Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

Surrounded by green foliage and palm trees, the towering Sheraton Gateway almost feels like an airport unto itself, given its look and size. However, once inside, things are more humane, and the hotel was fully renovated in 2016. The lobby is open and breezy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and lovely white and gray tilework giving it a fresh look. Massive, ornate chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, and potted plants and orchids are tastefully positioned here and there. Guests can partake of free lemon water. Part of the hotel's renovations included installing departure and arrival screens, and upgrading the restaurant as well. The latter now fits right in with current trends in Los Angeles, with its small plate, locals-only ethos. Called Costero, the restaurant has an open floor plan with a spacious island bar and a several flat-screen TVs, plus a nice patio area. The craft beers on tap also help to make this chain property feel a little more domesticated and special. For travelers with a bit more cash to spare, the Sheraton Club Lounge is full of windows with tremendous views of the city and airport. Given its proximity to the airport and the wealth of event spaces, it's no surprise that most guests here are corporate travelers in transit or in town on business.

One of the hotel’s biggest draws is its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport, which is three minutes away by shuttle or car. It’s not a particularly pleasant area for walking -- you see and hear planes overhead, and the hotel is on a busy boulevard -- but there's a strip of restaurants and banks along Sepulveda (15 minutes away on foot). Options there include L.A.’s famed In and Out Burger, though there are other fast-food options nearer the hotel. Venice and Manhattan Beaches are about 15 to 30 minutes away by car, and the Santa Monica Pier is 30 to 45 minutes away. Downtown L.A. can be reached in about 45 minutes, while it's quite far to tourist attractions like Universal Studios, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. These destinations can take about an hour to reach, depending on traffic.

Rooms and suites are fresh and bright, with pops of contemporary personality. Wood and blue leather headboards; bright yellow adjoining armchairs with colorful pillows; and off-white patterned carpets all combine to make a great modern impression. Creature comforts include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, plugs next to beds and desks, single-cup coffeemakers with complimentary Starbucks coffee, safes, mini-fridges, irons, and ironing boards. Stylish gray tiling reaches seamlessly from the front doors into the bathrooms, which include vessel sinks and black countertops to create an upmarket vibe. All bathrooms have walk-in showers, and toiletries are provided. Windows are double-paned and soundproofed, and many rooms have views of airplanes coming and going from LAX. Rooms on higher floors have views of the mountains. Corner and Executive Suites feature living rooms with couches, love seats, and lots of windows. Expect to pay for Wi-Fi in the rooms unless you're an SPG member, the chain's free loyalty program. As a nod to eco-friendly practices, forgoing linen changes can earn you points to spend at one of the hotel's restaurants.

The Sheraton Gateway is the kind of hotel that allows you to take a vacation without leaving the premises -- a feat in an airport hotel. In addition to free airport shuttles, the hotel has a beautiful modern fitness center (including TVs on workout equipment and free ear buds), an outdoor pool, and hot tub. Although the hotel is virtually adjacent to the airport, tall trees surround the pool on three sides, which gives it a surprisingly resort-like feel. It's also flanked by cabanas, further contributing to the atmosphere. There are many ballrooms, boardrooms, and meeting rooms that can be reserved for events. Dining options include a club lounge with stunning views of the city -- this is only for Club Members and Club-level booking. A farm-to-table bar and bistro has 12 craft beers on tap, serving small plates and making for a popular evening hangout spot. A brasserie serves the hotel's hot and cold buffet breakfast (which costs extra) -- it includes a spacious lounge and patio with poolside dining. There's a clothing and souvenir shop -- think: Hudson News, with some jewelry and pottery -- along with a full-service Starbucks. Self-parking and valet parking are available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, and free if you are a member of SPG -- the hotel's free loyalty program.