Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel, Studio City

My husband and I live just a few miles away from the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel. We needed to vacate our home for one night and chose the place because of it's convenient location. We also remember booking rooms for out of town relatives whenever they came into town for important family celebrations. Nobody complained. But that was long ago. Now this "so called" hotel is way past it's "glory days" and is very badly in need of complete renovation or should be torn down entirely. Our standard room had dirty glass sliding doors which led to an even dirtier patio. The furniture had not been changed since the 70's. The bathroom was deplorable with an old cracked tile floor, dirty grout, peeling faucet handles at the sink, chipped bathtub, toilet that would not flush unless you pushed down on the lever with all your might (I kept my shoes on and used my foot.) In fact, I kept my shoes on until I got into bed for the night. I placed our toiletries and hairdryer on the bathroom counter thinking that we would shower in the morning and slowly work our way back home after breakfast. Instead, because we were so repulsed by the bathroom, we woke up, brushed our teeth, got dressed quickly and were out of there by 7:00AM. My husband checked out while I waited in the car he paid the bill which was for the agreed upon rate plus the usual taxes and (surprise!) a $l0.00 charge for parking in an unsecured, nearly empty outdoor parking lot. I should also mention that the charming dinner restaurant which once overlooked the duck pond and it's adjoining bar area have given way to an odd assortment of meeting/catering rooms. So on the night that we were unfortunate enough to be there the only bar available was located outdoors at the pool. The evening was very cold and we simply could not deal with sitting outside with our coats on. So, with no possibility of enjoying a drink and having a nice relaxing dinner at "The Lodge" we reluctantly got into our car and drove to a local restaurant. We'd like to know why they call this dump with no amenities.......a "hotel" when they offer nothing more than any "motel" with clean sheets? What a shame!

We just returned from this hotel. We stayed Oct 3-9. When we booked with Expedia, we were really looking forward to it. Then we checked in, and saw the huge heated pool. The kids were really pumped to use it. We Did the tourist thing the first few days, and planned to use the pool the last 2, to relax before we left for a long plane ride back to GA. We got up, went down to the pool, only to find out a TV show was being filmed pool side for the next 2 full days, and we , paying customers, couldn't use it. Angry doesn't cover it. No one told us when we checked in it wouldn't be available. There is no disclaimer on their web site either, to suggest you may not be able to use all the things you pay for. due to a filming. We were unable to use the pool, not able to park, and since we booked Expedia, no bill compensation was available. We were offered to be shuttled to another hotel to use their pool, and 2 free nights, which we won't use, since we live in GA. My advice-don't book anything in Hollywood area unless you ask about a pre -scheduled filming first, esp. if you have kids. The show involved half naked bikins girls, beer, wet t shirt contest, lude music, and it went on for hours right under our balcony, as we were pool side. We used the pool for about an hour the day we had to leave, and it was great. The location is ideal. The rooms are a little older, but the beds are great, very soft, and pillows also. If you need a hard bed, these aren't for you. I would not stay there again, as it must be a hot place to film. I would use another smaller chain near by.

Every year the General Hospital Fan Club Weekend events are held at the Sportsman but after 2008 we will have to find another place as they are tearing down the event center and thats a shame. Its a great place and I can't imagine going somewhere else. The Sportsman is a wonderful, scenic and family place to stay. My wish is for them to change their minds and leave history as it is. Its a landmark that is soon going to be destroyed. Please save the Sportsman Hotel from corporate america!

The hotel has a beautiful pool area and a restaurant with tv/movie memorabilia in it. Including a jacket worn by Mrs. C from Happy Days and movie cowboy boots, Roy Rogers. The place is about 60 years old and the bell staff guys will take care of you,getting Lincoln Towncar service that is cheaper/as cheap as taxis but a heckuva lot nicer. One bellman got a me Lincoln to pick me up at 5:30 a.m. and take me to LAX. Great, safe ride.

Stay elsewhere: problems + pricey = you can do better, keep looking. We stayed there for a special event and brought in lots of out of town guests. It was a constant stream of problems for us and all our guests. They booked our room out from under us, closed the pre-booked facilities before we arrived, then slapped on a fake charge after we left that we are still disputing. On the heels of every hassle was a bad-tempered staff person to add insult to injury. This former Valley landmark now earns its $$ housing film crews - their trucks filled the lots before and after our stay - and now they clearly aren't interested in serving tourists or public guests. All this plus outdated decor and mediocre food. There are great places to stay all over L.A., keep looking and you'll find one!

The survise is great you can get anything there it's apsultly great. the room that I stayed at was great the matress was unbeliveble. the location is great so many sites to see. the value ia amzing for a hotel like that i thout it would nbe more expesive.

We had always loved this hotel in the past when our family and friends stayed during their LA visit. However, the last visit made me rethink about our future recommendation. Crystal, the same front desk woman in the Susan from Kansas review in '04, still works there and she was extremely rude. I watched her dealing with other guests and there was no difference from my experience with her. I cannot believe the hotel manager does not care about her manner to the hotel guests. The experience with this one person made me want to never come back again to the hotel. It's unfortunate since we loved the pool.

The people that work here are extremely R U D E ! They forget who the customer is. I will never go back. The prices are way to high!

I stayed there a couple months ago, the maintenance people were great, so were the people in the Coffee Shop. I did have a little problem with a young lady at the front desk which I thought was really rude, and had no manners her name was Cristal. I wanted to speak to the G.M. but he was never there when I would look for him. People at the front desk told me to leave messages in his voicemail but he never returned my calls. Overall my experience was horrible and I would never stay there again.

When in L.A., I always stay here. The rates are reasonable, and the location couldn't be better for access to both the San Fernando Valley and the West Side. And wonder of wonders! There is plenty of parking. The rooms are spacious and well kept. The staff and employees are superior, and the coffee shop restaurant offers great prices, and low key, fun ambiance.