Travelodge Hotel at LAX

Built in 1953 by Hyatt Van Dehn (of the Hyatt Hotels chain) but later purchased by a Mr. Pritzker via a deal scribbled on a napkin, the Travelodge LAX now exists as a relic to mid-20th century America. While it makes a genuine attempt to preserve the 1950s Americana vibe, it instead just feels dated to most. For a hotel less than a mile from a major international airport, however, the Travelodge is surprisingly serene, although planes can occasionally be heard by guests strolling the tropical garden grounds or taking a dip in the pool (but not in the rooms). The hotel's heated outdoor pool, in a classic angular shape, rests in the center courtyard surrounded by old-school plastic lounge chairs and sunbeds. Tall trees, shrubs, succulents, and massive bird's of paradise plants give the area a serene tropical desert vibe. Most of the guests at the hotel are international travelers, mainly from Europe, Asia, and Australia. Guests of Travelodge past have included Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Ginger Rogers.

The Travelodge LAX is located off a major street near LAX, but the hotel grounds are far enough from the street to shield guests from traffic noise. Like most airport hotels, there isn't much around except other airport hotels, a few fast-food chains, gas stations, and strip malls. Often overlooked is the hotel's proximity to other areas of Los Angeles, making the Travelodge a nice option for those wanting a convenient place to stay during their vacation, not just looking for a hotel close to the airport. Downtown Los Angeles, home of the Staples Center, Arts District, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and a few museums, is within a 15- to 20-minute drive. A jump on the westbound 10 freeway can have guests in either Santa Monica or Venice in 10 to 20 minutes -- or Malibu in 30 minutes. Other areas, like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, are within a 20- to 30-minute drive.

The 147 comfortably sized retro rooms are clean and neat, but feature extremely dated-looking decor (apparently intentionally to maintain a 1950s Americana vibe) and tiny bathrooms. All rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, while larger rooms with double and king-size beds have mini-fridges and modern flat-screen TVs. Some may have balconies or patios overlooking the garden or pool area. While some may find the retro decor a little too convincing (and therefore dated), others may appreciate this preserved slice of Americana motel life, with the patterned curtains, industrial carpets, quilted bedding, and wooden furniture with gold accents.

Perhaps giving a nod to travel times past, the Travelodge LAX delivers great value. The hotel offers some nice amenities, such as an outdoor heated pool, plenty of sunbeds and chairs, and lovely landscaped grounds. There is also a carpeted fitness center, but with dated decor and a tiny space, not many guests use it. A free hot breakfast includes sausage, waffles, and eggs.

The hotel is especially convenient for guests who have early morning or late-night flights, and it offers a 24-hour (and free!) airport shuttle that also makes stops at local shops and restaurants in the evening. The two-computer business center, conference rooms, and free Wi-Fi should suit business travelers. There is also an on-site convenience store with candy, film, and magazines, and an on-site laundry. The hotel is happy to arrange tours. The Travelodge also accepts pets of various sizes, species, and breeds for a daily fee -- and even has specially tiled pet rooms. And for those not needing a full overnight stay, the hotel offers a day-use rate.