We stay there for the weekend every month. After complaining many times about the forced valet parking, this past weekend they have made valet parking optional so you can self-park your car. Regarding the train, you can ask for a room facing away from the tracks. You will still hear the train because the horn blowing is very loud. That being said, I was able to sleep through it. The train can block the street right next to the hotel but you can go left instead of right to get around it. Don't wait for the train to pass. It oftentimes stops for a long time. Even though we no longer go to the USC hospital, we still stay at this hotel because the rooms have kitchenettes, the hotel is dog friendly, and the location is convenient.

I only used the microwave, but the convection oven was to be just that, as I was told by the front desk. It should be doable.

Hi - My husband and stepson are staying at this hotel right now. He walks to a Starbucks nearby that he says is probably 1/2 mile round trip. I hope this helps!