Hilton Los Angeles Airport

This upper-mid-range Hilton offers a number of visual surprises. It is privately owned by a Taiwanese investor who personally designed and decorated it using Feng Shui principles. Fu dogs are positioned at the hotel entrance to guard the guests, while the lobby and other public areas showcase enormous amethyst crystals that are intended to promote good health. Fresh-cut flowers are another nice touch. There are several seating areas in the spacious two-story lobby that allow small groups to meet for business or leisure. 

Quiet areas inside and outside the hotel encourage guests to relax and enjoy their stay away from their rooms. Interiors are clean and classically designed; much of the artwork is original, and some of it is from the owner's personal collection. Many of the furnishings, including the grand chandelier that hangs in the lobby, were custom made for the owner. During the week, the hotel is business-minded with many meetings and conventions taking place. On weekends, more families and couples come in to take advantage of its proximity to the airport. It is also popular with flight crews. From time to time, airplanes can be heard flying overhead.

This Hilton is situated less than a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes to take guests back and forth. The area surrounding the hotel is home to not much more than LAX and a Carls Junior, but an airport shuttle is available for a small fee to take guests to a myriad of places, including Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village shopping center, and the Los Angeles Convention Center. The hotel is also close to many businesses in Inglewood and El Segundo Park. The location makes it an especially popular choice for flight crews. 

The hotel's 1,234 rooms were designed using Feng Shui principles, and furnishings are bright, polished, and modern. All rooms feature Hilton's Serenity Beds with down comforters and pillows atop plush mattresses. Flat-screen TVs offer premium channels and video games, and all rooms have coffeemakers. There is an attractive work desk and ergonomic chair ieach, but unfortunately there is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are well-lit and feature granite countertops. 

The hotel's rectangular outdoor swimming pool is heated and suitable for swimming laps. Three hot tubs are adjacent, and there are a few lounge chairs for relaxing poolside. The hotel also has four outside garden areas for relaxing or to use as event space. There is a 24-hour fitness center. Four on-site dining options include the Café (for American far)e and a breakfast buffet, and Andiamo for Northern Italian cuisine for dinner. Landings Bar and Lounge offers cocktails and appetizers in a casual setting with large flat-screen TVs. The 24/7 Bistro offers Starbucks coffee and light fare, as well as quick items to go. 

The 55,000 square feet of meeting space includes the 13,585-square-foot opulent Plaza Ballroom with chandeliers that give the effect of raindrops falling from above. The carpet is a rich royal purple, lavender, and deep green, and the space is a favorite for weddings. A small business center provides computers and printers for guests to use, and there is a rental car desk on-site. Wi-Fi is available, but incurs a pesky fee.