You all may have seen this review before, I posted it several weeks ago. But now the Custom Hotel would like to offer one lucky reader a 4 night stay in one of their 2 bedroom suites. Also included is free valet parking each night of your stay. That is a pretty big deal in Los Angeles! To enter this awesome giveaway please follow the instructions at the end of this post! Good luck!
Remember that whole People’s Choice Awards thing I did earlier in the year? Well I needed a place to stay while I was there. The Custom Hotel Los Angeles was the perfect place to crash and a place to see and be seen. The manager Tom, who works tirelessly to make his guests happy, was really excited to work with me and I now have another great friend in Los Angeles!
The Custom Hotel is close to the LAX airport but in the opposite direction as most of the other hotels. I liked this, it gave my stay a more neighborhood type feel. When I arrived the valet parked my car and I headed inside. The lobby is decked out in sleek lines and sheep. Yes, I said sheep. Big fluffy sheep standing there watching your every move. Yet somehow it isn’t creepy. There is also a table stuffed full of games in case you get bored waiting on your friends. A computer in the lobby is also available for quick directions or email checks.
Some of the quirky aspects of the hotel are the elevators, the bathroom peephole and the interior rooms of each floor. The Custom Hotel would not be the same without these oddities which give guests something to look out for.
The elevators have these full wall photographs of the original designers of the hotel. Apparently they used to whisper but the new manager decided that was creepy and instead now loops a movie through the speakers instead. While I was visiting the movie was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The bathroom peephole sounds indecent but upon closer inspection, isn’t. In the wall in front of the restrooms is a peephole, look inside and you’ll see a movie playing. Most likely the same movie being looped through the speakers. But to passersby you may look like a peeping Tom. 
If you have downtime while visiting the Custom Hotel I recommend checking out the interior room of each floor. Every floor houses an interesting room purely for your entertainment. I was on the 12th floor and our interior room was called Scribble. Scribble was set up with about 20 easels and all the art supplies you could imagine. The point was to relax and express yourself. It would be especially inviting to young children. On the 4th floor you’ll find the vending machines. But don’t expect food and drinks, instead you can purchase kitschy gifts like dog toys, mardi gras masks, vampire teeth and even money clips. I could have spent an hour just looking through all the vending machines.
My room was an amazing one bedroom suite. I had a panoramic view of the airport which was actually very neat. At night I watched the planes take off and during the day I usually just had my blinds closed. For a one bedroom suite it did have two bathrooms. For myself alone it was unnecessary but I did end up using both. The team at Custom had surely paid attention to my blog because I had requested a shower cap and when I arrived they had one laid out for me in purple! Purple, my signature color! Apparently that isn’t the norm. 
My usual complaint with hotels wasn’t any different this time, the shower heads were awful. I made sure to inform Tom and he made an actual note of it at breakfast. The bed was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in in my entire life. Both the mattress and the bedding were the perfect consistency and I slept really well for being away from home. The comforter has dogs on it. No joke, check my picture.
I had breakfast in their Bistrotek restaurant and it was delish. I ordered the french toast with strawberries and ate all of it. Tom sat with me and we had a great chat. I gave him a few opinions on the hotel and ways he could improve and ways he has exceeded other hotels I have visited. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. If you live in the area you should check out their Sunday brunch.
Finally on my last night I went out to the pool bar. It is called Hopscotch. The room reminded me of a frat house but not in a bad way. It had a lot of entertainment going on in a small space. There was a foosball table and video games. It was very busy which leads me to believe it is quite the hangout on Friday nights for the college scene. The bartender was so nice and chatted me up when she noticed I was alone. I had one drink and then left. I barely drink alcohol and it wasn’t my scene. But if I had been with friends it would be a blast.
The Custom Hotel was a hotel I would pay to stay in again. Whether I was alone, with my husband or with the whole family it would be the perfect place to stay. The really great thing about Custom is that it is affordable. It also includes free Wifi though like most hotels you can’t expect anything too high speed however for checking your email or online browsing you’ll be fine. I highly recommend this hotel and if you do choose to stay here please ask for Tom and tell him Lee sent you! He’ll be happy to help you!
To Enter (worth ONE mandatory entry):
Follow me via Email using the box on the upper left hand corner of the blog. Come back and tell me who you are. You must verify your follow to be eligible. Check your spam if you don’t see an email.
Extra Credit (worth ONE separate entry each you do):
1. Visit http://www.customhotel.com and come back here and tell me one thing you’d like to experience during your stay.
2. Become a fan of my new Facebook site by clicking here. Be sure to come back and tell me who you are.
3. Follow me on Twitter using the button on the left. Come back and tell me who you are.
4. Tweet “Win a 4 night stay at The Custom Hotel in LA @mysentiment http://tinyurl.com/yzr7kuu ” you can do this once a day.
This contest is open to both US and Canadian Residents ages 18+ only. Contest will end March 4th and travel has to be completed by the end of 2010. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize.
*As always restrictions and blackout dates may apply.








{ 267 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice review. I just may have to check out the hotel the next time I’m in the LA area. By the way, those sheep in the lobby sound too cute for words. *Baaaa*
That looks like a fun hotel. I wish I could of been there with you creating art and gone to “The Frat House” with you.
That looks like a fun hotel.
This place looks great!! I travel often to Los Angeles, plus have family there, and will be sure to check them out. Their location can’t be beat!
Ok, I’m back because I want to enter this giveaway!
I did the following:
- I am following you now on email. Done and verified!
- I visited the hotel site and was delighted to learn that they have free WiFi. And I have to try out those rocking chairs!
- I became a fan of your new Facebook fan page
- I am following on Twitter (surprisingly I thought I was already, so this is doubly good!)
- and I tweeted on Twitter!
Now I wait w/fingers crossed!!
I just signed up for your emails. Thanks!
I follow on twitter – choochoo428
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9319434643
I would love to check out the outdoor fire pit. I bet it’s awesome!
EM sub
Twt flw @aleshamom4
http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9324294594
used twt button
Couples massage sounds great to someone w fibro!!!!
I keep clicking button but it won’t take me to you! Just to my home pg-aleshaOliver
I am an email subscriber. I’d love to have a reason to travel to California from NC : )
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
I’d like to experience to pool bar.
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
twitter follower (oheeyore)
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
tweet: http://twitter.com/oheeyore/status/9325490454
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
email subscriber
That’s cool they have a reggae pool party on Friday n ights. Sounds like a neat boutique hotel.
facebook fan – Cheryl Smith
I’m an email subscriber
jtrophy at gmail dot com
http://www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot
I’m following you on twitter @jtrophy at gmail dot com
http://www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot
tweeted http://twitter.com/jtrophy/status/9333821396 jtrophy at gmail dot com
http://www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot
I’d love to hit the pool bar
and a few tv show tapings
this would be a great trip ! jtrophy at gmail dot com
http://www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot
Lee, I need this! We are headed out there for my 1st Cali trip during spring break. I would love, love, love to save money and win this!
I am an email sub.
I would love to do some relaxing at the hotel restaurant and pool bar. It’s sounds inviting, especially have a fire pit out there to keep us cozy at night!
Yay, you’re on fb now! New fb fan.
Awesome! This would be great…would help make a vacation more affordable.
email subscriber
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Vintage video games??? I’m all over that!!
ljatwood at gmail dot com
fan on facebook (Lori D Atwood)
ljatwood at gmail dot com
following on twitter (ljatwood)
ljatwood at gmail dot com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/9339623436
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Hi Lee,
I have to say…this is a fabulous giveaway!!!
I follow you by email!!
My husband would love this hotel. He loves modern contemporary art. His birthday is next month and this would be such a perfect birthday surprise!!
Hugs!!
We’d explore the hotel itself. The decor is fabulous and “So David”. (David is my husband. hehe)
We’d also each have to get the “Well Massage”. It sounds heavenly!!
I follow you on Twitter!!
@simplycathi
I’m a fan of My Sentiment ExactLee on Facebook.
I’m David-Cathi Crismon.
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/simplycathi
I follow via email paula@paulakrueger.com
I would love to enjoy the pool bar while there
I’m a fan of your facebook page
I follow you on twitter frostedfingers
I tweeted about the giveaway
http://twitter.com/frostedfingers/status/9348362863
e-mail subscriber
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
i’d like to take my son swimming in their great pool
I subscribed. That place looks awesome!
Facebook fan
I’ve subscribed. I’ve never been to LA so winning this would make my first trip there perfect!
I subscribed!!!! We’ll be in So Cal this summer so I’d love to win this!
“Two fitness rooms, all cardio equipment has it’s own TV” WTH??? I’m in love!!!!!
I follow on twitter @speech_hero
tweet: http://twitter.com/speech_hero/status/9418530026
I am a loyal subscriber!
i follow on twitter – lilshuga2001
Tweet Tweet!!
http://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/9438887923
I checked it out and would LOVE their free WIFI internet access!
I take my little netbook everywhere
I subscribe
rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca
facebook fan
rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca
Hi! My name is Nikki and I am following by e-mail.
nik_har at yahoo dot com
Looks like a hotel that I would like.
I’m a follower.
I’m a fan.
i’m an email subscriber
twitter follower meandbells
tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9492682021
E-mail subscriber
Wow! Now THIS is a giveaway!!! I live in San Diego and my hubby and I just love heading north to LA on the train for a long weekend. This would just be fantastic!
I’m a subscriber. Thanks so much!!!
Reggae Splash N’ Fridays sounds fun!
Facebook fan (Genny Heavenly)
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/genny315/status/9508120422
Following on Twitter (Genny315)
SPF: Sunday Pool Fest sounds like the perfect way to relax a little after a night on the town! I really dig this hotel!
Thanks so much for the extra entry!
I follow you on Twitter as katygmorris.
Thanks!
I just Tweeted about this giveaway at: http://twitter.com/katygmorris
Thanks again!!!
I subscribe to your e-mail
tvollowitz at aol dot com
the 2 bedroom guest suite has Percale Italian linens – ooooohhhh – can feel them now!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I am following you via email under the address of henniferus at gmail dot com! Who I am.. I am a poor Hokie student lol =) (Hokie = from Virginia Tech) Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Following your emails under my gmail account, Leighbra. We’re saving up every penny to make it to DisneyLand this year, and would sure put this to good use lol Mmmm staying in a non-super budget, side of the road, hotel
Following you on Twitter, under @leighbra
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Leighbra/status/9518430203
I suppose I should say that our trip is also a road trip, and that I am aware that DisneyLand is a good 1/2 hour away from the hotel
I want to check out the Hopscotch Pool Bar & Grill, two level pool bar? I gotta see that lol
Fanned you on Facebook, same first name
tweeted – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9530392198
I would love to experience the 60-minute Be Well Massage because my body could really use that about right now!
signed up for emails
I would like to spend time at the Hopscotch Pool Bar & Grill and enjoy the music.
twitter follower(Missybeez80
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9555695177
I’m following you on Twitter. I’m alberns65
I also signed up for email and facebook.
I am an e-mail subscriber!!
I would love to try the free wifi. I have never been in a hotel that didn’t charge for that!
I follow you on twitter under the name JCHARRIES
I tweeted this giveaway at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9560188629
I became a fan on Face Book and my home page is http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/jacob.charries?ref=profile
tweet
http://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/9563629035
I am already an e-mail subscriber
I think I would like to experience the Hopscotch Pool Bar & Grill. It looks really cool!
I follow on twitter (GMERRELL)
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9576632917
I am following you on Twitter under the name of henniferus.
2/24 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9586286529
I visited the hotel site and was delighted to learn that they have free WiFi. And I have to try out those rocking chairs!
- I became a fan of your new Facebook fan page
- I am following on Twitter (surprisingly I thought I was already, so this is doubly good!)
- and I tweeted on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/Lola70
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9600322034
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9610161274
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9628766126
2/25 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9634629227
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9652441528
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9653353262
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9681216292
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9703128739
I tweeted today at http://twitter.com/alberns65/statuses/9710027758
I would just love to win this awesome great to LA I need a Nice Romantic Vacation
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9714619507
I am a subscriber
I used to live in LA and I like the location where the hotel is located
follow on twitter: carogonza
tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9714824018
facebook fan: carolyn gonzalez
I used to live in LA and I like the location where the hotel is located
Reply
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9729751680
daily tweet http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9739156897
I twittered today: http://twitter.com/alberns65/statuses/9739524949
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9743074879
I subscribe to you via email
allrightyes (at) gmail (dot) com
I’d love to have an evening out in the Hopscotch Pool Bar & Grill
I’ve become a fan of yours on Facebook
Username: Contest Bloggy
I am following you on Twitter
@TimboSquad
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/9747496222
Tweet for 2-27 – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9748182998
Email subscriber with above listed email. Thanks!
Tricia Andrews
Oh I know my husband and I would be spending lots of time at the Hopscotch Pool Bar and Grill!
I follow you on Twitter – TriciaInRaleigh
I am a fan on Facebook – Tricia Gatte Andrews
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9754930314
2/27 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9757960793
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/9770805001
Awesome place!
I’m an email subscriber
Other than being at a cool hotel in LA….. the outdoor reggae pool party. I think that would be awesome!
I’m a Facebook fan (Donna B.)
I follow you on twitter @simplydab
daily tweet http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9778870631
Hi! I’m Jane, aka friendliestghost@gmail.com. Thanks for this great giveaway – please enter me!
I’ve never been to LA before, so even the chance to go would be amazing, but I would really look forward to that pool! It looks gorgeous!
I follow @MySentiment on twitter – I’m @doppeldeer.
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9779555970
I have become an email follower.
I should have made sure I had eaten BEFORE reading this. Now I want “French Toast with Strawberries”
!
http://twitter.com/#retweets – Retweeted your post!
http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailconfirm?k=p2uW_c8R3eVN5LcA-mJuOw6cT1Y Email Subscription Renewed.
Not certain how to show it but became a fan of your page (Trish Proulx) but I was a fan before I became a fan…LOL!
Here is the retweet http://twitter.com/MySentiment/status/9783968443
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9792262841
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9802650876
tweet http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/9805138323
I am a confirmed email subscriber: xraviolix (at) aol (dot) com
I follow you on Twitter (@yesallegedly)
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/yesallegedly/status/9805554061
Would love to try the Hopscotch Pool Bar & Grill at Custom Hotel!
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/9818977397
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/doppeldeer/status/9821424402
daily tweet http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9823983600
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9826108600
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/yesallegedly/status/9827150402
3.1 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9835458799
Tweet for 3-1 – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9837357224
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9849851806
I subscribed . Thanks for the contest.
tweet http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/9851814641
The sheep are too funny and not something you expect from LA.. or do you
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9859616805
I just subscribed – this sounds Amazing!!! I used the email address hulahoopingmom(at)yahoo(dot)com to subscribe!
The hotel really looks amazing!! I think I would love the grilling near the pool – and the vintage video games LOL!!! Love the peep hole thing too!
Became a fan on Facebook
I follow you on Twitter – I am Hula Hooping Mom
Tweeted –
http://twitter.com/HulaHoopingMom/status/9859850998
im following you via email
id like to swim in that heated pool
daily tweet http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9872888944
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9875135016
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/yesallegedly/status/9877119467
I just subscribed!
mainlandmama at gmail dot com
I became a fan on fb
kamalei correa
I follow on twitter at lovemykeiki
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/doppeldeer/status/9888819799
friendliestghost@gmail.com
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9889868161
I subscribed w/my email: lmoore at sgford dot com
3/2 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/9892247860
tweet for 3/2 – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9893863275
I love to visit L.A. pretty place!
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9900800447
tweet http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/9902670005
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/9907561053
Daily tweet –
http://twitter.com/HulaHoopingMom/status/9910750882
email subscriber!
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
twitter follower @ferriza2
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
tweeted @ferriza2
http://twitter.com/ferriza2/status/9913504207
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/9914324950
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/yesallegedly/status/9924466382
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9924587280
http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9925326506 daily tweet
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9937616242
I joined by email. I’m Vanessa and this would be super fun to have as a getaway vacation with my hubby! Thanks!
I’d like to experience the restraunt! It sounds good!
I’m a facebook fan! I’m Vanessa ‘M’ Jacobson
I’m following you on Twitter @jewelsntreasure
Tweet: http://twitter.com/jewelsntreasure/status/9940896768
I’m a follower!
I would love to experience going to the pool bar! what fun!
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9947847381
I just signed up for your email with the email address above.
As a graduate of Loyola Marymount University it would be fun to stay at the Custom and attend the annual Alumni BBQ, I haven’t been to one in over ten years. While there my husband would be thrilled with the free WiFi at the hotel.
Tweet Tweet!!!
http://twitter.com/couponsiwant/status/9950010803
tweet http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/9950437409
Following through e-mail, thanks for the chance!
I subscribed by email! I live in San Diego so this would make a great getaway!
I’d like the hopscotch & heated pool for the kids. I’d like the multi-level pool bar for me!
I’m a fan on Facebook!
I’m following on Twitter! @TravelMamas
I tweeted about this giveaway: http://twitter.com/doppeldeer/status/9958715075 friendliestghost at gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/TravelMamas/status/9958729660
http://twitter.com/prue61/status/9959917236
Tweet for today – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9960473051
Im a subscriber!
Im a fan on facebook-jb!
Im sure you would find me at Hopscotch!
last tweet! http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/9971065835
I subscribe via email to my personal email (k-young at verizon dot net)
I am super impressed that they offer free wifi. Most luxury hotels don’t. I want to try the pool out.
I am a facebook fan. Kim Weaver Young
I follow you on twitter. @momtriedit, you know that one you aren’t too sure of.
I just tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/9973884459
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/yesallegedly/status/9975852346
tweet http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/9976356593
http://twitter.com/prue61/status/9982812301
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/doppeldeer/status/9983203418
Great review! I really want to stay there now so I’m crossing my fingers! I have been an email subscriber for awhile now. Thanks so much for the generous giveaway!
I follow you on Twitter (pinkblush99) Thank you!
I am a fan on Facebook now! (michelle m) Thanks!
I just checked out the website and I’d love to eat at Bistrotek if I stayed there! Thanks for the chance!
Tweet: http://twitter.com/couponsiwant/status/9991802246
I tweeted today: http://twitter.com/henniferus/status/9995202755
I’m following you on Twitter! Leannepit
I tweeted for today at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/9996450903
I just tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/10001028276
Tweeted the giveaway!
http://twitter.com/pinkblush99/status/10003021260
Thank you!
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/frostedfingers/statuses/10008206131
I’m a subscriber
I would love to check out the outdoor fire pit. We love those!
Fan on facebook (Jill BH)
Following you on twitter @jillyrh
Tweet
http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/10008348112
I subscribe via e-mail.
nesta 67 {at} live dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/10008601298
I’m following you on Twitter (I’m @ThriftyJinxy).
I sooooo want to swim in that pool!
Dear Lee,
Words cannot express how much I enjoyed your review of The Custom Hotel in Los Angeles.
It is stunning architectually and a hotel with a bi-level pool bar that is shaded by Gold Medallion and Strawberry trees is definately my kind of place. I will be sure to tell Tom that you sent me if I am chosen as the winner of the hotel stay.
It would be great to visit the pool bar and grill while taking in the sounds of the nightly DJ’s spinning eclectic music such as Afro-Cuban and Future-Bossa. I have never even heard of Afro-Cuban before!
I followed you on Twitter at twitter.com/sunsetstarlet
I tweeted about the giveaway
I signed up for your emails
Cheers!
Lisa
I subscribed with the email address lilyk@mail2world.com.
I am subscribed to your email. Great review, great hotel.
Following on twitter
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/tweet2sweep/status/10010114943
I became your Facebook fan.
I am a new subscriber.
I subscribed to email using queenoftheweb@gmail.com
One thing I would like to experience during my stay is the pool bar.