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Kyoto Grand Hotel & Garden Los Angeles

120 S Los Angeles St

Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 629-1200
kyotograndhotel.com

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Member Reviews

Excellent

Veeery good place to stay.

Posted by Rodolfo on December 13, 2007

Information from the business

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Discover an authentic Japanese restaurant reminiscent of Tokyo's fine dining establishments. At Thousand Cranes restaurant in the downtown Los Angeles Kyoto Grand Hotel enjoy a sumptuous meal in a traditional Japanese setting like no other. The setting is next to a shimmering pond, across from a waterfall among the luxurious gardens. The restaurant features a full-service Sushi bar, tempura bar... more

Posted by Citysearch on April 13, 2009

Business Description from the Web

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restaurant.com

The name relates to how the Japanese described Commodore Perry's first ships as they invaded the isolation of the Floating Kingdom. Overlooking a serene Japanese garden at Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens, this is a soothing and comfortable dining room attended to by gracious, kimono-clad servers. Despite its longevity, it continues to be a relatively undiscovered gem, and we hope the announced sale... more

Posted by restaurant.com on April 14, 2009

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ian.com

Location. The Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens in Los Angeles, Calif., is located in the eclectic Little
Tokyo district, adjacent to Weller Court Shopping Center. The hotel is two blocks from the Japanese
American National Museum, three blocks from Los Angeles Civic Center, and five blocks from Union
Station. Staples Center and Dodger Stadium are less than one mile from the hotel.
Hotel Features.... more

Posted by ian.com on July 04, 2008

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latimesguide

Tucked away on the street level of Little Tokyo’s New Otani Hotel, Azalea Restaurant and Bar serves up a mouth-watering selection of world cuisine. The interior is bright and airy, featuring several dining areas decorated with lush potted plants and fresh cut flowers. A large picture window facing 1st Street gives diners a view of the bustling foot traffic in Little Tokyo. The American... more

Posted by latimesguide on April 15, 2008

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discoverourtown

Filled with Hawaiian and South Pacific artifacts, this spacious, large house Hanalei bed and breakfast is situated on Kauai's famous North Shore and offers four uniquely decorated guest rooms, two with private baths, private lanai and two that share a bath, hot tub. The house includes a large library and the beautifully landscaped grounds feature a fresh water stream and a pond. A full... more

Posted by discoverourtown on April 12, 2008

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wcities

This is a downtown haven for the Japanese art of fine but simple living. You are treated to a true Japanese experience, complete with Futons on Tatami floors and sliding rice-paper screens. Or, for those who prefer it, the hotel also provides a more traditional Western stay. The Garden in the Sky is a half-acre rooftop Shinto garden reserved for the use of hotel guests. Cultural introduction... more

Posted by wcities on March 25, 2008

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gocitykids

The Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens is a luxury hotel in the heart of Little Tokyo , within easy walking distance of most of the downtown Los Angeles area. The Japanese style hotel offers a choice pf Western-style rooms, or Japanese-style rooms, with futons and Japanese furniture. Suites are also available. Japanese-style translates into excellent service, and the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens is... more

Posted by gocitykids on February 12, 2008

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mytravelguide

Located in the Civic Center of Los Angeles, the New Otani Hotel & Garden features 434 luxury rooms including western and Japanese suites.

The hotel has three restaurants and lounges and banquet space for 430 persons. Also nearby, museums, music center, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Amtrak Train Station, Chinatown and Dodger Stadium.

Posted by mytravelguide on December 13, 2007

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10best

. On the edge of Little Tokyo, this hotel is a great choice for travelers looking for something a bit different from the standard chain hotel. Comfortable guest rooms all are furnished with high-speed Internet access, mini bar, and two phones with voice mail. A stroll through the half-acre rooftop Japanese Garden is a great way to unwind at the end of a stressful day, or enjoy a shiatsu massage... more

Posted by 10best on December 13, 2007

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Citysearch

All of the guest rooms offer Western comforts, and the suites are outstanding, overlooking the half-acre Shinto garden with its tranquil waterfall. Decor throughout the hotel is uncluttered and understated, a purely Eastern way of designing. Business travelers will find all the typical amenities, plus extras like authentic Shiatsu massage in the spa.

Posted by Citysearch on June 04, 2007

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fodors

Fittingly enough, this branch of a Japanese chain is on the edge of Little Tokyo. Its "Japanese Suites" have tatami mats, futon beds, extra-deep bathtubs, and paper screens on the windows. The American-style rooms are somewhat plain and compact. Two of the restaurants serve Japanese cuisine at authentically steep Tokyo prices. The third serves straightforward contemporary food, including a... more

Posted by fodors on May 02, 2007

Tips About This Business

Save Money

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Citysearch

Fixed-price meals include salmon or chicken teriyaki, sukiyaki, shabu shabu and New York steak, each served with an appetizer, salad, tempura, soup, pickles, rice and ice cream for less than $35.

Posted by Citysearch on May 19, 2009

On the Menu

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Citysearch

Dining opportunities include the elegant A Thousand Cranes, which serves sushi and an extensive Japanese menu that includes kaiseiki dinners.

Posted by Citysearch on April 21, 2009

Editorial Reviews from the web

Traditional Japanese cuisine in a garden oasis high above the city.

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Citysearch

In Short The restaurant overlooks a garden lush with ponds, waterfalls and azaleas from atop Little Tokyo's New Otani Hotel. Huge windows bring the outside in, while small, private dining areas offer sanctuary. Kimono-clad waitresses cater to local business people and well-heeled Japanese tourists. Prix-fixe sushi, shabu shabu and Kaseki dinners are standard, but diners can also order... more

Posted by Contributor on April 13, 2009, (Edited December 14, 2006)

Japanese-style luxury in downtown L.A.

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Citysearch

The Scene While the New Otani chain may be based in Japan, this large and elegant high-rise hotel offers the choice of Japanese or Western-style suites, both designed with a starkly elegant Japanese aesthetic. For superb views, the city's most authentic Asian garden and an unusual Japanese experience, this grand hotel delivers. The Details All of the guest rooms offer... more

Posted by Contributor on April 21, 2009, (Edited November 05, 2006)

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blackbookmagus

Zen and the art of hotel management. Pick from 434 petite rooms on half-acre of Japanese roof garden. Simple, elegant quarters. Sitting beside a sedate waterfall may cure beach folk freaking out amidst the smog. Really worth stopping by for a drink and poke around some night, while traffic loosens. If you've had too much sake, you can sleep in your car in the underground lot. Uh, not that we... more

Posted by blackbookmagus on November 14, 2008

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frommers

Most of the guest rooms in this anonymous 21-story concrete tower are nothing special -- fine if you score a low weekend rate, not good enough for the money if your rate starts inching to close to $200. The best reason to stay here is to experience one of the handful of wonderfully unique Japanese-style suites, which recreate an elegant Far East hotel room in every detail: futon beds elegantly... more

Posted by frommers on March 31, 2007

Other Reviews from the web

expensive, boring

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Citysearch

So the teppanyaki was rather bland. While the food was of top quality, the chefs were listless and didn't provide any sort of show. When I go to teppanyaki, I expect a show from the chefs. These chefs don't introduce themselves, they don't talk to you, they just cook, the food for you. No pyrotechnics, no percussion using cooking utensils, no flipping food into your mouth. Boring and lame. On... more

Posted by Lichtsprecher on May 23, 2009

You'll feel like you've left LA by E S. at InsiderPages

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Citysearch

The atmosphere here is very Japanese, and the food is really good. I couldn't say enough about the service. The waitresses serve your bento box lunch or sushi ion beautiful laquered dishes, while dressed in traditional Japanese Obis and wooden sandals.
Parties of 4 or more may reserve a private tatami room (for a romantic meal reserve the room for 4, and say 2 dropped out at the last minute... more

Posted by Citysearch User on April 21, 2009, (Edited September 18, 2008)

overpriced by Marianne B. at InsiderPages

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Citysearch

Everything is overpriced for no apparent reason. $30.00 per day for valet parking. $8.50 for 4 copies in the business center. $74.00 for room service breakfast for 3 people. (bacon was burnt and juice choices were wrong) Average cost for 3 people at any restaurant in the place is $125.00.

Posted by Citysearch User on April 21, 2009, (Edited September 13, 2008)

Great Atmosphere with overpriced food

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Citysearch

Compared with similar restaurants in Tokyo, Thousand Cranes is cheaper. However, with average set dinners at $85, I would expect better for the price in Los Angeles. As recommended by others in their reviews here and elsewhere, half of our party went with the premium sushi/sashimi dinner ($85) and half went with the Kaiseki dinner ($85). The premium sushi/sashimi dinner started with couple... more

Posted by sink on April 13, 2009, (Edited June 30, 2008)

Change of ownership = Downhill quality and service

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Citysearch

I used to go here quite often for their Sunday Brunch. Ownership and Management changed recently around 2008. Geisha wearing, polite and attentive servers are now gone. Oysters are half their former size. They run out of food often and are slow to bring new dishes. You have to ask 2 or more times to get your drinks refilled. It no longer represents a traditional japanese restaurant, but... more

Posted by TopCuisine on April 13, 2009, (Edited February 29, 2008)

A little disappointed

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Citysearch

After reading many reviews online i found out that the chef who does tempura bar for 27 years quit. Too bad i didn't have a chance to taste tempura omakase but i still enjoyed tempura at thousand cranes. For first timers, i would suggest king crab topan, sukiyaki or shrimp tempura. Kaiseki was okay, but not too impressive that i'd wanna order when i visit again. The grilled plates were a little... more

Posted by toroishan on April 13, 2009, (Edited January 18, 2008)

Average hotel, okay stay.

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Citysearch

Stayed here one night w/friends in early December. Hotel lobby & ambience are incredible. Good location - close to Little Tokyo & all the Japanese restaurants. Parking garage was decent, felt safe leaving my car there. Room was average (clean but a little worn out) & a little on the small side (booked the regular room with two beds, stayed there w/6 ppl). Beds were okay & clean. Bathroom... more

Posted by mk407 on April 21, 2009, (Edited June 12, 2007)

Best Downtown Lunch Buffet

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Citysearch

Azalea is located inside the Japanese New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo, actually, but just a block away from City Hall. So, essentially, it is in downtown. This restaurant serves weekday "World Cuisine" lunch buffet. World Cuisine means different "nationality" food for every day of the week. For Thursdays, Azalea serves Filipino food and this was the day that I visited this restaurant. On... more

Posted by jrizal on April 21, 2009, (Edited May 19, 2007)

Special Occasion Place

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Citysearch

This is one of those places that you go to for Special Occasions AND, if you feel like conversing. It is a quiet place, elegant, beautiful oasis-type view (they created a lovely Japanese garden in the middle of downtown) and the service is generous and cordial. Oh, and the food is very good, too.

Pros

+ Ambience, hospitable service and good food

Cons

- None

Posted by jrizal on April 13, 2009, (Edited May 09, 2007)

The Most Excellent Traditional Japanese Service in Los Angeles!

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Citysearch

I just brought my girlfriend to A Thousand Cranes and it was really an amazing experience. We actually visited Japan a few years ago and fell in love with the polite, attentive service by the people. It was something that we really a treat. And we didn't think that we would find something like that in LA. We've been to really great sushi bars in LA like Nobu, Hirozen, Matsuhisa, but there... more

Posted by pascalarmstrong on April 13, 2009, (Edited January 04, 2007)

Perfect place to take a person named Al.

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Citysearch

The menu is tailored to suit the Citys distinctly conservative tastes. The Beer Garden is truly an oasis in the crowds of Downtown Los Angeles. Dishes such as traditional Azalea Luncheon Buffet and Crunchy California Roll and Beep Fried Baby Sardine are so scrumptious that they even distract from the fantastic views. All dishes are exceptionally well made if somewhat on the pricey side and... more

Posted by randomshagz on April 21, 2009, (Edited September 18, 2006)

Best sushi and tempura in town

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Citysearch

Talk about a hidden treasure. The fish was fresh, the tempura tempting and the service was excellent. I especially loved sitting in a private room that makes you feel like you're in another world. I highly highly recommend Thousand Cranes.

Pros

+ Romantic, Amazing Food, Beautiful Views

Posted by shamrem on April 13, 2009, (Edited November 06, 2005)

User review by asriyal

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Citysearch

The tempura bar is amazing for a quiet business lunch. It seems that you just have to know about it, as it's not mentioned on their website, and it's tucked away in a corner of the restaurant. The tempura chef keeps it coming in a well-paced stream of eggplant, shrimp, pumpkin, scallop, whitefish, sweet onion, etc. This definitely isn't one of those places where you get two wimpy pieces of... more

Posted by asriyal on April 13, 2009, (Edited July 19, 2005)

good ambience, too expensive

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Citysearch

the service was top notch as everyone from the host to our server was extremely accomodating. but i thought the food was average. i took my love interest and wanted to spoil her, so i ordered their most expensive dinner ($80 per). what we got was a series of disappointing meals that looked great, but tasted, eh.
still, i recommend checking this place out once, only if you're in love and want... more

Posted by gocelts on April 13, 2009, (Edited January 28, 2005)

The One and Only Tempura Bar

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Citysearch

There are many restaurants inside of the Thousand Cranes. The one I like best is the tempura bar. As the name indicates, almost nothing but tempura is served. Tempura is not my favorite Japanese cuisine, but Yama-San's work is magical. It is not you ordinary tempura. After tasting his, it will change your perception of tempura forever. Sit only at the tempura bar, Yama does not cook for... more

Posted by ytliu on April 13, 2009, (Edited February 23, 2004)

Kyoto Grand Hotel failed to honor our confirmed Reservations

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tripadvisor

We had confirmed reservations since June of 2008 for our stay at the Kyoto Grand Hotel; but when we arrived, after a long flight from Florida, at about 4 PM in the afternoon of October 27, 2008 we were turned away from the hotel. They refused to honor our reservations, claiming the hotel was oversold. Instead they sent us to... more

Posted by Solentuna on November 03, 2008

Wonderful hotel

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tripadvisor

My husband and I stayed at the Kyoto for 3 nights in September, 2008. We took a shuttle bus to the hotel from LAX and it cost us $US15 each - very reasonable. When we arrived the front desk staff checked us in very quickly and couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Every time we passed the desk on... more

Posted by SharonKai on October 28, 2008

Clean, good service and convenient to downtown

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tripadvisor

Booked this directly using corporate rate. Rooms were clean and updated. Good for business traveler who is not looking for frills. (the bathroom was tiny and the tub was flimsy fiberglass) We had good service from front desk, concierge, but witnessed other travelers having difficulty getting into their reserved rooms in a timely manner. What we liked best was the... more

Posted by reidj1 on October 22, 2008

October 08 stay

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tripadvisor

hotel nice and got a great deal. service wasn't fabulous though. dinner at the azalea room on sunday night was horrid. only 2 staff we could see and they tried hard but took over 3 hours for dinner between waiting to give order to getting salads to getting the less than stellar entrees. came by once and told us the... more

Posted by gibadiva on October 22, 2008

The Kyoto Grand was a disaster

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tripadvisor

It seemed as if they bent over backwards to do everything the could to ruin our stay. We had a large wedding party and the staff was rude, neglectful, and oblivious to our concerns and needs. I will never stay at this hotel again and would discourage anyone else from staying there.

Posted by jgeoff on October 19, 2008

Grand Kyoto was very Grand

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tripadvisor

We just returned from our stay at the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens. We only stayed one night, but have to say that it was a very pleasant stay. We arrived and were very promptly and professionally greeted. We were also given ome lovely iced green tea as a refreshment as we checked in. We had just come up on... more

Posted by jridg on October 14, 2008

Nice but not "Grand

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tripadvisor

Stayed one night mid-week for business at the Federal Building. Very conveniently located, walking distance to where we needed to be. Overall, we'd stay there again, but only for business, not for pleasure. We stayed on the 12th floor and the noise from the street (loud trucks emptying trash dumpsters, those annoying industrial backup beeps, etc.) was a bit more... more

Posted by bevbavaro on September 27, 2008

Not great neighborhood

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tripadvisor

We spent 2 nights there. Don't use the parking there, there are public parkings for $8 just next to it. Even if you go out with your car twice, it would still be cheaper to park in the public parking. And meters only run until 6PM which is good enough when you come back from dinner or whatever you were... more

Posted by knml911 on September 24, 2008

Not happy with my stay

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tripadvisor

The Kyoto Grand was totally overpriced for what is was. The rooms (supposedly recently remodeled) were outdated, especially the bathroom - the sink fixtures barely worked and the bathtub was dirty. Parking was a complete rip-off - we were told it was $24.00 per 24-hr period for self-parking, but upon check out we were charged for 3 days even though... more

Posted by bpicnic on September 13, 2008

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hotelscom

Guest did not leave a comment.

Posted by a hotels.com guest on May 29, 2008

I stayed for two weeks because of the food!

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wcities

I travel every week and try to find new, unique hotels. Formerly the Otani Grand Hotel and Gardens, this hotel changed ownership in December. Although going through some glitches in finding the place online, once I arrived and found my room to be beautifully appointed in a Japanese deco style, I was pleased with the results

Posted by A Yahoo! Contributor on January 19, 2008

Always the Best!

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wcities

Extremely clean, everything new, great views, best service, great location, great value, rooftop Japanese garden with waterfalls, 10 restaurants and a Starbucks at the first floor. We love it!

Posted by olersy on July 06, 2007

I'd stay there again

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wcities

I stayed here recently when I came to the Star Wars convention and it exceeded my expectations. The staff was helpful, efficient, and polite. They did everything to make us feel at home even though many of their usual guests were Japanese tourists. The room was clean and comfortable. It had a very nice lobby and best of all, a Starbucks on the premises. The restaurants are a little pricey... more

Posted by lazypadawan on May 31, 2007

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mytravelguide

Declining, but a great value for the downtown business traveler. I understand they have Asian style rooms as well as western, I would request the Asian style next time. The staff is very courteous and friendly, the Japanese gardens are unexpectedly beautiful. I would stay there again.

Posted by Joene on January 18, 2007

a thousand cranes (senbazuru), little tokyo, ca - a thousand cranes (senbazuru) reviews and details

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10best

located in the new otani hotel & garden, this elegant japanese restaurant looks, feels, and tastes authentic. overlooking the third floor japanese garden, there are sushi and tempura bars and private tatami rooms. the extensive menu and the delightful service will make even novices to... more

Posted by 10best user on January 15, 2007

New Otani Hotel and Garden | Los Angeles Hotels | Fodor's Online Travel Guide

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fodors

Japanese Experience rooms at the New Otani have tatami mats, futon beds, extra-deep bathtubs, and shoji screens on the windows. The American-style rooms are somewhat plain, but you can liven them up with a tea service and shiatsu massage. Two of the restaurants serve authentic... more

Posted by fodors user on January 14, 2007

New Otani Hotel and Garden - Los Angeles | New Otani Hotel and Garden hotel reviews - Travel Intelligence

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travelintelligence

The New Otani Hotel & Garden offers 434 comfortable and efficient guest rooms including 20 suites. Each room has a color television with premium movie channels, mini bar, coffee maker, in-room safe, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, voice mail, alarm clock radio, temperature thermostat, two telephones... more

Posted by travelintelligence user on January 11, 2007

aol cityguide: los angeles - restaurants, dining, pizza, mexican & chinese … - azalea restaurant & bar - user reviews

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digitalcity

like the hotel the restaurant was in. the restrooms were doorless/lockless so crimeless - like those at the airport. all seafood, soup, salads are ok and the rib is good but they should let you choose lip or eye - saw a lot of uneaten... more

Posted by digitalcity user on January 11, 2007

Very Disappointed - Dirty

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wcities

We stayed 3 nights and would never stay there again. The bathroom was dirty and moldy smelling, carpets in the room were old and dirty looking. Bed coverings were moldy smelling. Room funishings were beat up and scratched. Lobby was being repaired and in disarray, even the gardens were not well cared for and messy. The location is the absolute worst, with homeless people in the street and... more

Posted by blackm on December 31, 2006

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mytravelguide

Close to Union Station which serves LAX via flyaway bus so getting into Otani was quick and cheap.

Posted by Vince on October 03, 2006

Very Japanese friendly

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yahoolocal

It's a very good place as a hotel itself. Clean, spacious room, spa, gym and everything you expect from a hotel. For Japanese tourists, this place should make you feel right at home with Japanese staff in the afternoons and the Japanese friendly "snake" style showers. The only restaurant I tried was the Thousand Cranes restaurant, and it was very delicious from even from Japanese standards.... more

Posted by choro_72 on June 21, 2006

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mytravelguide

Friendly staff and good service. Location was acceptable, though compared to other 3 and 4 star downtown hotels, it is one of the furthest-most from central downtown. The building itself is in need of repairs, maintenance, and an overall freshening up, as the lobby, corridors, and guest rooms all feel very run down, dirty, and damaged.

Posted by Mark on June 12, 2006

It was great, will come back again!

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wcities

They have a friendly staff and their room service (although a bit expensive) is very fast and responsive to most of your needs. The rooms are what you expect from other hotels, but they add a little bit more taste with a few asian inspired details in the room. Getting to your room from the underground parking garage (they charge for garage parking) takes two elevators, one frome garage to... more

Posted by chrisfacundo on September 25, 2005

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mytravelguide

This hotel needs major remodeling. The mattress was so worn out. The rooms are small, dirty and old. No room service or restaurants open on a Friday night at 11 pm. The whole weekend was a disappointment!

Posted by Chris H. on May 18, 2005

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Kyoto Grand Hotel & Garden Los Angeles

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