LAX is one of my most frequently visited airports, and I usually try to avoid mid-con red eyes to get home to Milwaukee. This means I’m often staying near the airport before early morning flights. There are countless options near the airport, but one I’ve monitored closely is the Concourse at LAX, which (has now) become the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport. It is the closest hotel to the airport terminals, just minutes walking from Terminal 1, depending on how long it takes to get a walk signal to cross Sepulveda Boulevard.
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport still under construction…
The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport is finally open
I’ve written about this property before, when I visited earlier in its renovation process. (The Concourse at LAX, and some FAQ’s). At some point, the plan was to be up and running as the Hyatt Regency in March 2016. That time has come and gone, but I’m pleased to see some progress. As of May 2016, only renovated rooms are available. I had given up on staying here due to the old dingy (others may have more descriptive adjectives) rooms that just weren’t worth the convenient location. Recently I was needing a room near LAX, and once I confirmed only renovated rooms were available there, I wanted to try it again. Here is my review:
I received a standard king bed room all the way at the end of the hallway on the 10th floor, the northwest corner of the building. I had decent views of the airport from there, though for better airport views of operations, I suggest a room on the south side. These are directly across from the tarmac on that side. I’m not sure if any more suites are still available for free for diamonds or anyone else, but I did get a free upgrade on multiple past stays more than once.
Public areas of the hotel are greatly improved, with a modern design. The lobby is still under some construction, and I believe the front desk is in a temporary location.
Elevator lobby on guest room floor
Hyatt Regency LAX King room
The footprint of rooms is the same as before, but the design is greatly improved. The windows are well insulated from the noise of airport traffic.
Nice modern room, but where’s the desk?
The room is nice enough, but there isn’t a lot of extra space. I found it sufficient for a short stay as a solo traveler. I’d have to imagine most guests at this airport hotel are here only for a short time.
Hyatt properties are usually stingy with water bottles, so we’ll see how long these free bottles last. There is also a small coffee maker, and a refrigerator.
There isn’t any dresser or any drawers beyond the 2 that are part of the closet. Not a big deal for an airport hotel, but when I spend a few nights at a hotel, I prefer to unpack from my suitcase.
The room was fine, and a huge improvement from what the rooms were before. One complaint is the dirty air vent. Despite all the work prettying things up, the air vent in the bathroom was quite dusty. A pet peeve of mine, but yuck.
Dining on property
This stay was brief, only arriving late at night to sleep before an early flight the next day. In the morning I used the gym, and went to Palmyra restaurant for breakfast.
The gym was nice enough, with lots of brand new cardio equipment. There were no free weights, only one LifeFitness weight machine. The gym was on the top floor, and if not for it being early morning, would have a nice view of the airport. There were still brackets on the ceiling for projectors when this was a meeting room.
Breakfast is available in the Palmyra Restaurant. Service is from a menu, there doesn’t seem to be a buffet available anymore, but that may have been a function of low occupancy with only a few floors of rooms available. The restaurant staff is extremely friendly, and the food is good. At some point, there will be a Regency Club, but it is not available yet, and I can confirm that Gold Passport Diamonds receive 2500 bonus points for a closed club.
Note, the top floor Regency Club is now open in this property, so no more free breakfast in the restaurant for Globalist members.
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport Bottom Line
I like the convenience of being so close to LAX. I like the walk before getting on a flight. The shuttle service seems to be frequent, but I can’t speak from personal experience. The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport has not arrived on time, but it is getting closer to completion. The plans for the finished product look nice, and I certainly would return at some point in a future stay. It is nice to have another Hyatt option anywhere, especially near LAX airport.
What do you think of the new design? Would you stay here if seeking a hotel near LAX?
