Royal Viking Motel — Attraction in Los Angeles

I give this hotel a full five stars because there is different variables to consider. Although the location is not favorable to many especially tourist, around the Westlake MacArthur Park area is considered one of the bad areas of town, there are many homeless people which breed drug addicts, possible vandalizing, uncomfortability etc. Nevertheless, the Royal Viking has created a facility that has many deterrents and precautions put in place to protect the property and its patrons. The staff is amazingly courteous, nice, outstanding work ethic and accommodating. No matter what I asked for the gentleman in the front desk was very courteous and retrieved any amenity I requested within their services. We spoke briefly and in the conversation I mentioned I was in the service for 15 years, and he went out of his way to thank me for my service and motivated him to provide excellent customer service to me more so than he was doing before I mentioned my time in the Marines. After 6:00 p.m. there is a security guard protecting the property which includes customers safety, vehicles and property. The security guard is very aggressive with anyone that is not a customer so therefore it deters the bad elements. Also, after 6:00 p.m. along with security they have a gated community which the access code is given to customers, and if you lose the number the security guard will gladly assist you and allow you in after verification. Which is a great precaution for the safety of the customers. I had a great time and felt safe while I was asleep...

This property may not be the Shangri-la , but it seems to be undergoing a much needed makeover. There wasn't any service that I could honestly speak on since the place was more than half-empty due to the renovation.What surprised me was the great location, blocks from MacArthur Park and Downtown, with Metro bus routes running on Alvarado and 3rd Street which could connect a public transit commuter or visitor to all things LA County. The Royal Viking Inn has a pool, perfect for this sweltering heat. It is also located next to a full-service Starbucks, which says something. Not only is it a hidden gem for a tourist who isn't interested in having 1,000,000 thread count sheets, handmade bath soaps and rockstar concierge service, it puts a visitor in striking distance of all LA's famous tourist attractions. Staying there could provide easy access to mass transit options for a fraction of what it would cost in gas alone to drive a car rental, all while avoiding the parking lot freeways and by lessening the harmful environmental impacts responsible for climate change. Great for someone who'd rather spend most of their time enjoying and experiencing the City of Angels and not by breaking the bank for hotel amenities that won't be used. When the renovations are completed I can see how the no vacancy sign could stay on after locals and tourists alike uncover the hidden savings and added value the Royal Viking...

Ok so first of all this is a motel - if you want a five star hotel (not be be confused with a five star google reviewed MO-tel) then go elsewhere. We requested a room with the parquet floor, which was much cleaner than a room with a carpet I imagine. I would recommend recommending this floor type. The gentleman at the front desk was incredibly nice and helpful. As were the cleaning staff, who let us leave the room a tad late because something came up on our end. (Never count on getting a late check-out until day of departure, it all depends on how much work the cleaning staff has to do, if any). As for the neighborhood, it's a short walk to 6th and Alvarado street. Some people on Google reviews call it "dangerous." I think what these reviewers actually mean is that this motel located in a majority minority neighborhood, which perhaps makes them uncomfortable. Get over it ya'll and go take a walk around to find some fun open-air markets and treat yourself to some delicious Korean, Salvadoran, or Oaxacan food, among other...