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The Omni chain forsook its old location (now the Wilshire Grand) to assume this boxy tower at the top of Bunker Hill because, as they say, location is everything: It's adjacent to the Museum of Contemporary Art and within walking distance of the L.A. Music Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, making the Omni Downtown's best base for culture buffs. Recognizing the geographical appeal, the hotel caters to theatergoers more than any of its peers, with complimentary car service until 11:30pm (great for dinner/show evenings), late-night dining during performances, and good-value theater packages.

An eager-to-please staff runs the property beautifully, and public areas enjoy a graceful air thanks to elegant accents and artworks from the likes of Jim Dine and David Hockney. The bright, spacious, and conservatively styled rooms are amenity-packed -- 25-inch flat-screen TVs, free wireless Internet access, fluffy robes -- and offer floor-to-ceiling views and oversize bathrooms with separate dressing areas; larger rooms also have a chaise, and business rooms feature an extralarge work desk with halogen task lighting and desk-level inputs (most also have a fax/copier/printer). At $35 extra for two, club-level rooms are a great value considering the accompanying freebies: continental breakfast, all-day beverages and pastries, evening cocktails and appetizers. Another reason to book a room here is the Omni's new flagship restaurant, Noé, which has been garnering high praise from the local press for it progressive American cuisine with Japanese influences. Tip: Request a room overlooking the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Facilities: Restaurant; lounge; outdoor heated lap pool; exercise room w/sauna; access to nearby health club; Omni Kids program; concierge; courtesy car within 3-mile radius; business center w/secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; executive-level rooms; 24-hr. on-call physician.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.