I needed a hotel located on the Westside, a reasonable distance to the Southbay, not too far from Hollywood and reasonably priced. I have stayed at the Westin LAX many times when I held SPG Platinum status. Now I am down to Gold without much chance of getting back to Platinum. I tried booking via the SPG website but could not get a room for under $200++ a night for my Sunday to Friday stay. The hotel is good, but not worth it at that price. I decided to try Priceline and bid $85 for a 4 star hotel in the LAX/South Bay areas. Boom. The bid is accepted and it is revealed the I will be staying at the Westin!! Quite happy with that rate, but would have been better to maybe start at $70. Priceline remorse, but excellent value.
I checked in at the SPG area and despite booking via Priceline the staff was very easy to deal with and I was given access to the 12th floor lounge which is basic but good for an early morning cup of Starbucks and a Granny Smith apple. They have a big television, microwave, couches and computers with internet access. Not great but better than a poke in the eye!
It is well documented that the rooms have seen better days, the Heavenly Beds are great, linens are clean and crisp, small bathrooms, good toiletries, ok water pressure, small coffee maker with individual Starbucks packs, old 29" swiveling television sets, no DVD players, no inputs which would allow you to plug in your travel DVD player and no WiFi. Internet for a charge is available and isn't it ironic that motels give away WiFi and better hotels always gouge for plug & play.
The hotel is often used for parties which I find lively. There are often times large groups milling around the lobby, obviously enjoying themselves and maybe having a few drinks. The lobby restaurant and bar are absolutely fine and not really overpriced. There is absolutely nothing of retail note outside the hotel within running distance of. Some fast food and plenty of car rental lots. Thrifty is next door and they have great Dodge/Chrysler lines for reasonable rates.
The hotel has a more than acceptable pool which is often out of service, but functional during my stay. There is a coin-op washer and dryer which is a nice touch. The Westin-Workout gym is in need of some maintenance but much better than 95% of the competition. They even have a men's shower and sauna. Don't expect any amenities in there, but again ... not bad.
Parking is attached to the hotel and $17 a day for self park is the usual ding that most of us hate. With all the people streaming in and out for functions, corporate training and mid-term airport parking you'll have to hunt for a space, likely walk a bit, but it is safe and covered.
Hey folks, what's with all the complaining??? Hotel rates have gone way up in recent years. Just try traveling with weak dollars.
It is not pretty. The Westin LAX works extremely well for me. Give it a try, with realistic expectations, and you may find that it works for you too.
hotel reviews