Unbelievable LA Hidden Gem: American Inn's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable LA Hidden Gem: American Inn's Secret…Well, Sort Of Revealed! (My Honest, Slightly Chaotic Review)
Alright, folks, grab your coffee (or your preferred late-afternoon beverage, no judgment here) because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm water from the free-in-room bottle – more on that later) on the American Inn. Now, this place? It's a hidden gem, alright. Hidden, like, you might miss it if you blink while driving down the… well, let's just say "busy but not the "busy" street it’s on in Los Angeles. But trust me, it's a gem. A slightly tarnished, perhaps, but a gem nonetheless.
Metadata & SEO Nuggets (Because I gotta):
- Keywords: American Inn, Los Angeles, Hotels, LA Hotels, Hidden Gem, Spa, Pool, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Safe Travel, Covid-19 Safety, Cleanliness, Non-Smoking Rooms, Parking, Airport Transfer. Think of all that juicy SEO goodness!
- Focus: Honest hotel review, highlighting both pros and cons, with a focus on accessibility, cleanliness, and overall experience.
Accessibility: A Solid Start (Mostly)
Okay, let's tackle the practical stuff first. Accessibility? Pretty darn good, actually. The elevator? Working (thank goodness!). Wheelchair access ramp? Check. The ramps weren't exactly the most aesthetically pleasing things I've seen but functional. There are facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't test them out personally. I'm guessing the "accessible rooms" actually meant accessible. Good job, American Inn.
Accessibility - Deep Dive:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yup, ramps and elevators are a plus!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I'm assuming (and hoping) these are up to par.
- CCTV in Common Areas: Good for safety, also mildly unnerving. You feel like you're constantly being watched… but I guess that's the point, right?
- CCTV Outside Property: Ditto the above.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitized Symphony…Mostly
This is where the American Inn really shines. Post-pandemic (ish), I'm obsessed with cleanliness. And this place? They try. The lobby, you know, the first impression, was sparkling. Staff were definitely wearing masks (thank you, sweet baby Jesus).
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Probably. Everything looked clean.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Okay, I didn't actually go into the kitchen, but everything looked clean in the dining area.
- Hand sanitizer strategically placed. Everywhere! Not just at the front desk, but also in the hallways, and even next to the… wait for it… the vending machine. (Side note: the vending machine had a surprisingly decent selection of snacks).
- Staff Trained in safety protocol? I assume so. They were all very pleasant and helpful.
- Room Sanitization Opt-out Available? I didn’t see this explicitly, but I wasn't about to opt-out of anything, even if it was on the table.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? I'd like to imagine this is true.
Now, for the slight imperfections…
The rooms were sanitized, but… okay, here's a confession. I’m a bit of a germaphobe. So, the first thing I do upon entering a hotel room is wipe down everything I can reach with a Clorox wipe. (Don't judge!) And… well, there were a couple of dust bunnies lurking in the corner. Barely noticeable, but they were there. Consider it a little added character? Yeah, character.
Pro-Tip: Bring your own wipes. Just in case.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, food! Let’s talk food. The American Inn has a few surprises up its sleeve, which is fantastic. The breakfast? Honestly, a decent spread.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Standard hotel fare, eggs, bacon, pastries, cereal. Nothing mind-blowing, but it did the trick.
- Breakfast takeaway service?: Didn’t try it, but it was an option.
- Asian Breakfast/Cuisine in Restaurant?: Nope, standard hotel breakfast.
- A la Carte Restaurant/Buffet in Restaurant: Nope, just that all day and all night menu.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant? Yes, thankfully. Essential for any reasonable human being.
- Room service [24-hour] Score!
Now, about that free bottle of water. One bottle. Per stay. Not per day. One. Tiny. Bottle. That's a bit… stingy, American Inn. Stingy. (I did buy another one from the vending machine, which, again, was surprisingly well-stocked.)
The Relaxation Zone: Pool, Spa…and Slightly Suspicious Sauna?
The American Inn boasts a spa and a pool with a view. The pool? Lovely. Not the most glamorous pool in the world, but it's clean, and it's outdoors, and in SoCal, that's all you really need, right?
- Pool with view: Check. Though the view is not of the ocean, it's still good, I guess.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Yes indeed!
- Spa/Sauna?: They had one. But I did not go to that area.
- Sauna: I peeked inside (through the glass, of course). It looked… well, it looked like a sauna. A slightly lonely-looking sauna. Maybe a little dusty.
- Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap?: I didn’t partake but they’re on the spa menu.
The Gym/Fitness Center:
- Gym/Fitness: Yes! And it was surprisingly well-equipped. (I did a quick workout, nothing too crazy.)
Services and Conveniences: The Good and the… Less Good
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Thank you, American Inn.
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in the LA heat.
- Concierge?: Yep, they were super helpful with recommendations.
- Laundry service?: Yes, essential for anyone who's ever spilled red wine on a white shirt (guilty).
- Dry cleaning?: Also available. (See above, re: red wine.)
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! A godsend in LA. Seriously, parking alone makes this place a winner. Valet parking is also available.
- Room service [24-hour]: That's a win, even if I didn't use it this time.
- Cash withdrawal: Available!
- Elevator: Yes!
- Luggage Storage: Good to have.
- Convenience store: Yes, with that vending machine.
- Smoking area: Yes.
The "Rooms" Experience: Cozy, but… Characterful
Ah, the rooms. Here we delve into the heart of it all. First of all, the room was clean. The bed? Comfortable.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes, and thank goodness.
- Air conditioning in all rooms.: Yes!
- Coffee/tea maker?: Yes! With… a single packet of coffee. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right? (See above: the free water situation.)
- Additional toilet: Nope.
- Bathtub: Yes! Perfect for a relaxing soak.
- Hair dryer: Yes, it worked, which is more than I can say for some hotels.
- Refrigerator?: Yes, essential for keeping those overpriced bottled waters cold.
- In-room safe box: Yes, always a good feature.
- Mirror: Check.
- Desk: Useful for working, or, you know, writing your hotel review.
- Internet Access – Wireless: Strong Wi-Fi signal.
- TV with satellite/cable channels: Yes. So many channels.
- Wake-up service: Yes!
Now for the quirks…
- The View: If you're lucky, you might score a room with a decent view of the neighborhood. I won't lie, my view wasn't much to write home about (a parking lot! And a slightly dilapidated apartment complex). But hey, you’re in LA.
- The Decor: Let's just say… it's got character. Think classic American Inn. Not exactly minimalist chic, but clean, and comfortable.
- The Soundproofing: The rooms are generally quiet, but you might hear a siren or two. Welcome to LA.
For the Kids:
- Family/child-friendly: Yes!
- **Bab
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to survive a few days in LA staying at the American Inn, and trust me, it's already a wild ride. (Disclaimer: I'm doing this from memory, months after the fact, which already explains a lot).
The American Inn Los Angeles: A Love-Hate Story (So Far)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread
- Time: 4:00 AM (or, you know, whenever the red-eye finally vomited me out of the plane).
- Event: Landed in LAX. Everything is… sunny. Too sunny. This is where the dream, or at least my itinerary, starts.
- Transportation: Ugh, Uber. Already feeling like a cog in the gig economy machine. The driver was blasting some generic pop, didn't crack a smile the entire ride. I'm beginning to think I should have started writing my own life story with something like, "…and then, she met a grumpy Uber driver".
- Destination: The American Inn. (Insert dramatic music here.)
- Location of the American Inn: Ah, yes, the American Inn. Google Maps promised a beacon of budget-friendly respite. Reality? Let’s just say the faded paint and suspiciously quiet hallway (that I’m pretty sure echoed with, "welcome to a world of disappointment") didn't exactly scream "Hollywood Glamour."
- Reaction: Room key? Check. Mild panic at the size of the room? Double-check. Note to self: Pack earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit? (Kidding! Mostly.) Settled in. Passed out. Woke up with the overwhelming urge to order room service… but then remembered the budget. Crap.
- Observation: I swear, the air in the American Inn smelled faintly of regret and stale coffee.
Day 1, Part 2: Stumbling into Hollywood (And Straight Back Out)
- Time: 1 PMish. (Time is a construct in a city like LA.)
- Event: Okay, I decided to be productive. Headed out to "explore Hollywood."
- Transportation: Foot. I'm a cheap bastard.
- Destination: The TCL Chinese Theatre. And frankly, a whole lot of nothing.
- Location of the American Inn: Walk towards Hollywood
- Reaction: Felt a strange mix of awe and… is this it? Hollywood Boulevard was a crush of tourists, street performers who looked incredibly jaded, and the unmistakable smell of desperation. The stars on the Walk of Fame were underwhelming – I found "Minnie Mouse" (or someone wearing a costume) was way more exciting than the actual stars… probably because she/he was friendly. The Chinese Theatre was cool, I guess… until I tried to get a selfie and a dude in a Spider-Man costume tried to charge me. My immediate reaction was to get the hell out of there.
- Observation: The Hollywood "experience" felt like a giant, expensive, shiny, and utterly soul-crushing tourist trap. I wanted a burger. Any burger.
Day 2: The Griffith Observatory Moment (and My Existential Crisis Continues)
- Time: 9 AM (ish). Decided to get a "jump start" on my day
- Event: Finally, something good!
- Transportation: Uber (again. Send help.)
- Destination: Griffith Observatory.
- Location of the American Inn: Again, walk a few metres on the street and there you are.
- Reaction: Okay, this was worth it. The view from the Observatory was breathtaking. The city sprawling out before me, the Hollywood sign in the distance - everything was beautiful. Then, I thought about my life, how many years I've wasted pursuing things that don't matter for my soul… and how that's all going to end.
- Observation: The Griffith Observatory is a perfect place to contemplate the universe, your place in it, and why you haven't called your mother lately.
- Rambling: Standing up there, looking at everything, the world, I felt… small. Utterly, beautifully, insignificantly small. And strangely… okay with it. Like, maybe not everything has to mean something, you know? Maybe existing and experiencing is enough. Then I remembered I hadn’t eaten lunch and the hunger pangs brought me back to reality.
Day 2, Part 2: The In-N-Out Experience (It's a Thing, Guys)
- Time: 1 PM. Starving.
- Event: In-N-Out Burger!
- Transportation: Still Ubering, still feeling the soul-crushing weight of late-stage capitalism.
- Destination: In-N-Out Burger. The nearest one. This was crucial.
- Location of the American Inn: I think there was a random In-N-Out Burger in LA.
- Reaction: Okay, this is what people are raving about. The double-double, the animal-style fries… it was heaven. I ate it so fast, I almost choked. Pure, unadulterated, delicious joy.
- Observation: In-N-Out is not just a burger; it's an experience. It's a religious experience. I'm a convert.
Day 3: Dodging Disaster (Sort Of)
- Time: 10 AM.
- Event: Was supposed to visit Santa Monica Pier and beach.
- Transportation: Uber again!
- Destination: Almost Santa Monica Pier and beach, but then…
- Location of the American Inn: Right across the street…almost
- Reaction: Got slightly lost. Ended up in a… less-than-glamorous part of town. And then got into a minor altercation with a pigeon. Turns out, pigeons aren't fans of loud noises or sudden movements. Who knew? Decided the beach could wait. Went back to the room, and watched some TV.
- Observation: LA is a city of extremes. One minute you're at the Observatory, contemplating the beauty of the cosmos, the next you're dodging rogue pigeons and questioning your life choices.
Day 3, Part 2: Trying to be Cultured (Kinda…Failed)
- Time: 3 PM.
- Event: Went to the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).
- Transportation: Uber!
- Destination: LACMA and its famous "Urban Light" installation.
- Location of the American Inn: Had to get out of the hotel.
- Reaction: The Urban Light installation was cool. But then I got bored. Art, sometimes, just doesn't click.
- Observation: I appreciate art, I really do. But sometimes I just want to watch Netflix.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Well, You Know.
- Time: 6 AM. Packing. Seriously repacking because I'd thrown everything in a heap.
- Event: Leaving the American Inn.
- Transportation: Uber. (I should probably just give them all my money at this point)
- Destination: LAX. Then, home.
- Reaction: Mixed. Relief to be leaving. Sad to be leaving the In-N-Out. But mostly relief. And a slight lingering suspicion that the smell of regret followed me out the door.
- Observation: The American Inn, despite its flaws, was… an experience. A character-building, slightly depressing, and ultimately memorable experience. Would I go back? Maybe. Would I pack extra earplugs? Absolutely.
So, there you have it. My brutally honest, slightly messy, and hopefully entertaining LA adventure. It was a chaotic mix of beauty, boredom, existential contemplation, and really, really good burgers. And hey, isn't that what life is all about? (Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find some therapy.)
Ordos' BEST Kept Secret: GreenTree Inn Kangbashi! (Ulan Mulun St.)
American Inn's Secret...ish Revealed! (Brace Yourselves, It's a Trip)
Okay, spill. What *is* the secret? Is it buried treasure? Aliens? Don't leave me hanging!
Alright, alright, settle down, Indiana Jones. There’s no buried gold (that I know of, could’ve already been found!), and sadly, no little green men ordering room service. The "secret" of the American Inn is… well, it's a mishmash of things. It's a feeling, a vibe, a collection of quirky details that stick in your head long after you leave. Think Wes Anderson meets… well, let's just say it's unique. It's a place that operates on its own timeline, with its own rules, and with a charm that sneaks up on you. I'm talking about things like...
1. The "Ambience" of the place... is, let's be kind and call it "vintage". It's like stepping back into the 70s, in a slightly faded, well-loved kind of way. The carpets are a marvel of abstract design, the furniture feels older than I am, and the TV still has rabbit ears. But somehow, it all works. It just *does*. The feeling might be a bit of nostalgia, or simple appreciation for something different than the cookie-cutter hotels. I love it!
2. The People! The staff is AMAZING. One time, I had a whole disaster with my car (flat tire, the works). The lady working at the front desk, bless her heart, knew a mechanic and even offered to drive me and lend me money! I felt so grateful and welcome.
Is it actually a *good* place to stay? Be honest. I need a good shower and comfy pillows.
Hoo boy. Okay, full disclosure: This isn't the Ritz. The showers...can be a roller coaster. Sometimes the water pressure’s a trickle, sometimes you're blasted with a firehose. The pillows... well, let's just say they contribute to the "retro" aesthetic. But, here's the thing: I was fine with it. This hotel is more like a friend's (slightly eccentric) grandma's house. It is a bit rough, but in a loving, charming way.
The rooms aren't spotless, not by a long shot! But they're clean enough, and the overall experience? It won me over. And even though some things are outdated, they have the essentials, like a hot shower (most of the time) and a comfy bed. But don't check-in expecting an upscale hotel, this ain't it.
What's the *best* room? Which one should I beg for? Don't let me down!
Ah, the million-dollar question! I can't tell you *exactly* which room is the holy grail because honestly, I've only stayed there twice. And they're always booked. Each room is a unique trip into the time machine of décor. But from what I've heard from other guests, and seen in my own short explorations, I'd suggest asking for anything on one of the higher floors. These rooms tend to have better views (mostly of the parking lot, but still!), and are usually quieter. And please, for the love of all that is holy, if you get a room with a working TV, consider it a victory! Check the bathroom door latch BEFORE you take a shower. Trust me.
Is it actually *safe*? I don't wanna end up in a horror movie.
Okay, okay, fair point. It always plays on the mind. Is it perfectly safe? Well, the neighborhood's not exactly Beverly Hills (I'd be disappointed if it was). But, I personally felt safe. There’s a security guard on duty at night and, I'd guess it depends on your definition of “safe”. It is not a perfect environment, but also is not the worst. I did not feel worried. The staff is friendly, (again) which I was impressed by. Use common sense - lock your door, don't wander around alone late at night, don't flash stacks of cash, the usual. You'll be fine.
The Location? Where is it? Tell me ALL the details!
Alright, the location is… uh… let’s just say it's "conveniently located." It's in Los Angeles– a major metro area, if you're lucky, right near a spot with some amazing food, which is always crucial! Finding things to do around the area is really not a problem at all, lots of great places to visit and explore. But, it’s not exactly on the tourist trail, which adds to its charm, in a way. A bit gritty, a bit real. Not a bad thing. The drive around the area is good, even though traffic is the worst. You can't beat that.
What's the *deal* with the breakfast? I love a good breakfast.
Okay, so the breakfast situation at the American Inn is… interesting. It's not a breakfast buffet, and it's not fancy. It’s included, which is always a plus. But it’s a "continental breakfast" so, basic. Think: cereal, pastries, coffee, juice. You're not going to be blown away, but it’s enough to get you going in the morning. The coffee is… coffee. Let’s call it "functional." The pastries might be from a box, don't be surprised. It's not the point. It’s the whole vibe, the whole experience, ya know? So when you're staying there, you're going to want to explore the area.
What’s the *weirdest* thing that happened to you there? Dish the dirt!
Oh man… where do I even begin? The entire experience is like a fever dream. Okay, here we go. One time, I was checking out, right? And the front desk lady, this sweet lady with the most amazing beehive you've ever seen, she had this tiny, fluffy dog perched on her shoulder. The dog was wearing a little sweater. And she charged me for a "towel surcharge" - like, $5 because I supposedly used too many towels. I barely used *any* towels! But I didn't argue. It just felt like part of the experience. The dog, especially. It was the most normal thing that happened all weekend, in that place. And the fact that I didn't even blink at the towel surcharge tells you everything you need to know.
Honestly, the fact that it’s so, so *un-glitzy* is part of the thrill. This place isn’t perfect. It's weird. It's worn. It's not a place to go if you want perfection. It IS a place to go if you want a good story. And, like the memory of that little dog in a sweater, it’s a good one.
Escape to Big Bear Lake: Your Hampton Inn Awaits!
