Gigaman

New surrounds help gay classic

I've visited the Coral Sands about eight times over the last 15 years and loved the occasional raunchy evenings. Two free (good) porn channels and reasonably well looked after although prices have risen in 2009 to $90. Now, NO PUBLIC nudity is on the sign-in sheet. The reason seems to be to allow straights to stay - although there was only one couple when I was here in JAn 09. The sauna is also closed (or being refurbished?), but spa and pool remain. On the brighter side, the place is clean, rooms are large with King beds, TV and remote actually works on about a dozen channels, free Wi-Fi (good signal). This area was a dog when I first started coming, but in recent years the whole surrounding area has come alive with two large shopping centers in the same block, a choice of about four great Thai restaurants just minutes walk away, ATMs, Ralph's, Starbucks, Chinese next door, and excellent parking at the hotel. Its also close to Hollywood and about a fifteen minute drive to West Hollywood. Like the San Vicente, this is one of the LA's two classic gay hotels. One only hopes that the odd straight customer's wont deter its historic clientele. Deserves more gay custom.

One last chance for survival

Like the Coral Sands, the San Vicente Inn have been a great place for wicked and enjoyable few days - in days past. I've stayed here about eight times over the last decade, but noticed a steady decline over the last three or four years. Apparently a new owner took over in late 2008. UNBELIEVABLY he has closed off the rear HALF of the property. The clothing optional pool, spa and steam room remain, as does the free continental breakfast. However on this 3-day LA stay I moved to the Coral Sands after the first night here - Why?... The tiny room's TV worked for about three channels only - and no porn. The shutters on the windows were falling out. The cheapest room was $100 night inc tax. The spa area had been ripped apart with all of the old decorations and nice lighting gone, water luke warm. Female cleaners are OK at cleaning but the cute all-guy cleaners in the old days kept the vibe alive! On the brighter side, the staff I encountered were pleasant and seemed eager to please - even though they could find a remote that worked for my TV - By the way, finding remotes to work for the umpteen different makes of TVs in the place is a memory I have going back many years! It seems incredible that such a magnificent block of land in such a great position and with such a great legacy has been let slide to such a degree - and so far the new owner seems to be making things worse. I really hope I'm wrong because this used to be my favorite place to stay in LA for many years! It gets one more try on my next visit.