Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park was the easiest solution for a recent family event. We opted to stay in a hotel instead of making a turn-around trip that required a 2-hour drive each way - during the busy Christmas weekend. It was a smart move.

Booking was simple - I used my Marriott Bonvoy app to make the reservation for a suite to accommodate our family for an overnight stay.

Note: Prior to booking the reservation, I scouted the surrounding area and neighboring hotels. I was sold by a few factors: (1) it had a boba shop inside the hotel (LOL), (2) each bathroom has a bidet, (3) it’s still close to Los Angeles without the Pasadena or LA stay, and (4) it looked new.

FINDING THE HOTEL Getting here was simple. I used my GPS to guide me to the hotel without any issues.

Upon entry onto the hotel property, I appreciated the clear signage for drop-off (right side of driveway) and the lane that leads to the parking (left side of driveway).

CHECK-IN / BONVOY APP Check-in was easy. I was sent an email reminder (and a Bonvoy app notification) to check-in in advance. I was able to edit my arrival time on the app. The app also allowed me to have Mobile Key. It was simple to set up thru the app. Once I got to the hotel, I still physically checked-in to get actual hotel room access cards. And I’m glad I did because I had issues with my Mobile Key!

FRONT DESK & LOBBY - FIRST IMPRESSIONS Anyway the lady at the front desk was kind but wasn’t thorough with explaining the parking ticket until I had come down from checking into my room to ask about it. It was then when she explained that it was what I needed to enter/exit into the parking structure.

The lobby was large and inviting, and it was beautifully decorated with a large Christmas tree. I was surprised to see so much seating and a lot of tables. The lobby looked like the largest (and prettiest) Courtyard Marriott I’ve personally stayed at. Whatever scent they had to freshen it smelled divine! Seriously. Unfortunately, two employees couldn’t tell me what scent they used in their lobby.

PARKING Parking is in a parking structure. There are two levels (G1 and G2). We easily found space on one level in their Oversized Vehicle lot. I appreciated the thoughtfulness of having space for larger SUVs and trucks. This is a big plus as it gets hard to navigate larger vehicles in usually-tight parking structures.

ELEVATORS You’ll need a scan a key card to get up to your room. Unfortunately, I had multiple issues with the physical card and Mobile Key and had to get help from the Front Desk clerk to reactivate it.

SUITE Upon entry, I was welcomed with a well-lit room. The TV was turned on to a loud volume so I actually was scared someone was inside. I guess the hotel just has the volume up loud but it had a “Welcome Wendy” sign on the TV. What a nice touch! Our two-bedroom suite was perfect for our stay. I loved the foyer between the two rooms and the living space with sofa. The bathrooms were spacious and included in-shower Shampoo, Conditioner and Bodywash, And everyone in the suite enjoyed the amenities.

DINING They have a few options on-site:

• Chef Tony Dim Sum
• Five 55
• Bobaful
• Market (for miscellaneous items including snacks)

There are other nearby restaurants including an Asian market within walking distance. We tried all dining options except for - funny enough - the boba spot, which was my first deciding factor for booking the hotel. Haha

Overall, it was a good stay with decent service, great amenities, and excellent property location. I’d love to know what scent they use to freshen up their lobby as it smelled exquisite. My minor complaint would be the access card and Key cards not working properly. Other than that, I was pleased with the decision to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park and would be happy to book here again in the future.