Business travelers not welcome

12th February 2007

Business travelers not welcome

Has anyone out there realized that the trendier the hotel, the worse it is for business travel? I’ve experienced this before in New York (at the Paramount, trust me the website photos lie) so you’d think I’d learn that L.A. is just the same when it comes to overpriced boutique hotels. Is there something wrong with me because I don’t like hotels with “schtick”? (Who actually thought sexual innuendos on an air conditioning system was clever? Well, it’s kind of funny, but I’m too tired to laugh.) Is it too old-fashioned to actually require a box of tissue in the bathroom? With a sink color that doesn’t remind me of my high school locker room?

Anyway, I’m in L.A. for that cool mommy blogger event (more on that soon, I promise) and unfortunately, I decided to stay overnight to catch up with a friend and work out of our L.A. office tomorrow. I say unfortunately, because I somehow ended up at The Standard Hotel in Hollywood. Its website description says “Andre Balazs chic, affordable business hotels.” Ok, Andre, why can’t you afford to give each room its own body lotion? Aren’t you Uma’s boyfriend or fiance or something?

I swear, as soon as I walked into the cushy, dark, music-thumping lobby with the lit swimming pool I should have turned around and headed for the nearest Holiday Inn. I bet their guests get their own internet cables without having to sign a $20 waiver (I’m serious).

I guess it’s too much to actually ask for a cup to brush my teeth with or maybe a gym so I can walk my lazy butt after sitting all day. I thought everyone in L.A. is obsessed with working out. Apparently, they’re all too worried about getting a spot in this glass bubble seat. Looks comfy, but I’ll be taking my non-trendy self to the minimalist-platform bed - with only one blanket - nobody actually sleeps in this hotel - we just come here to be seen you loser - room. Goodnight.

Tags: business travel, The Standard Hotel, Andre Balazs, boutique hotels

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1 On February 13th, 2007, Mom101 said:

Oh, I wish I could have warned you - it’s a cheap hotel for a reason. But at least there’s Tobelerone in the room and a decent bar. Plus Bar Marmont is across the street if you want people who can afford real trendinista imbibing.

Great to meet you yesterday! Looking forward wto your recap.

2 On February 13th, 2007, selfmademom said:

I should have asked. Rookie mistake. Awesome meeting you as well!

3 On February 13th, 2007, crazedparent/jobmom said:

two words (okay a word and a letter: “The W.”

The absolute BEST hotel everywhere, anywhere. Love. it.

4 On March 1st, 2007, Working mom business travel at its worst? » Self-Made Mom said:

[…] Martha of Silicon Valley Mom Blogs posted about an upcoming business trip this week that she’s really looking forward to. My recent jaunt to L.A. was a business trip to remember (except for the hotel.) I’m all for going away for work, provided it’s to a good destination, I can stay at a luxury hotel (who could say no to 500-count thread sheets at the Ritz? Certainly not me), and I can sleep in until 9 AM (Central time.) So maybe that’s why I’m a little cranky that I have to go to Dalton, GA for business on Sunday night. The project is good, and I’m sure it’s pretty and the people are nice, but Northwest Georgia just doesn’t sound like a “getaway” to me. I’m from the Midwest: Southern accents make me blush. (Even though I whine my vowels like no other.) Therefore, I’m prompted to ask my dear readers: Where is the worst place you’ve traveled to on business and why? If it’s Chicago, though, I don’t want to know. […]

5 On March 5th, 2007, Pepsi in a Coke town, or why boring hotels are ok by me » Self-Made Mom said:

[…] Well, I’m sitting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (why are airport names so damn long!?) after the longest day of meetings, ever (no seriously I’ve been up since 5 am Eastern) waiting to go back home. Anyway, my trip down south has been nice. Flight was on time on the way there, I got an aisle seat, and a coworker booked me at a local Embassy Suites. After my foray into boutique hotels in Los Angeles, I welcomed the safe hotel choice. I mean, what could go wrong? […]

6 On May 2nd, 2007, Day tripper » Self-Made Mom said: