LA for Work (and Pleasure)

A March 2006 trip to Los Angeles by n2dwoods

Quote: I go to an annual conference by the LA airport, but make sure I have plenty of time to explore.

Marriott Los Angeles Airport

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Hotel | "Los Angeles Airport Marriott"

Quote:

I stayed at the airport Marriott a few months ago, and they are currently doing major renovations. It's a great business hotel situated right by the airport. Price is around $200/night.

My first impression of the hotel was not very good--I arrived at the airport and wanted to take the shuttle bus provided by the hotel. I called and they said they'd be right there--20 minutes later, still no bus. It eventually came and drove me the half mile to the hotel, where the doormen greeted me and offered help with luggage.

It was an off time to check-in, so there was no line, though I saw lines get pretty long during my stay. The clerk was very helpful and courteous. Baskets of fresh apples greet you at the check-in desk as well.

My room was very clean and suitable for my business needs, though a little small. They offered an Internet/phone package with unlimited access for both for $10/day. I had a balcony, but I was only on the third floor and had a view of the hotel restaurant. The bed was comfortable, and I've heard the hotel upgraded all of their beds since.

As for amenities of the hotel, there is a nice size fitness center with treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals and weight machines, as well as a dry sauna in the locker room. Outside, there is a pool and a jacuzzi.

For business needs, there is a Kinko's with pricey computer access and copying capabilities. There are many meeting rooms and ballrooms with catering available.

There are also a number of restaurants in the hotel. One is a nice steakhouse, though I did not eat there. Another is Latitude 33, an Asian fusion restaurant which has excellent food. I ate there each day and tried something new each time and was not disappointed once. Then there's Champions Sports Bar, with food and drink, and finally a Starbucks, which also offers some food.

As far as accessibility goes, this hotel is very accommodating. In fact, the conference I went to was for those with disabilities, and the staff was excellent at guiding people who were blind and offering other types of help when needed. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 21, 2006

Marriott Los Angeles Airport
5855 CENTURY BLVD
Los Angeles, California 90045
310-641-5700

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Hilton Los Angeles Airport

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Hotel

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The Hilton is a very large airport hotel with nice amenities for a family or a business traveler. Less than half a mile from LAX, the hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the airport 24 hours a day. The price ranges from $175 to $250 or so.The rooms are clean and a nice size (larger than the Marriott's next door) and offer high speed internet, coffee, hair dryers, and ironing boards. Beds were comfy.Some amenities at this hotel include an outdoor pool and four little hot tubs surrounding the pool; a fitness center, a gift/sundries shop. For business travelers, there is a business center and many meeting rooms of various sizes, with catering and A/V service available.There ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 22, 2006

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90045
(310) 410-4000

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Latitude 33

Restaurant

Quote:

Inside the airport Marriott is a very nice Asian Fusion/Pacific Rim restaurant.The decor is modern, with many curved booths forming a circuitous path around the large restaurant. In the corner is a nice-size bar area with flat-screen TVs. The restaurant always seemed very dark to me, and that combined with jet lag tended to make me quite tired when I was waiting for my food.However, I would always perk up once the food arrived. I usually would start with an appetizer, and two I recommend are the fresh Asian rolls (not fried) cut diagonally and perfectly suited for dipping. There's also a mixed sashimi appetizer that may be enough for a lunch.There is only one menu (no diffe...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 27, 2006

Latitude 33
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Los Angeles, California
(310) 641-5700

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Angelato's CAfe

Restaurant

Quote:

OK, so this isn't exactly a restaurant, but Angelato's has such an amazing array of gelato (better than ice cream), I just had to write about it.Directly off of the Santa Monica Promenade on Arizona, you'll find this bright beacon of treats. The first thing you'll notice (if there's no long line) is the dozens upon dozens of flavors of gelato awaiting your spoon.Now, you'll have to pay BEFORE you order, which is a little odd, and then show your receipt to the scooper. You can sample many flavors, but you'll be there all day if you wanted to try all 100 (and the people behind you on line wouldn't like you too much!).There are many many different types of fruit flavors, and frui...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 27, 2006

Angelato's CAfe
301 Arizona Ave
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 656-9999