The Metric Hotel — Attraction in Los Angeles

The Metric is a small, unique hotel made of what looks like metal shipping containers. This is a non-smoking hotel, and smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted inside or in the parking garage. I stayed for a few nights and would like to share my experience, which I give a round 3 stars.

To start with pros: Check in process was easy and staff was onsite to greet me and get me set up. Breakfast is Homeboy pastries which is a nice gesture. Room was clean and tidy. Comfortable mattress. All the staff is kind and helpful.

On to the not so good— the hotel has a very strong scent (a glade plugin) in both the halls and elevator, so much so that it could clearly be smelled through a mask. I have no idea why there is so much smell going on in the halls/elevator but it actually gave me a headache to be out there too long. Like an apple bomb. I don’t have MCS or any sensitivities but this bothered me.

The walls in this building are extremely thin, and the floors are not adequately noise proofed. I could hear my upstairs neighbor get up several times in the night, and didn’t have the option in the thermostat to keep the fan going as white noise. The King room did not even have a real table to eat at that wasn’t directly under the TV/attached to the wall, so it felt a little clumsy to try to do anything but sleep here. TV channels were few and I couldn’t get it to work with my phone. I found the towels kind of scratchy. Sheets were hot and did not breathe. Shower had a modern, eco-friendly feel.

Finally, I accidentally set off an emergency alarm leaving the parking garage at an exit that was not marked at all— in fact the map in the lobby didn’t show it even existed. The exit was also obstructed by assorted items (brooms, random things) that made it difficult to get through. In the event of a fire in the main building, the only way to exit without access to this door is via the gate which I’m not sure would open for a person. Aside the point, however, because this exit should not be obstructed anyway because it may need to be accessed in event of a fire. In my review to them directly I asked them address the clutter in front of this door immediately, and I recommended an update to the map outside the ground floor elevator to include this other exit. They were responsive to this and received my feedback.

For the price and the minimal needs I had it was OK. I think next time I’ll...

This is a fairly small facility consisting of 5 floors total and 3 floors of actual guest rooms (plus/minus) with about 9 rooms on each floor so the staff can provide genuine guest hospitality and the staff at the front desk - we met Rosalynn (sp) and Summit (sp) - were especially outstanding. Real personalized and super-friendly service.||The room was virtually brand new & immaculate. Absolutely spotless. Furnishing were "minimalist" - more Scandanavian than US in style - which is not a criticism. Bathroom was large, well-lit, with a delightful shower: glass doors/double shower spouts. Bed was towards the softer side - either you like that or don't. Pillows were just right. Breakfast was sparse but delicious: a versatile hot beverage machine with choices from double-shot espresso to cappuccino to coffee americano created on the spot and a selection of tasty and highly caloric baked treats from the neighborhood artisan baker.||The room was also dead quiet - real solid construction obviously. The room doors are all dampened so no door-slamming noise or hallway noise. This isn't the Biltmore - no visitors are permitted and security is robust by virtue of the way the building is set up with a gated parking entrance and a key card requirement to gain entry into the building and to use the elevator. Smartly thought-out.||Location is slightly to the west of DTLA, 4 blocks west of the 110 Harbor Freeway. We walked there in about 10 minutes; maybe 3-5 minutes by Uber. We felt safe walking during daylight but not sure about nighttime which probably applies to most locations in downtown LA. The hotel neighborhood seems pretty decent but we didn't really explore it.||Wifi was free and reasonably fast.||Pricing was more than fair given the quality product. We booked directly with the hotel and received a discount vs. using one of the OTAs. No points earned but significant $$ saved.||Overall, a truly great place to stay if you don't mind being slightly away from the downtown LA action - that's the tradeoff...

This is a fairly small facility consisting of 5 floors total and 3 floors of actual guest rooms with about 9 rooms on each floor so the staff can provide genuine guest hospitality. The staff at the front desk - we met Rosalynn (sp) and Summit (sp) - were especially outstanding. Real personalized and super-friendly service.

The room was virtually brand new & immaculate. Absolutely spotless. Furnishings were "minimalist" - more Scandanavian than US in style - which is not a criticism. Bathroom was large, well-lit, with a delightful shower: glass doors/double shower spouts. Bed was towards the softer side - either you like that or don't. Pillows were just right. Breakfast was sparse but delicious: a versatile hot beverage machine with choices from double-shot espresso to cappuccino to coffee americano created on the spot and a selection of tasty and highly caloric baked treats from the neighborhood artisan baker.

The room was also dead quiet - real solid construction obviously. The room doors are all dampened so no door-slamming noise or hallway noise. This isn't the Biltmore - no visitors are permitted and security is robust by virtue of the way the building is set up with a gated parking entrance and a key card requirement to gain entry into the building and to use the elevator. Smartly thought-out.

Location is slightly to the west of DTLA, 4 blocks west of the 110 Harbor Freeway. We walked back to Downtown in about 10 minutes; maybe 3-5 minutes by Uber. We felt safe walking during daylight but not sure about nighttime which probably applies to most locations in downtown LA. The hotel neighborhood seems pretty decent but we didn't really explore it.

Wifi was free and reasonably fast.

Pricing was more than fair given the quality product. We booked directly with the hotel and received a discount vs. using one of the OTAs. No points earned but significant $$ saved.

Overall, a truly great place to stay if you don't mind being slightly away from the downtown LA action - that's the tradeoff...