few questionable stains – I won't get into details), but the sheets seemed clean. And the bathroom? Smaller than my shoebox apartment, but hey, the shower worked.
AND THE BEDS! My God, the beds! The mattress wasn't the Ritz-Carlton level, but it was surprisingly comfy. I'm a light sleeper, and those blackout curtains? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I slept like a baby (a baby who occasionally woke up to check if the ghost of Elvis was rummaging through the mini fridge, but you get the idea.) Extra long bed, check!! (for my tall friends)
There's also the usual suspects, like a small desk (good for my laptop), a working hairdryer (a small miracle!), and the obligatory mini fridge. Free bottled water? YES! (hydration is key, people).
Internet Access, because in 2024, it's a Must (And It's FREE!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes, yes, a thousand times YES! Thank God. The internet was surprisingly reliable – decent speeds for streaming and actually getting work done. (I had to send a very important email about… well, let's just say a very important email). Internet access – LAN? Didn’t try it but it was an option if you want to deal with wires, I don’t.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Gauntlet (Thank God for Anti-Viral Cleaning!)
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the COVID fear lingering in my brain). They actually seem to care about cleanliness. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff wearing masks. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly! I even noticed a sign about Professional-grade sanitizing services. I didn’t see the team in action, but I liked to think they were just around the next corner, ready to zap any germ that dares to touch me. They also have: Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
The Dining Scene: Breakfast is… Present (And Possibly Pre-Packaged)
Okay, let's be real. Gourmet dining is NOT on the Super 8 menu. I'm pretty sure it was a standard continental breakfast, with your usual suspects: **Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant. ** (I think I saw a waffle maker, but I was afraid to get too close – it might be a biohazard). You might want to stick to something else, so the Room service [24-hour] might be helpful.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag (But the Basics Are Covered)
They had the basics of Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Front desk [24-hour] which are more than you can usually expect.
Honestly, it’s a business-focused hotel, as I saw Facilities for disabled guests, Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Xerox/fax in business center…
Things to Do (Besides Avoiding Questionable Carpet Stains)
Okay, so this isn't a resort. There isn't a Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Gym/fitness, or Fitness center. It aint got that. But hey, you're in DTLA!
Getting Around: Parking (Surprisingly Okay!), Airport Transfers, Taxis
Downtown LA is a nightmare to navigate. Car park [free of charge] or Car park [on-site]? YES! (a huge win in this city – parking is a blood sport). Airport transfer or Taxi service? I’m pretty sure they can organise this, but I mainly relied on the Car power charging station
My Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely! (With Realistic Expectations)
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. But for a budget hotel in Downtown LA? It’s a win. The cleanliness was alright, the beds were comfortable, and the Wi-Fi was decent. The staff were friendly and helpful (a refreshing change!). If you're looking for a cheap, clean, and surprisingly decent place to crash in DTLA, the Super 8 is a worthy contender. Just… maybe bring your own pillow. And a hazmat suit. (Just kidding… mostly).
Final Score: 7.5/10 – Would definitely stay again (and secretly judge everyone else's hotels).
(Pro-Tip: Always, ALWAYS call ahead and ask about accessibility if you need it. And, you know, maybe double-check those carpet stains. Just in case.)
Escape to the Sun: TownePlace Suites Las Cruces Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're getting the unfiltered, slightly-off-kilter tour of LA, Super 8 style. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds. This is the REAL DEAL.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (or, "Welcome to LA, You're Gonna Need Coffee")
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival to LAX & Taxi Tango. Okay, first hurdle: surviving LAX. Honestly? It's a sensory overload, a symphony of screeching luggage wheels and existential dread. Finding my pre-booked Uber? Forget it. Turns out it's a taxi free-for-all, and I'm pretty sure the driver just added a "scenic route" (read: five more bucks). By the time I'm actually sitting down at the Super 8, I'm contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and the fact that I forgot my noise-canceling headphones.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in & Room Revelation. The Super 8 is, well, a Super 8. Let's call it "charmingly basic." Checked in. The clerk was… efficient. The room? Cleanish. The air conditioning? Pray to the heavens. There's a faint smell of…something… maybe bleach, maybe desperation? Let's not dwell. I'm here, I'm tired, and that surprisingly functional mini-fridge holds the promise of cold water. Score.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Google Maps Gauntlet & Coffee Quest. Google Maps, my friend, my foe. Navigating this city is like playing a maddening, beautiful video game. First mission: COFFEE. Starbucks is… well, everywhere. But I will not succumb! I'm on a mission! Stumbling down the street with my iPhone and after a 3rd attempt, I finally found a hidden coffee shop.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Downtime, Decompression & the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing. (Or at least, trying). Found a little park-like patch nearby. The concrete jungle is relentless, it's all steel and glass and perfect tan lines. The sky is enormous and blue. I try to sit here and just..Breathe. Read a bit of a book (that I will most likely not finish), and watch the world go by. (People watching is the best free entertainment, right?)
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Debacle. Okay, so I'm starving. Yelp directed me to a… well, let's just say the reviews were highly optimistic. The actual experience? Let's just say that the "authentic" tacos tasted suspiciously like… cardboard flavored with regret. I'm going back to the hotel, I think.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Hotel Room Reflections & Pizza Panic. Back at the hotel. And I order a pizza. (Classic.) Watch some questionable TV and question my life choices. Not too bad. Pizza cures all, right?
Day 2: Hollywood Hiccups & Graffiti Dreams
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Motel Breakfast & Morning Meltdown (of sorts). Complimentary "continental breakfast." A bagel. A sad-looking banana. Instant coffee that tastes like sadness. I'm starting to think my expectations were maybe a bit too high.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Hollywood Boulevard Hysteria. So, the Walk of Fame. Yeah. It's… crowded. And the characters are not always the characters you were hoping for. I’m talking costumed people and the constant jostle for space. All in all, a little depressing. But then I saw a star for Gene Kelly and momentarily forgot my cynicism.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Graffiti Art District: Okay, now this is what I'm talking about! The murals in the Arts District are phenomenal, bursts of color and creativity. It blew any bad feelings from Hollywood away. This is where LA really shines.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Fumble. Finding a good lunch spot around the Arts District seems easy until suddenly, it's a quest! I decided to opt for what seemed to be a trendy spot. (That the menu was entirely on a QR code left me feeling very old. I even asked for help, which I hate admitting).
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Downtown Exploration & Concrete Wilderness. Back in the downtown area, taking detours on roads and walking through streets. The buildings are taller, the traffic is heavier. The weather is hotter, too! I took some pictures of the buildings and the people in front of them.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Poolside Pondering (or, "Why DID I wear these shoes??"). Okay. The Super 8 has a pool. It's… small. It's also packed with kids. But even still…I try to go somewhere and enjoy the moment.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Supper & a Show. This is when I try to go out and eat somewhere a bit more nice. I think.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Bedtime & Early Mornings. Early morning is my go-go!
Day 3: Departure & Existential Triumph
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Final Breakfast of Regret (and the last of that instant coffee).
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing & Pre-Departure Panic.
- 11:00 AM: Farewell LA (for Now)
Important Notes:
- Transportation: Uber/Lyft is your friend. Public transport? Possible, but I'm not brave enough.
- Food: Be adventurous! (Or just grab a pizza. No judgment.)
- Sunscreen: Seriously.
- Hydration: Water, water, water. You're practically in a desert.
- Patience: LA is a city that demands it.
Alright, you're armed with my highly subjective guide to Los Angeles, Super 8 Edition. Go forth, explore, and embrace the beautiful, messy chaos of it all. And hey, maybe you'll have a better time than I did. Or, maybe you'll just commiserate with me later. Either way, enjoy the ride! (And try not to get too lost.)
Escape to Paradise: Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe's Luxury Awaits
Downtown LA's Super 8: The Secret You Won't Believe (Or Maybe You WILL After This) - An FAQ
So, Super 8 in DTLA? Seriously? Is this some kind of joke?
Honestly, that's what I thought! My friend, bless her heart, suggested it. "It's a *secret*," she'd said, winking like she was about to reveal the Holy Grail. My initial reaction? Eye roll. Super 8 in *downtown* LA? That conjures up images of roadside motels near truck stops, not… you know… a hip, happening city center. Spoiler alert: it's…well, it's complicated. But no, not a joke. It’s real. And it's… something.
What *is* the big secret? Why the hype?
Okay, the "secret" isn't some hidden speakeasy within the motel. There's no password, no secret knock. It’s more like… the *relative* affordability. Downtown LA hotels are a wallet-sucking vortex. You're competing with film crews, tourists, and people who *actually* live in luxury lofts. But, *then*, you've got this Super 8, tucked away… not exactly *hidden*, but definitely… overlooked. That's the secret: relatively inexpensive lodging in a location that... well, you're in the heart of the action.
The Location: Is it actually *downtown* downtown? Or, like, "sort of near" downtown?
Oh, it's smack dab in the thick of it! Literally a stone's throw (okay, maybe a slightly ambitious stone's throw) to the Staples Center, L.A. Live, and a slew of decent restaurants. You're surrounded by the concrete jungle - and, let's be honest, sometimes you feel like you *are* staying in a concrete jungle. Navigating the area can be… *interesting*. I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to hail an Uber once, battling the evening concert traffic. But, hey, you're *there*! That has its perks, right? (Says me through gritted teeth).
Let's talk about the rooms. What's it *really* like? Don't sugarcoat it.
Alright, full disclosure: it's a Super 8. Expect a classic Super 8 experience. My room? Let's just say the beige was…prominent. The furniture was…functional. Think "airline food but for hotels." The bed was…well, the bed was *there*. I slept, didn't I? That alone is a victory in my book. It's clean-ish. The A/C unit made a noise like a dying walrus, but it cooled the room. The bathroom… well, again, functional. The shower pressure was…adequate. I didn't find any suspicious stains, which is a win. Look: Don’t expect the Ritz. Expect a reasonably clean, basic room to crash in after a long day exploring or, you know, at a concert where you're standing for hours.
Breakfast! Is it the cardboard continental breakfast of my nightmares?
Ah, the breakfast. This is where the "Super 8-ness" really shines. Think: pre-packaged muffins, the kind that have been wrapped since the Clinton administration. Stale bagels. Coffee that tastes like slightly flavored swamp water. Cereal, if you're lucky (and if you consider the nutritional value of a bowl of sugar cereal "lucky"). I usually skipped it. There are far better options nearby if you don't mind a short walk. I'm serious. Pack granola bars.
The Vibe! What's the overall atmosphere? Is it sketchy?
Okay, so the vibe… this is where things get…interesting. It's not inherently sketchy in the way you might picture a truly *bad* motel. It's more like… *eclectic*. You'll see a mix of people: budget travelers, business people, people with a *very* long commute, and, yeah, maybe a few folks who might make you clutch your purse a little tighter. The front desk staff, bless their hearts, are generally pretty friendly and efficient. Security seems…present. I never personally *felt* unsafe, but I also wouldn't wander around the neighborhood alone at midnight. Trust your gut.
Parking! Because LA. What's the deal?
Parking is a pain in the… well, you know. They *do* have parking, but it's not free. And it's not cheap. Expect to pay a hefty fee, compared to the room rate. And the parking lot itself? It's tight. Good luck maneuvering your oversized rental SUV in there. My advice? Try to Uber or Lyft if you can. Or, park a few blocks away and walk. Anything to avoid the parking situation! (Seriously, I'm still recovering from the fees!)
Let's Talk *That* One Experience: The Elevator Encounter...
Okay, this deserves its own section. The elevator. *That* elevator. The one that sounded like it might collapse at any moment. I was on my way up to my room, and I shared the elevator with a guy who was... let's say he had a *very* strong personality. He was dressed in a track suit that was... *quite* shiny. He kept muttering to himself. He made eye contact. I pretended to be engrossed in my phone. Every creak and groan of that elevator felt like an eternity. Getting off on my floor felt like a victory. I ran to my room. I locked the door. I never used that elevator again. I took the stairs. I was *that* scared. It was… a moment.
Would you recommend the DTLA Super 8? Be honest!
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend it? It depends. If you’re looking for luxury, ambiance, or a romantic getaway? Absolutely not. Run, don't walk, to a nicer hotel. However, if you're on a budget, want to be in a central location, and prioritize saving money over creature comforts? And if you're prepared for a slightly… *unHotel Near Me Search
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