Courtyard Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard

The Courtyard Los Angeles LAX is off a quiet street and is surprisingly serene, despite its proximity to the airport. The hotel's exterior is plain, on par with the rest of the chain's properties. However, its bright and upbeat lobby, complete with an open floor plan, may surprise guests who have not visited a Courtyard in awhile. The lobby is characterized by clean rectangular tile and hardwood floors and a collection of contemporary blue, gray, and brown furniture and decor. Seating is plentiful and includes tub chairs and 360-degree couches. The hotel's business center, the Bistro Bar and Restaurant, an on-site mini market, and a meeting space are part of the wall-free lobby, which gives it a breathable and expansive feel. There's also a boarding pass printing area and three detached and separate front desks.

The Courtyard is so close to LAX that you can see the glow of the airport's entrance sign from the hotel's parking lot. Airport travelers can either take the 10-minute drive or five-minute walk to the airport, while tourists can easily access the I-10 and I-405 freeways and head toward the beach, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown L.A. Depending on traffic, these destinations can be reached in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. A branch of SoCal's famous In & Out Burger is just a five-minute drive down the road near a strip mall collection of chain stores and restaurants.

Relying heavily on the cheerful, warm hues, the Courtyard Los Angeles LAX's 187 rooms do not lack color. With light yellow walls, burnt orange wall accents behind comfy beds, and bright red sofas, these spacious rooms epitomize Southern California's sunny colors. All rooms have either queen or king beds, dedicated coffee and tea stations, desks, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are sparkling and modern, and sinks are located in the main room, allowing for more counter space and a larger mirror. Like the other updated spaces within the hotel, the rooms feel open and bright, and do not follow a typical boxy four-walled design. Executive King Rooms and adjoining suites have sofas and coffee tables.

The hotel caters primarily to people in transit through LAX, and features touch-screen flight information and boarding pass printing kiosks as well as free, but often overcrowded, airport shuttle service, available 24/7. The lobby has a children's play area, books, and games (for both adults and kids). There's also a small fitness center, an equipped business center, and meeting rooms. There's no free breakfast, but the on-site Bistro Bar and Restaurant opens early and has quick breakfast options and Starbucks coffee drinks. The restaurant is closed for lunch but reopens at dinnertime and serves pub food, beer, and wine. Each dining table has its own personal TV. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, while parking (valet only) is available for a fee; discounted rates are available for long-term parking.