Sophisticated in design not to mention comfortable, this well-liked chain takes care of business with a handsome indoor pool, a 24-hour convenience store, and a free breakfast.
Ending up at an airport hotel doesn’t have to be as bleak as it sounds. Sometimes, you can be pleasantly surprised. Such is the case with Hampton Inn Los Angeles, International Airport Hawthorne, a slightly more sophisticated take on the usual formula. There’s a heated indoor pool, for instance, whose generous ceiling-height windows and earthy flagstone lend an expansive, resort-like vibe. The polished dining room—with hardwood floors and recessed lighting (contrasted with typically bland breakfast rooms at similar properties)—represents good bang for your buck, as does the free gated parking and 24-hour tea and coffee in the lobby. Rooms have a modern, focused look with mahogany headboards and armchairs; while it’s no Waldorf Astoria, thought clearly went into making these accommodations looks as fresh and uncluttered as their price point allows. While there’s no dedicated restaurant, a 24-hour convenience kiosk in the lobby can alleviate the hassle of commuting to and from the airport at odd hours of the night.
Location: Set on a busy intersection at Imperial Highway and Hawthorne Boulevard, this hotel neighbors a cluster of food outlets (KFC, Taco Bell, Starbucks) as well as a supermarket, and it offers direct access to the 105 and 110 freeways, which connects to downtown LA.
Nearby:
Redondo Beach: Just under 9 miles from the hotel, this low-key, surf-friendly city is worth a trip, whether you’re in search of a tasty seafood restaurant or a sandy beach.
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.
The Forum: Just over 2 miles from the hotel, this 17,500-seat space contains a rich history: the “Showtime” Lakers, Gretsky-era Kings, ‘84 Olympics, Led Zeppelin, Queen and a ridiculously long set from Guns N’ Roses all took place here. It’s looking fabulous after a $100 million renovation, and welcomes a wide range of acts like Justin Timberlake, Imagine Dragons, Paul Simon and Sting.
Good for: Time-pressed executives or business travelers will feel well taken care of here, with a 24-hour convenience store, 24-hour business center, and free newspapers each morning. Meanwhile, the indoor pool is a draw for families and offers a distraction from the otherwise dreary surroundings.
Amenities: pool, free Wi-Fi, shop, gym, laundry facilities, concierge
Time Out tip: If you’ve overslept, and don’t have time to join your fellow guests at the breakfast buffet, the lobby convenience store lives up to its name with free breakfast bags. The amenity is available to all guests during weekdays, and supplies a portable, healthy-oriented meal for harried guests en route to LAX.