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I had an incredible YouTube shopping event planned, which gave me the perfect excuse to treat myself to a staycation right here in the city. I decided to check into the Hilton Los Angeles in Culver City, and booking a stay here made the whole experience so much smoother. I was glad I stayed local because it meant I didn't have to rush or sit through that brutal LA traffic.

If you're planning activities in this particular LA area, this hotel's location is great. However, just a heads up for my fellow explorers: I didn't see any walking, dining, or entertainment options right outside the door, so this is definitely a hotel for staying put or driving to your destinations.

First Impressions: That Lobby Vibe

I arrived super early (like, three hours early), hoping to snag an earlier check-in , but the 4:00 PM check-in time was firm. However, I honestly didn't mind hanging out. The lobby at this Hilton has plenty of comfortable seating, feels incredibly cozy, and is absolutely gorgeous with its stylish decor and warm ambiance.

Hilton Culver City Lobby — Lobby view from check-in counter

I had no problem killing three hours there because the lobby featured a cafe serving Starbucks coffee along with a nice selection of small light bites. Right next to the cafe was a bar that was open and the entire floor had plenty of comfortable spots where I could relax. I brought my laptop, managed to get some work done, and before I even realized it, those three hours had actually flown by really fast.

Hilton Culver City Cafe — Cafe area in the lobby

Hilton Culver City Bar — bar area in the lobby

While the lobby was stunning, I have to mention that the staff wasn't overly friendly or welcoming at check-in or even later at the bar. They weren't mean, but it was just a very transactional interaction. I just like to get that nice, welcoming vibe when I go to a hotel.

Hilton Culver City Spacious Lobby — Lobby view from the main entrance

Inside the Room: Aesthetic Meets Comfort

I booked a two-queen room hoping Crystal would be able to make it to the event, but unfortunately, she wasn’t able to join me. Despite that, I decided to keep the two-queen room instead of switching to a one king room.

Hilton Culver City Two Queen Bedroom — two queen bedroom

I really like having the extra bed. It’s perfect for laying out my suitcase and organizing my things instead of having to use a luggage rack. It just makes everything feel more comfortable and convenient during my stay.

Here’s the rundown on what made Room 403 comfy:

The Beds: Hilton seriously knows how to do a comfy bed. The mattress is always just perfect, and the pillows are always comfy. They give you options, soft and firm, which I appreciate. I always get a pretty good night's rest when I stay at a Hilton.
Charging: Next to each bed, there are outlets and USB outlets. Essential for keeping my phone and camera batteries charged.
Workspace: The room included a working desk (not just a TV console ). The thermostat worked great and was easy to use; I adjusted it to make the room a little warmer since it's getting cold now that it's October.
Coffee Station: Although I didn’t end up trying any of the coffee options that were available, I did make good use of the mini fridge. I had brought back some dessert from the event and having the fridge was really convenient.
The Look: I appreciate how spacious the entryway is. There's plenty of space to put luggage and items. And, of course, the large, floor-length mirror. I love this for doing an outfit check before heading out.

Bathroom & Amenities: The Highs and the Lows

What I Loved
The bathroom was spacious, but the absolute winner? The illuminating mirrors. I've noticed most Hiltons I've stayed at have replaced their mirrors with these, and they are fantastic. They make it so much easier to do my makeup. Plus, the sink area had plenty of space for all my toiletries. I also thought the Crabtree toiletries were nice.

Hilton Culver City Private Bathroom — Spacious Bathroom

Hilton Culver City Crabtree Amenities — Crabtree Amenities

What Could Use an Upgrade
There were a few minor but important things I wished were different:

No Robe or Slippers: I wish they had provided a robe and some slippers because I don't like walking barefoot in my hotel room.
No Small Toiletries: There weren’t the usual toiletries provided, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, and other small essentials. Luckily, I had brought all these items myself.
Weak Shower Pressure: This was the biggest frustration. The shower head pressure was so low it was annoying. I would spend so much time in the shower just trying to get the shampoo out of my hair because it was so weak. Thankfully, the water was nice and warm, so I can't complain too much.

Hilton Culver City Walk-in Shower — Walk-in Shower

Hilton Culver City Crabtree Toiletries — Crabtree Shampoo and Conditioner

Bonus Amenities

For my health and wellness-focused readers, the hotel has a really nice size gym and a pleasant pool area. Also, good news for pet parents: the Hilton Culver City is dog friendly. They even had a cute little pet area station.

Final Verdict

Although my stay was comfortable, the service significantly detracted from the experience. Several staff members, particularly at check-in and the bar, were notably unfriendly and seemed disinterested in assisting guests. This made basic interactions feel transactional and unwelcoming. Despite the slightly underwhelming staff friendliness, the beautiful, comfortable rooms, and gorgeous lobby made this Hilton a pleasant stay.

Hilton Culver City Los Angeles — View from my room

Quick Tips: Where to Eat & Play Nearby

While the Hilton Los Angeles Culver City isn't in a main walkable area, you're only a short drive away from some fantastic spots:

West & Co. (In-House): California coastal cuisine right in the lobby. Perfect for a quick, stylish meal or a grab-and-go Starbucks coffee. I grabbed a jumbo cinnamon muffin here, and it was delicious. However, I found the price to be surprisingly high, which was a bit of a shock.
Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken: A must-try local favorite for perfect, crispy Southern-style fried chicken and biscuits. Great for a hearty lunch.
Sony Pictures Studio Tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at a working movie studio. A studio tour in LA is such a fun experience. Crystal and I went to a live taping of the Conan Show many years ago and got a little tour of the Warner Bros. Studios and we LOVED it.
Platform: A modern and sophisticated shopping center featuring a variety of trendy eateries. It’s the perfect spot if you are traveling with a group, as there are diverse choices to satisfy everyone's tastes and preferences.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook: This 0.7 mile round trip hike is challenging but also rewarding. The famous Culver City stairs invite you to climb up to breathtaking, stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles. Great for a travel-fitness moment and an amazing photo op.