This basic chain hotel has had some work done, as they say in Hollywood, and the stylish lobby is a delightful surprise after seeing the clunky (though also rehabbed), 1950s facade. The best rooms are in back, away from the traffic noise; they overlook the pool and have views of the nearby hillside. All rooms (kings or two doubles only) are contemporary and attractive, if somewhat generic, and have refrigerators and microwaves. The location, five minutes’ walk from Hollywood and Vine, is the biggest draw, and that intersection’s Metro Line station allows you to visit Universal Studios sans wheels. Location probably also explains the major caveat here: Rates swing wildly, even from one weekday to the next. It’s a tremendous deal if you hit it right, and laughably overpriced if you don’t. (More than $500 after taxes for a motel room, even a nice one? C’mon.) Don’t book without first clicking the “dates are flexible” link and perusing the calendear, which displays daily prices.