The Best Hotels to Book Near Los Angeles International Airport

Don’t let the somewhat dated exterior fool you. Once inside this Marriott property, you’ll be greeted by dramatic renovations revealing modern urban design that wouldn’t feel out of place in Brooklyn. The hip setting is perfect for whiling away some time before or after your flight (complimentary shuttles to and from LAX are available), either in your plush room, the outdoor pool or atmospheric common areas. Studio 12 restaurant offers Californian street eats and several craft beers on tap, plus occasional live musicians.

This quirky place has none of the cookie-cutter characteristics of your generic airport hotel, yet at just 6mi (10km) from LAX, it’s happily positioned for airport access. Erwin has been in operation since 1975, but it still feels of the moment, with eclectic decor and laid-back staff, all a five-minute walk from Venice Beach Boardwalk. In tune with its location, the hotel offers yoga mats, bicycles and a rooftop bar and lounge (21+) for dinner and drinks with a view. Erwin’s General offers provisions for breakfast and lunch items as well as canned cocktails and artisan coffee. All rooms come with sliding doors and balconies, many with glimpses of the ocean.

Close to the airport, this hotel radiates California dreamin’ in its beach-chic decor. Bright, simplistic rooms are clad in blonde oak furnishings, with luxury linens and Aesop toiletries, while the communal areas sing with pastel prints and wicker furnishings. Most guests head straight for the rooftop Caravan Pool Club for a swim and to tuck into Baja-style cuisine: think locally caught, grilled seafood, fresh oysters and small-batch tequila cocktails. Each morning, the Scenic Route readies you for a day spent exploring on the hotel bicycles, with smoothies, pastries, burritos and artisan coffee. As it’s from the team behind boutique company Proper Hotels, you can expect a seriously cool clientele as well as a growing number of in-the-know locals.

Westin fans will not be disappointed with a stay at this reliable property just a few blocks from the airport, offering ultimate convenience. This property hits all the marks of the brand, with fresh, neutral decor in the hotel rooms and suites, signature bath products, ergonomic workspaces and super-comfy HeavenlyBeds. There’s an outdoor pool and hot tub, and the fitness center features Peloton bikes (you can also book a room type with your own personal Peloton by the window). A spacious lobby offers a cafe serving Starbucks. A complimentary airport shuttle takes you to LAX when you’re reluctantly ready to go.

This Hilton property is about as close to the airport as it gets, shown in its linear interior design inspired by the LAX runways. A small rooftop pool gets plenty of sunshine, while rooms are outfitted with Nespresso machines, ergonomic desk chairs and Temple Spa bath amenities. A handful of treadmills in the fitness center face floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of Los Angeles – if that won’t tempt you to the gym, we don’t know what will. Californian cuisine is available at Waypoint Kitchen + Bar for breakfast and dinner, while a lobby market shop is open 24 hours a day for snacks, drinks and sundries (there’s also a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf). Then it’s onto the complimentary airport shuttle for getting to the airport with even more ease.

Under 2mi (3km) south of LAX, in the beachside enclave of El Segundo, is this modern property. Its crowning glory is a spacious outdoor pool, with plenty of lounge chairs to spread out on and enjoy the lush greenery. Vibrant pops of color in the rooms and lobby make this hotel’s design stand out from other Marriott properties – think tangerine throw cushions and splashes of bright blue on the carpets. There’s a fun bar and lounge area in the lobby that’s great for a working lunch, along with a 24-hour grab-and-go market. At night, gas fireplaces create a cozy ambiance on the poolside terrace.

About 5mi (8km) from the airport, this hotel provides a calm waterfront setting next to LA’s major boating destination, Marina del Rey. The bedrooms come in a variety of categories with high-thread Egyptian cotton linens and, if you’re lucky, views of the pleasant marina and heated infinity pool from their private patios. At night, enjoy West Coast sunsets from your room or the on-site restaurant SALT, where you can dip chips into their signature blue crab dip next to glowing fire pits (it’s a great brunch spot, too). The hotel proudly dates back to 1964 – look for nostalgic touches in the hallways and common areas.

If old-world, European elegance is more your speed, head to historic downtown Culver City, just 6mi (10km) from LAX. This 1924 National Landmark was bought and renovated in 2006 with artful design, in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Each of the unique guest rooms has hardwood floors and marble vanities along with vintage pieces, artfully paired with contemporary finds. There’s a pretty garden and a lobby that transforms into a jazzy supper club in the evening, often set to classic movie projections and live music. After dinner, sip a signature cocktail at the Paris-style speakeasy. Self-parking is more affordable than at other hotels on this list.

A little further afield in Westwood (11mi/18km from LAX), just a few blocks from UCLA, is this renovated hotel appealing to business travelers with simple needs. What it lacks in high design, it makes up for in convenience and location. Spacious rooms and suites have all the usual perks, plus pillow-top mattresses, while many come with patios or balconies. Dozens of restaurants and the Hammer Museum are within easy walking distance – not always a given in LA. Other pros? Parking and breakfast are complimentary.

Just 4mi (6.4km) from LAX and a bike ride from Manhattan Beach, this classic, upscale hotel appeals to traditionalists for its beautiful, Italianate decor. Rooms are rich in dark-wood furnishings and colorful textiles, while the front desk is festooned with a large tapestry and potted palms. The on-site Mexican steakhouse offers an impressive wine list that can be paired with lobster enchiladas and filet mignon tacos during the day, as well as the best beef cuts for dinner. Until then, relax at the outdoor pool or read a book in the magnificent Italian courtyard, adorned with olive trees and tiered fountains.