The Westin Los Angeles Airport is the most wellness-focused brand by these busy runways. From menus designed to induce sleep and relaxation to a modern gym and infused water at check-in, this hotel represents exactly what the Westin name means.
There are so many properties to choose close to LAX, but this hotel offers the convenience, recreational amenities, onsite dining and some exciting new features for Marriott Bonvoy elite members that will want to draw you back. Here’s what you can expect when staying at the Westin Los Angeles Airport.
The rooms
All renovated to the new Westin style, the guest rooms here have a light color palette and spacious lounging sofa by the window. Of course, the most famous Westin feature, the Heavenly Bed, is the centerpiece. For most travelers here, this is a welcome escape after a long flight with pillowtop mattress, thick duvet and four enormous pillows. I love the little extras like an aromatherapy sleep spray left on the nightstand and ample power and USB ports.
Wide desk space adds more charging ports and plenty of space to unfurl your belongings. Bathrooms have some of the best lighting I have ever seen (I look completely different in there!) as well as a new version of the Heavenly Shower with great water pressure from the overhead spray or handheld wand. The custom-made White Tea-scented toiletries from large pump bottles are mounted on the wall. It is great that Westin still provides a small takeaway bottle of its lotion though.
The views
As a self-professed aviation geek, the views of LAX runways from here are incredible. It amazes me how the airport “goes to sleep” after a certain hour and “wakes up” again before sunrise. The destination roster from LAX spans the globe, and you can catch flights from Australia or Asia landing in the morning and those from Europe in the afternoon.
It was hard to pull away from the window views, but of course, I made sure to ask for an airport view. If planes are your thing, this is one of the hotels where you will want to make sure you can spot them. A free shuttle runs guests to the airport every 15 minutes. And if you wanted to head for the beach, it is just a short drive away.
The pool
Pools at airport hotels seem to be an afterthought, and some properties do not even have them. I find them to be a great way to relax after a long-haul trip. There is something about being immersed in the water after criss-crossing oceans for a full day that can be rejuvenating.
The plunge here is not large by any means, but it does remain in the sun most of the day (not always common at LAX) given its position. There is also a whirlpool, and plenty of lounge chairs and towels. A QR code offers a menu that you can order from while you relax by the water. Not far away is the Westin Workout space that offers the most modern equipment, including Peloton bikes.
If it is a Peloton bike you are after, there are several guest rooms that come with an in-room bike you can use. I requested one and loved how I could work out on my own terms and on my own schedule. But, I decided to swap my Peloton-equipped abode for a runway view and was perfectly fine with that change.
The hotel also has a Topgolf Suite, which can be booked in advance and offers the chance to practice your swing. Guests can also order food and beverages to enjoy there.
The club lounge
New to the Westin LAX is a revamped club lounge, which has been moved from its previous high perch down to the lobby level. While it lacks windows, it makes up for it in a more vibrant space with work areas, TVs and a buffet that knocks the pants off of any other airport hotel’s club lounge facilities.
At breakfast, I discovered a hot spread of crispy bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs and skillet-fried potatoes. I really was impressed with the variety of berries, fruit, cold cuts and cheeses on offer, too. Westin and Starbucks continue their partnership, and their rich coffee is on offer throughout the day here.
While the evening spread only offers a paid bar (common among U.S. hotels), it did include a new wine machine that had numerous vintages as well as a fridge of soft drinks and juices. I was impressed by the spread of hot and cold offerings, including chef-inspired plates that really raise the bar at LAX.
The club lounge is available to top-status Marriott Bonvoy members, but I find this to be one of the airport hotel lounges worth the upgraded cost.
The wellness focus
Westin has made a name for itself within the Marriott portfolio of brands, but also among other hotel brands across the board, with its focus on wellness. You can expect a host of options when staying with Westin hotels. It starts with greenery and natural plants and flowers. All public areas have a green wall, and extras like infused water and in-room yoga kits are a standard.
One thing that I really like is that you can request half portions from the hotel’s menus or sleep-friendly refreshments before bed. Westin really does lean into the health and wellness aspect of guests, and I have found this to be the case across the board, even overseas. For example, on the same trip, I had flown in from Malaysia where I stayed at the Westin Langkawi, and I found many of the touches to be the same. A resort-style experience by the airport? Yes, please.
