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Date: 02/02/25 15:46
Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: wzd

The Metro Plaza Hotel is about a block or two from the LA Union Station and used to be a reasonably clean and decent place to stay. 
My understanding is that train crews laying over would often stay there.
I stayed there at various times during the last 15 years through 2019 and noticed a general decline in upkeep and cleanliness, and current reviews seem to characterize the place as a complete dump.
I'm wondering if the crews have found a better place to stay and if there might be other decent hotels within a short and safe walk from Union Station.

Thanks
-- wzd

 



Date: 02/02/25 15:51
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: Passfanatic

That's a very good question about the other hotels. I've never stayed in any of the ones within walking distance of LA Union Station. I'm going to be honest with you that the walk from any part of DTLA to LAUS is kind of sketchy-I would not walk alone after dark. If you need to walk alone anywhere around the block where LA Union Station is-stick to the busy streets and try to know where you are going.



Date: 02/02/25 17:43
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: PHall

Any GOOD hotel would have a shuttle bus/van and would come to get you.



Date: 02/02/25 18:38
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: RuleG

PHall Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Any GOOD hotel would have a shuttle bus/van and
> would come to get you.

I NEVER had that expectation of any hotel located in the core area of a large city.  After alighting from a train, I always find my way to hotels by walking or using public transportation.



Date: 02/02/25 18:59
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: longliveSP

PHall Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Any GOOD hotel would have a shuttle bus/van and
> would come to get you.

Nope. Not necessarily and no guarantee of that.

 



Date: 02/02/25 19:28
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: yorknl

It's a short ride - only a few stops, depending on where you're going - from Union Station to DTLA on the subway, with many hotels within walking destination of one of the stations.   Hotels aren't likely to be the cheapest in California, but deals can sometimes be found.   Disclosure:   I've never felt unsafe riding, but I'm sure somebody will pop up to say you're putting your life in danger.   So far the worst I've encountered is the smell of some kind of herbal smoke, which I find annoying but not fatal.

Another option - depending on where you're coming from - is to step off the Starlight or Surfliner at the Burbank Airport station.   The terminal is only a block away and several nearby hotels have shuttles.   There's also a Marriott within easy walking distance, with one route passing alongside or even partially inside the airport terminal.

And don't forget taxis, Uber, etc.   It shouldn't break the bank to pay for a short ride from train to lodging.



Date: 02/02/25 19:29
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: SanDiegan

SoCal resident here. Take a taxi or uber to a corporate chain hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton is the closest. Do not walk around or take Metro at night. Personally, I would stay in Orange County. There’s not much to do in Downtown L.A. compared to other major cities and public safety is a low priority.

Posted from iPhone



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/25 20:18 by SanDiegan.



Date: 02/02/25 20:36
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: BobB

I stayed at the Metro Plaza last year and it was acceptable; the rooms were fine although the public places may seem a little worn down.  I think the pandemic may have affected it--the breakfast area is blocked off without any attempt at improving the appearance.  The Subway just out the door is gone, so the station is the closest place for breakfast.  I have stayed at it for decades now (incuding the short period when it was a Days Inn) and have never had any trouble walking to it from LAUPT at night (or any other time), including when my wife has been with me.  The management does seem to be attempting some sort of rejuvenation of the hallways, so it may get a little better.



Date: 02/03/25 04:13
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: TomPittsfieldMA

I've stayed at the Metro Plaza a couple of times, including last year. I've found it safe and adequate, and the location is extremely convenient, with much to see nearby. Getting to and from Amtrak by daylight is a snap. Arriving at night, and being unfamiliar with the area, I took a cab who wasn't thrilled with the very short hop. 



Date: 02/03/25 04:29
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: Passfanatic

I second the Burbank lodging idea, especially if you are coming from the west of DTLA. I stayed at a hotel once in Burbank in 2022. In fact, right after that, I took 14 from BUR(Airport) to Portland.

Posted from iPhone



Date: 02/03/25 05:33
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: jcaestecker

If coming from the north, stay in Burbank.  If coming from the south, stay in San Juan Cap or Irvine.  Lots of hotel and restaurant choices in all locations.

-John



Date: 02/03/25 14:32
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: ssarcadia

I have stayed there dozens of times over the years and used to like it decades ago. I was there recently and it was filthy and dodgy.  It felt like a homeless shelter.  I would stay anywhere downtown with a good rate, like the Biltmore and know it will be a cheap uber or subway ride.  



Date: 02/03/25 14:33
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: SanDiegan

TomPittsfieldMA Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've stayed at the Metro Plaza a couple of times,
> including last year. I've found it safe and
> adequate, and the location is extremely
> convenient, with much to see nearby. Getting to
> and from Amtrak by daylight is a snap. Arriving at
> night, and being unfamiliar with the area, I took
> a cab who wasn't thrilled with the very short
> hop. 

I had that happen when I took a cab to Philippe’s. Now I use Lyft or Uber.

Posted from iPhone



Date: 02/03/25 17:26
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: cchan006

wzd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I stayed there at various times during the last 15
> years through 2019 and noticed a general decline
> in upkeep and cleanliness, and current reviews
> seem to characterize the place as a complete
> dump.

I used to stay there, too, although only a handful of times. Various off topic factors led independent hotels like these to decline, which might explain the decline in upkeep you witnessed.

To the rest of TO members who might be confused about the constant "safe vs. unsafe" opinions in urban areas... people who are used to urban environment will find the walk from LAUS to Metro Plaza or Philippe's relatively safe. Why? Because there aren't hidden alleys nearby, which make random crimes unlikely. You can see what's going on, and can easily avoid surprises or riff raffs "checking you out."

For those who yearn for the days when cities were safer, then yeah, many locations will be unsafe regardless. No need to discuss why things are "unsafer" now - too controversial for some people.

I stopped going to Metro Plaza Hotel when the hotel's management raised the room rates around the time it started declining. I found clean rooms elsewhere at a much better price by researching first, then hopped on LA Metro subway/light rail.



Date: 02/03/25 17:34
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: wzd

Thanks for all your help, everyone. I will probably try downtown, as suggested.

-- wzd



Date: 02/03/25 18:39
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: RuleG

In 2016 I rode the Southwest Chief to join my partner who was attending a conference in the L.A. Live/Staples Arena area of Downtown Los Angeles.  After arriving in Union Station, I rode public transit to get to the hotel.  During the next day or two, I explored Los Angeles on my own while she attended the conference.  I got around by walking and public transit.  

I truly enjoyed sight seeing Downtown Los Angeles. The Angels Flight Incline Railway (which unfortunately was not operating when I was there), the Los Angeles Central Library, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market and Olvera Street are true gems.  Unlike other central business districts in the United States, very few of the businesses were chain establishments (maybe that has changed since my visit).  Additionally, there are many, many handsome buildings in Downtown Los Angeles.  I joined a architecture/history our provided by the Los Angeles Conservancy to learn more and see additional buildings including a few visits to the interiors of those buildings.

We got around by walking and public transit until the final full day when a friend and his wife met up with us to take us for lunch.

I look forward to a future trip to Los Angeles.



Date: 02/03/25 19:48
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: gaspeamtrak

Last time I stayed there I brought BED BUGS home with me 
DO NOT STAY THERE AT ANY COST!!!



Date: 02/03/25 22:18
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: PHall

gaspeamtrak Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Last time I stayed there I brought BED BUGS home
> with me 
> DO NOT STAY THERE AT ANY COST!!!

And how long ago was this?



Date: 02/04/25 13:19
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: ABB

I have stayed there several times, the last time was in March, 2024. I agree with "Bob B"& "Tom Pittsfield". I would stay again.

Posted from Android



Date: 02/04/25 14:06
Re: Metro Plaza Hotel in LA
Author: SanDiegan

RuleG Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In 2016 I rode the Southwest Chief to join my
> partner who was attending a conference in the L.A.
> Live/Staples Arena area of Downtown Los Angeles. 
> After arriving in Union Station, I rode public
> transit to get to the hotel.  During the next day
> or two, I explored Los Angeles on my own while she
> attended the conference.  I got around by walking
> and public transit.  
>
> I truly enjoyed sight seeing Downtown Los Angeles.
> The Angels Flight Incline Railway (which
> unfortunately was not operating when I was there),
> the Los Angeles Central Library, Walt Disney
> Concert Hall, Grand Central Market and Olvera
> Street are true gems.  Unlike other central
> business districts in the United States, very few
> of the businesses were chain establishments (maybe
> that has changed since my visit).  Additionally,
> there are many, many handsome buildings in
> Downtown Los Angeles.  I joined a
> architecture/history our provided by the Los
> Angeles Conservancy to learn more and see
> additional buildings including a few visits to the
> interiors of those buildings.
>
> We got around by walking and public transit until
> the final full day when a friend and his wife met
> up with us to take us for lunch.
>
> I look forward to a future trip to Los Angeles.

I worked Dowtown in 2016. It was much better back then. It’s sad how years of progress have been reversed.

Posted from iPhone



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