Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood by IHG

I stayed at the Kimpton for 4 days, and it was great. Location is convenient to both the highway for driving and walkable to transit or a number of local businesses and the Walk Of Fame, but not so close as to be jammed with tourists. Service was excellent, everybody was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and quiet, with a great view of the Hollywood sign. The other side has a nice view of LA and the pool. I didn't spend much time by the pool, but it seemed nice and quiet at the time. The bar and restaurant are good too, good selection of food and beer, wine, and cocktails, and decent place to work in a more open area during the daytime. The Jane Q downstairs has good breakfast and brunch too. Parking is valet-only - they're good and fast, not the cheapest, but fair for the area.

The great: Trendy vibe, rooms are spacious, and bed is incredibly comfy. Every person on the staff from check-in to cleaning crew was friendly. The area felt safe and the hotel requires tour room card for the elevator. Gym is small but equipment is up-to-date and clean. The not-so-great: The hotel sells daily passes to the pool area for people who are not guests. Getting a chair on the weekend is nearly impossible. Also, make sure to ask if the hotel is throwing any events during your stay. My stay was 3 weeks, and a few times, the pool area was shoulder to should with people because of private parties. Bizarre design flaw in the bathroom: no door on the shower. Floor was soaked and precarious after a shower. Because of this, mold grew quickly. To sum up- if use of the pool isn't an important factor, you will have a fantastic stay!

Lots to like, but one major blemish is the pool. Apparently the hotel wants to activate their pool amenity, so the Sunday pool scene was a private event that hotel guests were free to attend. No lounges, towels, or conversational space was available. The pool was filled beyond capacity. The music was booming to the point conversation was not possible. It was not inviting or an asset for anyone not part of the Goth Girl scene. The hotel would be better served not advertising a pool at all. I hate to gripe about the one thing, but everything else was great for the 24 hours of my stay. I need a Goth Girl discount for the loss of a promised hotel amenity.