Arrival/Check-In: Having been to the InterContinental Century City once before, I was prepared for the grand entrance as my car pulled in; and I was quickly helped with my things by numerous bellmen who directed me to the desk. With no wait, I received my key and directions to the elevators. At the late-afternoon hour, the lobby was abuzz with businesspeople enjoying cocktails at the bar and congregating before their evening plans.

Guest Quarters: My suite on the 14th floor opened to a living area with a sofa and chairs facing a large, flat-screen TV. The desk at the far end faced inward, perfect for viewing the news while preparing for a day of meetings. The long curtains were drawn, but when opened they revealed a balcony with two chairs. One of the details of the room design I appreciated was a door to the bathroom directly from the living room — a nice feature if you’re inviting colleagues to your room for a quick meeting.

The bathroom, also accessible from the bedroom, featured a separate shower and bath. The vanity held a single sink and large mirror. Here I found my second favorite detail: the bath products including body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and body wash, all in 3.4-ounce bottles. I loved the scent and appreciated the larger containers. A toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor and shaving cream were also complimentary. These things are often forgotten yet rarely provided, even in luxury properties.

The bedroom featured a large bed covered in a single white duvet. This is one of my favorite bedding styles, found in many European accommodations, and I was delighted to find it here. The bed sat in front of another large TV and a dresser.

Once settled in, I began to set up my workspace. Plugs by the bed and the desk were sparse and a bit hidden. I was disappointed WiFi is not complimentary in guestrooms, though it is in the lobby.

Services/Amenities: The hotel features a single fine-dining restaurant, the Park Grill, serving Executive Chef Jonathon Wood’s globally inspired California cuisine. Though I only visited the restaurant for breakfast, it was filled with a lively dinner crowd each time I passed.

I also missed out on the Spa at InterContinental, though I peeked in on my way to the swimming pool and Hollywood Fitness. This was one of my favorite hotel gyms of all time, with plenty of modern equipment looking out over the large outdoor pool.

The Experience: What a refreshing experience to stay in a hotel that caters so well to the business traveler. The style and thoughtful room layout made it a space where I could easily enjoy an extended stay.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

2151 Ave. of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
tel 310 284 6500
intercontinental.com