Hotel Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles Downey (Downey, USA)

Forget about the boring old continental offering-elsewhere- that seems to have passed its sell-by date; breakfast here is on another level, entirely. Beautifully presented and with lots of hot and cold choices; breakfast is one of a number of valid reasons to stay here.

Yes, some elements might be described as being dated and the elevator is in no hurry to transport you to your floor; but beds are comfortable and there is no problem parking. These attributes aren't available everywhere.

Staff are pleasant and helpful throughout the hotel; including, specifically, in the Brickstone Grill where service is pretty damn good. There's a Happy Hour too so it's often difficult to find a reason to venture outside the confines of the hotel.

It's difficult to equate the star rating to the many old and dated aspects of the hotel. Room décor and furnishings are incredibly sub-standard and carpets are just plain filthy.

Some say parking is hassle free and they are well blessed! Parking, generally, is a nightmare and you need to pray for available spaces .. because the lot is shared with the library, a restaurant, City Hall and the local church. Parking is very difficult here.

The courtyard attracts activity and noise. Light sleepers especially, should try to get a room on one of the higher floors and away from this very real problem.