Crystal Inn Suites & Spas – LAX

This family-owned property has a motel-style layout, with a two-level cream and clay-colored building surrounded by an ample parking lot. The entranceway is welcoming and friendly, with nicely kept lawns, flower patches, tropical plants, and a fountain leading guests inside. The small, cozy lobby is decorated with dark green floral carpet, vintage-style armchairs, and recessed lighting. Guests check in at the small reception desk -- a simple countertop -- and there's a serving area at the back of the room with free coffee and tea available around the clock. There are also shelves filled with tourism brochures, a vending machine, and a flat-screen TV in the lobby, though this isn't really a gathering place and overall the decor is dated and unstylish. The somewhat spartan outdoor pool deck, with plastic patio furniture, provides additional common space. The property's open-air hallways sometimes smell of smoke, and there are no elevators. Guests tend to be tourist couples, solo travelers, or businesspeople who just need a place to stay for a night or two within easy access of the airport. 

Crystal Inn Suites & Spas-LAX is directly off highway 105 on a bustling road. The surrounding neighborhood is gritty and can feel unsafe, so it's not suitable for walking, whether during the day or night. Hollywood Park Casino is a three-minute drive away. Driving without traffic, the Los Angeles Forum and Los Angles International Airport are within six minutes, while Manhattan Beach Pier is 15 minutes away, and the Staples Center is a half-hour drive. The University of Southern California and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum are 25 minutes away. 

Guest rooms are clean and simple, with clashing somewhat frumpy decor typical of a budget property: green floral wallpaper, brown patterned carpet, and multicolored polyester bedspreads. Simple wood furniture, recessed ceiling lights, and small bedside lamps lend a cozy feel. All rooms have highly rated Tempur-Pedic beds, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Some rooms have indoor hot tubs, while Suites have living areas with sofa beds. Note that some rooms smell smoky or musty, and many get loud street noise. Bathrooms are modern and basic, with speckled granite countertops and shower/tub combos; toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. 

The small outdoor pool is tiled in blue and partly surrounded by a brick wall for privacy. Although it sits beside the parking lot, the pool offers a pleasant place to cool off. Wood laminate floors, large windows, and a few cardio and weight machines decorate the small, modern fitness center, built in 2014-2015. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, and the hotel provides laptop rentals and printing services. Outdoor parking in the on-site lot is free. Concierge services, such as tour booking, are available at the front desk. Outdoor coin-operated laundry facilities are also provided. The hotel has an arrangement with a local restaurant, so that guests can order delivery around the clock.