Bluestem Hotel Torrance Los Angeles, an Ascend Collection Hotel — Hotel in Torrance

I am a Choice Privileges member and have stayed at The Cove often. I decided I would see what was being offered for July 4th weekend. I saw a great deal for both The Cove and The Bluestem Hotel and decided to stay at The Bluestem. Had never heard of it and wanted to stay somewhere different for a local work getaway. I absolutely loved it, but there were some plus and minuses. First I will say that it is a great place to work for business people as there is no distraction of a pool or local "attractions". The rooms were just as they were shown on the online photos, really nice design aesthetic and good size. The patio area with the fountain and lobby areas, absolutely gorgeous. I had to use the business center area and that was helpful. Great ice machine and coffee machine inside, small fridge, everything a person would need. Bed was really comfy. I was surprised by the polyester sheets, I normally find cotton everywhere I go, but it was all good. The most top bedspread was pretty in texture, but itchy for my skin. Just noting. I would have loved if the TV had a guide channel. I kept pushing the guide button, but nothing happened. Nice bathroom area. Shower could use more water pressure. On my last day the handle to the shower popped out of place while I was in the shower. I reported it as soon as I got out so that they were sure I did not damage anything. I asked for a maintenance request to be put in but no workers on weekends. No problem. When I went downstairs I made sure that the next person on shift saw the note about the room because I like to have at least two staff know of any issues for accountability purposes. 24 hour room service was wonderful. Plushy towels. No robes in my room at least. Love the choice of bathroom toiletries. Of course some things are on hold because of Covid-19 like continental breakfast, but water and microwave is provided in lobby where there is also a grab and go section. There were plant-based snacks, happy about that. I am pretty OCD about cleanliness and am quite a great cleaner myself so for me the room could have been more clean. The floor was pretty dirty for me since I like being barefoot. I spilled a dot of coffee and wiped it up with my baby wipe and yeah dirty. It felt as though I was walking on a very thin layer of finely grit dirt. There is information on the website about extra steps in cleaning because of Covid, but honestly I have walked into rooms that you knew where clean from the moment of opening the door just by the fresh smell. I do understand that housekeeping has timeframes to do what they need to do and I always come in and do my own cleaning anyway, which I did, just wish I had a Swiffer. Internet was wonky the night of the 4th and 5th. On the 5th I had to call the 24 hour tech line to get back on. Worked like a jig. I mean overall, I get it. I would stay again and I would definitely recommend. Wendy's next door, food across the street. I was in room 209. 4 stars because of those little technicalities, but I will say the staff is much better here than at The Cove, VERY welcoming and accommodating. I felt SUPER welcomed. Oh and I loved the gated complimentary parking. I felt that cars were super safe by being inside and you have to use your room key to...

Cleanliness is spot on! In fact, it's the main reason why I keep staying at this hotel. It's consistently clean, and not surface clean, it's truly clean! I really appreciate it! Beds are always comfy and parking is always included. You just can't beat this at the prices you offer. One of the reasons why I gave 7 stars is because of the bathroom door. Not only is it not clear how to close it, but when it is closed, there's no real barrier in both sound and smell between the bathroom and the sleeping area. I really wish it was just a normal door that locks. It's not like this sliding door adds anything to the design because it doesn't. But this time we had someone in the room next to ours who didn't understand how to close the bathroom door and they kept banging and banging that door for hours not understanding how to use it and getting frustrated that it wouldn't stay close. We ended up calling the front desk to ask them to call that room and tell them how to use the door. And the FD didn't do it right away because the banging continued for another 10-15 minutes after our call. The phone in our room didn't work, so its possible that it was the case with the other room too and FD had to come in person. Idk. All I know is that none of that would happen if it was just a normal door. Another reason for the lower rating is that I don't like that there's either complete blackout in the room in terms of the window and the curtain or complete lack of privacy. I don't like blackout bc my body gets confused at what time it is. And I always feel groggy in this darkness bc I always end up oversleeping unless I set up an alarm which I shouldn't have to. But I can't open the curtain even a little bit because there's no privacy at all and people constantly walk back and forth. I wish that you just did a double rod with one blackout curtain for those who want it and one semi see through curtain that allows light in but textured enough to create privacy. Or maybe just use fogged glass for windows because they allow light in but privacy is fully intact. This complete blackout vs complete lack of...

Every catergory is a 9 out of ten but one person gets it dropped to a three. There was a loud party outside my room. We spoke with the manager and he said that it would end soon. That was 4pm and they left at 1030pm they partied on both saturday evening and less loudly Sunday . Asked to be moved. Was told they were sold out. An experinced manager would have known to schedule the partiers rooms in blocks where it was loud and not told the families they had to deal. The staff is great just one manager, Richmond who assumes a slick suite and schmoozing attitude smooths over everything. It doesnt. He was very polite and nice but lacks true experience. He caused an issue with my son this week. He stayed there over a week paid ahead of time and was pulled out of his room at 9pm to be told he didnt pay that night, but the next night was already paid. What kind of manager pulls someone out of room at 9pm and did not make sure it was not his error. Richmond does. We are medical professionals, if we made a mistake that big it would be our license. Found out it was their mistake. The facility and staff are all great. Richmond needs some education on how to handle situations. He is polite but lacks true customer service. Its an image not true concern. We have stayed more than 30 nights over the last year between ourselves and our son and girlfriend. We willnstay there again we love everyone, we just try and stay away from Richmond. He though refunding $100 after the incident with my son would make it go away. My son is a dr and stays there because of the cleanliness not the cost. Refunding half a night after pulling him out at 9pm and accusing of not paying was ridiculous. Otherwise best hotel in Torrance. Yay Blue Stem and the front desk, cleaning and maintenance...