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Press, 5 July 1983, Page 22

The dazzling Westin Bonaventure hotel is a boldly futuristic landmark in the centre of downtown Los Angeles. Its five bronze towers sheathed with mirrored glass soar majestically to a height of 35 storeys, literally reflecting the revitalised historic heart of the second-largest city in the United States. Hailed as a masterpiece in contemporary hotel design when it was opened in 1976, the luxury hotel also features glass bubble elevators gliding up and down the towers. The -whole effect, created by the architect, John Portman, is stunning and ultra-modern. But how, one might wonder, are the windows cleaned? This prosaic query took the public relations representative by surprise. “No-one’s ever asked me that before,” she said. “Let me find out and I’ll get back to you.” It turned out that automatic electrically operated washers had been designed originally for the massive expanse of glass. However, spare parts for the machinery were no longer available and the hotel now resorted to the conventional manner of high-rise window-cleaning — two cleaners on a manual scaffolding lowered from the top of the structure. The six-week operation, carried out three times a year, was proving efficient. A special room rate for New Zealand guests now applies: SUS 79 a night for single or double occupancy, including continental breakfast and a late check-out time of 6 p.m. The hotel is also offering to refund the equivalent paid in departure tax if a guest stays two nights or longer. -ANNE BLOXHAM