This airport-adjacent chain offers quiet and comfort to the layover set with gardens, a pool and friendly service.
Long the territory of conferences and overnight layovers, airport hotels tend to fall on the utilitarian end of the hospitality spectrum. While the Los Angeles Airport Hilton certainly sports its share of meeting rooms, continental breakfast buffets and beige furniture, the hotel is also a surprisingly tranquil spot for harried travelers. In addition to a pool and whirlpool jacuzzis, the LAX Hilton boasts four outdoor garden spaces where you’re invited to stroll (or, you know, scroll through your phone) beneath rows of palm trees. The rooms themselves are modern and clean, boasting fluffy allergen-free bedding and a deliciously mind-numbing number of channels on TV. Downstairs, you’ll find an expansive, modern lobby and four restaurants, including a 24-hour casual cafe for sandwiches, salads and coffee for all stages of jetlag.
Location: Situated between Inglewood and Marina Del Rey, LAX isn’t exactly known for its hip, walkable attractions. Take advantage of the Hilton’s airport proximity for travel days; otherwise, grab an Uber to Venice or Culver City.
Nearby:
Gjusta: A few miles north in Venice, you’ll find a supremely hip counter-service cafe and deli with gourmet coffee, sandwiches and sweets. Everything is delicious, but the standout sourdough bread is so chewy and fresh that it’s worth stuffing in your carry-on.
Little Sister: This Southeast Asian-inspired Manhattan Beach haunt serves fusion food like chili lamb flatbread and fried scallops to an artsy surfer crowd in an industrial chic space.
El Porto Beach: Nothing says “L.A. vacation” like lounging in the sand and watching surfers catch their break. Stroll the bike path, join a volleyball game or grab snacks from the Hilton café for an effortless seaside picnic.
Pacific Park: If you’re traveling with kids, take the short tip north and spend an afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier’s permanent carnival. The size and old-school paint jobs on most rides and games keep the atmosphere quaintly retro, and the restored 1920s wooden merry-go- round is both child- and parent-approved.
Good for: The Hilton’s location and mellow atmosphere make it ideal for jetsetters looking for a quiet space to relax between flights.
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, room service, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, concierge
Time Out tip: Long layover? Even if you aren’t booked overnight, you’re invited to take advantage of the Hilton’s amenities when killing time at LAX via their complimentary shuttle service. Ambitious travelers can buy a 10-dollar day pass to the gym and pool; the rest of us will be in the sports bar.