Hotels for PDC09

As you know, Microsoft’s PDC conference for 2009 is now open for business. Make sure you register ASAP as this is one of Microsoft’s hottest conferences around (ok, I may be a little biased since I am on the PDC09 Core Team). Now, when you register, you will have 14 hotels to choose from where you will get a special PDC rate. So which do you choose? Now I haven’t been to all of them, only a few. But here are my quick observations on some that I have stayed at during past PDC events.

Figueroa Hotel

This hotel is in actual walking distance which is good if you want to get some exercise. The website makes the hotel look exotic and it does have a certain flavor, but it is not for the Marriott mindset. You won’t find cofee makers, etc. But if you are looking for something quirky and won’t balk at a window A/C unit, then I would recommend it. It is a fun stay especially if you are bringing the spouse with you. It doesn’t have a cab line but I was always able to get one since it is on the main strip in downtown LA.

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites

This is “the” hotel for most folks, especially Microsoft attendees. In fact, I mentioned in my post Devil’s Field Guide to the PDC that:

Where do all the Microsofties hang after the event? If you are a fan of edgy chef personalities, you know that you always want to find the dives the chefs go to after their shifts are done. Later in the evening, after evening events and A/V checks are done, many of our kind will head over to the lobby of the Westin Bonaventure where everyone will be hanging out at the bar chatting up the news of the day and talking with attendees. Now, if you are looking to find all the hipster-Microsofties, then you want to head to the club at the rooftop of The Standard. The view there is awesome but the drinks can get expensive.

This place will have everything from fancy restaurants to the more affordable take-out. You will pretty much not have to leave the hotel for anything except the conference. The bar in the middle of the lobby will be absolutely full of attendees and lots of Microsoft employees.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

This is a nice hotel to stay at especially if you like the old-school feel of it from back in the day of the Rat Pack. Has plenty of amenities (restaurants and bars), but not as much of a scene as the Westin Bonaventure. The sushi restaurant is killer if you like sushi.

The other hotels I have not been to, but here is what folks have told me:

• Holiday Inn City Center – functional.
• O Hotel – hip.
• The Los Angeles Athletic Club Hotel – upscale.
• Marriott Los Angeles Downtown – if you have a Marriott reward card, then it is the place. Also, very close to the Westin Bonaventure.

Be sure to check out my Devil’s Field Guide to the PDC post and feel free to follow me on Twitter and look forward to seeing you at PDC09.