Classic, spacious rooms and a 24-hour front desk with friendly staff makes this tried-and-true chain a safe choice for business travelers or LAX passengers in need of an affordable, unpretentious place to stay.
Designed to appeal to as wide a range of traveler types as possible, La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX is comfortable, neutral, and efficient. You won’t find specially commissioned art or high-falutin’ restaurant concepts here—just warm, functional interiors with traditional features like a heated outdoor pool and modern suites with HD flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and minifridges. Being an all-suites all hotel, the lodging is spacious and offers homey accents like oversize mirrors and plush loveseats; some upgraded options add living rooms with pull-out sofas. There’s definitely room to spread out here, and should your plane get delayed, it’s not the worst place to kill an extra 24 hours. The free hot breakfast buffet (with eggs and sausage, as well as bagels, pastries and fresh fruit) is a highlight, while the small gym and unremarkable outdoor pool area do little to entice. Often utilized for meetings and functions, there’s definitely a ‘convention’ feel to La Quinta, but that same quality ensures quick service and a high standard of cleanliness and professionalism.
Location: On a busy row of airport hotels along West Century Boulevard, La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX is a mile from the airport, and sits adjacent to the busy 405 freeway.
Nearby:
Manhattan Beach Pier: Follow Manhattan Beach Boulevard all the way down to the ocean and you’ll be greeted by this 928-foot pier, a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The 1920 structure is a popular spot to see surfers catching waves below, along with sweeping views of the Palos Verdes peninsula to the south and the Santa Monica mountains to the north.
In-N-Out Burger: Southern California may have spawned the golden arches, but no other regional fast food export has a local and out-of-towner following quite like In-N-Out, which sits 2 miles from the hotel on South Sepulveda.
El Porto: Consistent waves make this a favorite spot for surfers who make the trip from all parts of SoCal. Scope out your own spot along the wide stretch of surf, which is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Fisherman’s Village: With quaint cobblestone paths and brightly painted fishermen’s houses, you’ll think you’ve accidentally stumbled into New England in this resort-style seaport, which is packed with restaurants as well as boat rental shops, and 15 minutes from the hotel by car.
Good for: With its corporate-like efficiency and the cozy, office-like appearance of the rooms, business travelers have good reason to book here.
Amenities: pool, free Wi-Fi, bar, shop, gym, laundry facilities, concierge
Time Out tip: Being stuck in LA (particularly near the airport) without a set of wheels doesn’t make for a fun trip. La Quinta is surrounded by half a dozen reliable rental car companies, all within walking distance. Should you need to book a last-minute car, you’ll certainly have options.