The Moment Hotel

The Moment is a squat, two-story building made lively by the criss-crossing lines and gray, orange, and white walls. It's eye catching and slightly reminiscent of the Aggrocrag from Nickelodeon's '90s TV show "Guts." These theme colors permeate the hotel's common spaces -- an orange reception desk sits in front of a gray wall that's near a white cushioned bench. On the walls are black and white prints of Sunset Strip signs and other Hollywood scenes. Images of cartoonish stick figures appear throughout the hotel, either climbing the walls along an internal staircase or holding up the frame of an external staircase. Guest room doors are accented by sharp gray lines slashed across white. The geometric, colorful theme elevates the experience of the Moment, making the common spaces brighter and more welcoming, though at times the lime greens and bright oranges can overwhelm.

The Moment is located in the Hollywood/Sunset Strip section of Los Angeles, close to lot of clubs and nightlife. It's part of Guitar Row, wedged between several music stores. The area looks somewhat seedy but is safe, and it's convenient to attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. There are well-known restaurants nearby, such as El Campadre and Aroma Cafe. This is L.A., though, and it's best to have a car, as the closest metro stop (Hollywood/Highland) is about a 20-minute walk from the Moment. 

Rooms at the Moment are stark and bright. As in the common areas, sharply cut lines and geometric patterns are the design scheme, with bright blocks of purple, green, or orange strategically placed. One color anchors each room. No art adorns the walls, although the interesting architecture keeps rooms from feeling bland. Custom-made wood-veneer built-ins with white countertops create efficient workspaces, nightstands, and closets. All rooms, whether King or Queen, come with 46-inch flat-screen TVs, electronic blackout shades, stocked minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, iHome alarm clocks, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The small bathrooms include rainhead showers (no tubs), Vive bath products, hairdryers, and robes.

The Moment hotel has a small restaurant that serves breakfast and drinks in the afternoon, and offers room service. It also has a rooftop lounge and sundeck, the shining feature of the hotel. The small details, such as the green/eco-friendly initiative, the sign at the front desk that introduces the attendant on duty, and the free breakfast and Wi-Fi, are what stand out here.