Located minutes from LAX, the Los Angeles Airport Marriott offers a comprehensive business center, a resort-style pool and blessedly soundproof windows to harried travelers looking for some leisure during their layover.
Despite the air traffic, the Los Angeles Airport Marriott works hard to provide an ambiance of R&R to its guests, many of whom have just touched down at arguably one of the nation’s most stressful airports. The recently renovated lobby is spacious and streamlined, with an adjoining full-service business center for those who need to get in a few hours of work before hitting the pool. Done up in a soothing palette of pale neutrals, the rooms themselves offer amenities such as high-pressure shower heads and high-speed wifi. What makes the Airport Marriott stand out most are additional thoughtful touches like soundproof windows and luxury bedding for exhausted excursionists. The Marriott also boasts a fitness center and three dining options, including a steakhouse with a formidable wine list and a perfectly seared chop. The resort-style outdoor pool may be less restorative than some oases, thanks to the nearby airstrip, but it’s all the things a hotel swim spot should be: big, palm-shaded and lined with comfy chaises. (One upside: if you’re traveling with kids, you can let them loose without fear of disturbing the peace.)
Location: While there aren’t a ton of walkable bars or fine dining options near LAX, travelers with early flights can’t beat the Marriott’s airport-adjacent location. If you’re looking for quirky eats, boutique shopping or nightlife, hail an uber and head to nearby Venice or Culver City.
Nearby:
El Porto Beach: A short trip west will land you at one of L.A.’s famed beaches. It’s no Malibu, but it’s a surprisingly relaxing place to stroll the bike path, lounge in the sand and watch surfers catch their break.
El Segundo Brewing Co.: This craft taproom is a definite step up from airport bars. Pints tend to be hop-forward, so if you love an IPA, you’re in luck.
Venice Beach Boardwalk: Head to the beach for prime people-watching among Venice’s famously bohemian crowd. Rent skates, grab a corndog or pick up souvenirs in this kitschy beachside marketplace that seems delightfully stuck in the early ‘90s.
Murad Inclusive Health Spa: If you really need some self-care after that delayed flight, luxury beauty brand Murad’s South Bay Spa will mellow your vibes with acupressure, massages, facials and more.
Good for: Conference-goers and the layover set will get the most out of the LAX Marriott’s digs, but the hotel is also good for tourists and traveling families who want to take in the west side without losing sleep before their flight.
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, room service, airport shuttle, restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, concierge
Time Out tip: Add a little local flavor to even the shortest stay by skipping the hotel bar in favor of the nearby Purple Orchid. The Main Street dive bar, which slings tiki tipples to locals under the glow of retro-romantic neon lighting, is a perfect place to take in some culture while waiting for your flight.