L.A. Confidential

The powers that be in the City of Angels have been touting its downtown core as the next “it” spot to tantalize locals and tourists alike for the past decade or more.

The latest hint that such a revitalization may be happening is the grand opening of the Marriott’s two-in-one hotel concept, the Courtyard and Residence Inn L.A. LIVE, situated on a bustling corner adjacent to the Staples Center and LA Live – an entertainment hub that includes the Nokia Center, Grammy’s Experience Museum and the Lucky Strike Bowling Center plus a slew of chain restaurants out to satiate starving sports and music fans.

While there actually are a few Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott dual-branded hotels — including one overlooking Central Park in Manhattan – this is the first pairing that does not separate the two brands on each floor. At LA LIVE they share the same floor, with the color differences being the only marking. Meaning that depending on your taste and budget you can opt for the Courtyard rooms or, on the other side of the hallway, a suite at the Residence Inn complete with full kitchen – stainless steel appliances up the lux quotient and the longer-stay factor.