Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles is not your typical big chain outpost. Fully renovated in 2015, the hotel is part of the renaissance of downtown L.A.'s Bloc district and has recreated itself as a stylish tourist and business-friendly destination. The tech amenities are comprehensive (there is a fee for Wi-Fi, but it's free for SPG members), with fast internet speeds, and plenty of private spots for business travelers to work or meet, including the gorgeous third-floor sundeck, which includes cabana-like curtained areas. The terrace offers stunning city views (on low-smog days), and there is cocktail and food service at the touch of a telephone. In the evening, the terrace transforms, with sophisticated lighting and a flaming fire pit. 

This Sheraton is big, and the design accentuates its size and space, especially in the lobby, where there are large couches, immense modern chandeliers, and a convenient Starbucks that looks like an elegant bar. While there is plenty of Hollywood glamour, the movie memorabilia is tasteful, consisting mostly of atmospheric black-and-white photographs. The hotel's restaurant, District on the Bloc, serves a seasonal, farm-to-table menu in a basement dining room that is funky and fun, with banks of leather couches and a cool industrial vibe (but a nod to Hollywood with red velvet curtains). As large downtown hotels go, the Sheraton is the freshest and coolest in the area.

The hotel is located in the center of L.A.'s Financial District, in a newly revived area known as the Bloc. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk to the Convention Center, Staples Center, and the new L.A. Live shopping area. The 7th Street/Metro Center station is around the corner from the hotel, a hub for several lines with access to much of the city. The Sheraton opens into the up-and-coming Bloc shopping and business center, which includes a Macy's. There are plenty of other shops, pharmacies, and restaurants on the surrounding blocks. L.A.'s theater district is five blocks from the hotel. Griffith Park with its observatory and public golf course are a 20-minute drive, while Universal Studios is approximately 35 minutes away. Other attractions such as Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Sign are around a 30-minute drive, though longer if there's traffic. The Santa Monica Beach is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Los Angeles International Airport and Burbank's Bob Hope Airport can take between 30 minutes to an hour to reach.

The 485 guest rooms at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles combine function and modern style thanks to a renovation in 2015. While not exactly striking, they're fresh and spotless, with lots of space to move around. The decor incorporates touches of Hollywood -- think shiny cushioned headboards alongside silver and purple accents -- as well as large mirrors, atmospheric lighting, and big windows offering city views. Large work desks with built-in plugs, funky purple couches, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are standard features. Other amenities include video game consoles, tea- and coffee-making facilities, laptop safes, mini-fridges, and free toiletries. Bright bathrooms are decked out in crisp wallpaper and white tile, with shower/tub combos and hairdryers. Microwaves are available upon request and Wi-Fi is available for a fee (free for SPG members).

The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles acks a spa and pool, but otherwise is well-rounded in features. The large fitness center has cardio machines facing panoramic windows with lovely views over the city, plus a varied selection of weight machines and free weights. Business travelers are catered to with meeting facilities and a business center. Wi-Fi incurs a fee, but is free for SPG members -- the hotel's loyalty club that's free to join. Only pricey valet parking is available here.

District on the Bloc, the hotel's restaurant, serves a menu with a local, farm-to-table emphasis. The basement dining room is cool and inviting, and the relaxed bar has leather couches and several flat-screen TVs, as well as a large selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Food and cocktails are also served outdoors on the third-floor terrace, where there are curtained-off seating areas and beautiful views of the cityscape. A lobby cocktail lounge offers an appetizer menu, plus there's a Starbucks with plenty of comfortable seating. Club Level guests have access to the Club Lounge, where they can enjoy a free breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and a variety of snacks and drinks throughout the day.