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This 35-story, 1,354-room monolith is the hotel that locals love to hate. The truth is that the Bonaventure is a terrific hotel. It's certainly not for travelers who want intimacy or personality in their accommodations -- but with more than 20 restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, a monster health club, a Kinko's-size business center, and much more on hand, you'll be hard-pressed to want for anything here (except maybe some individualized attention). And with a $35 million renovation recently completed, this convention favorite has never looked better or felt fresher.

The hotel's five gleaming glass silos encompass an entire square block and form one of Downtown's most distinctive landmarks. The six-story lobby houses fountains and trees (and, surprise, a Starbucks). A tangle of concrete ramps and 12 high-speed glass elevators lead to the extensive array of shops and services. Among the highlights is the rooftop L.A. Prime Steak House and revolving BonaVista lounge, both offering unparalleled views and even a Krispy Kreme Donut Stand (Well, that settles it!).

The pie-shape guest rooms are on the small side, but a wall of windows offering great views, and Westin's unparalleled Heavenly Bed -- the ultimate in hotel-bed comfort -- make for a very comfortable cocoon. With an executive workstation, fax, and wet bar, guest office suites are great for business travelers, while tower suites -- with a living room, an extra half-bathroom, a minifridge, a microwave, and two TVs -- are ideal for families.

Facilities: 17 restaurants and fast-food outlets; 5 bars and lounges; outdoor heated lap pool; 15,000-sq.-ft. full-service spa w/exercise room, running track, and access to adjacent 85,000-sq.-ft. health club; Westin Kids Club; concierge; tour desk; Dollar Rent-a-Car desk; full-service business and copy center; shops; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; executive club level.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.