Cecil Hotel, Los Angeles

Did you know that for the past several decades, the Cecil Hotel has been home to LA’s poorest residents? The “Stay” and the Cecil are in the same building. Tenants of the Cecil believe that the conversions of their homes to the Stay were illegal because they violated the following laws: *In May 2006 the City Council passed a temporary moratorium on the demolition and conversation of residential hotels. * Later in 2006, the Community Redevelopment Agency adopted Development Guidelines and Controls for Residential Hotels. This guideline, among other things, requires replacement housing at extremely low-income levels for any units lost. * The City’s Primary Renovation Ordinance (LAMC 151.03) also requires that a notice of primary renovation be served to tenants, that a Tenant Habitability Plan (THP) be approved by the Housing Department, and that the THP be served to tenants. It also ensures that no tenant is permanently relocated from their current unit unless paid relocation benefits. The City has ignored enforcing its own laws and the Cecil owners are now exhibiting the illegal conversion on the sidewalks - for the viewing pleasure of the “new downtown” at the expense of long-term residents. LA CAN has filed a lawsuit, along with tenants, alleging these above violations that left many people without a home. If this concerns you, you may not want to support the “Stay.”

The rooms are extremely affordable and very, very clean. Staff there treated us like family from the moment we walked in until we left. We had to be sure and say good bye to everyone! When we go back their restaurant will be open and make the hotel that much BETTER! It's a perfect location and not that far from the Nokia Theatre. The front desk clerk even offered me a cab ride to go out for dinner. It doesn't get much better!

The room I had was clean, no roaches or any other bugs as others claimed. I felt safe and only paid $40.00 per night for a private room with my own shower/toilet. There was also cable TV with some good premium channels. The staff was courteous and friendly. I was there for 7 days. The downside is that it is near L.A.'s skid row and you do see some of that at night, but having lived in or traveled to other large cities, I do not always equate seedines with dangerous. There's always the option of taking a cab home at night or just not venturing out alone, too late, after dark. But that's standard advice anyway wherever you go in any large city. As this was once a residential hotel, it is still being upgraded but they are also being kind to some remaining long term residents, some of whom are on welfare, and not kicking them out immediately as they make the gradual conversion to higher quality rooms(remodeling, repainting, etc.) Overall, the entire hotel was clean, with a beautiful historic lobby, a new coffe shop/outdoor cafe. In addition, there is also a security guard on duty at all times. I would not hesitate to return.

its full of roaches and indigent poor people who are dirty. how can they possibly charge $55? this is like the CARTER in NYC...a dump.

The lobby is amazing, it has a european style. The rooms were very clean and for the price you cant beat it. The front was helpful in assisting me throughout my stay and the location was in the historic core of downtown. Shopping and restaruants were easily accessed from the hotel, many within walking distance.

The lobby resembles a Hollywood movie set and the rooms were nice for $40 with a nearby bathrooms on each floor, convient to most areas by bus.The area is improving, still a reccomend taking a cab after dark..Do check out the Cecil Hotel !

I stayed there two weeks in February 2000, and it was not so bad. Sure, not the top, but I paid then $15 a day and I had TV set in the room too!! And the district is not so bad, even if it's true I didn't exit after 7 p.m.

Its the the homeless with a few bucks stay - it is what it is - what do you want for $206 a week! If you getting off the us and need a quick place to sleep - not a place to enjoy the nightlife - then this hotel is perfect - once inside - it is safe and clean.