The description "airport hotel" doesn't exactly have us running to the computer to make a reservation, but the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles--which has no problem labeling itself as such--has piqued our interest.
Not only is the hotel stylish, but it also has a fitness center, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool replete with cabanas, and offers a full-service Starbucks, as well as fine-dining options through The Brasserie and Shula's 347 steakhouse. Just a short distance from LAX terminals 1 and 7, the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles also provides free shuttle service to the airport.
A perfect opportunity to check out the hotel lies with its "Fly Well Package," because who doesn't have a lay over when flying to LAX? For a starting price of $199, allows one to use a guest room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.--overnight accommodation can be arranged for an additional fee--as well as use of the heated pool and fitness and business centers. Other perks include an organic spa meal, a wellness amenity package that includes a neck and eye pillow and energy bar and complimentary shuttle service.
The 802 rooms have Sheraton's signature Sweet Sleeper Beds, bath amenities from Bliss and proclaim to offer "stunning views of the runway," if there is such a thing. We're thinking this might be the first hotel to boast an anti-view with every room, but then again, the airplane geeks will love this place.
Just last week the Custom Hotel in Los Angeles soft-opened and at pretty amazing rates--$99 on Travelzoo. So while "soft-open" means the hotel still hasn't opened its pool or restaurant, for the most part the place should be up and running well.
And already a review has been posted on TripAdivsor detailing what the place is like inside.
Travelgirl1055 from Southern California wrote:
Booked this hotel because it was $129 with AAA and close to LAX. The front had red lamps and on the side of the building it read "A Great Layover", which made me a bit edgy, then after driving thru a dark alley to get to the door which is in the back, I was wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
Lobby was minimal but in an elegant, not Spartan kind of way, and the concierge was charm itself. The hallway was dimly lit, and with the purple paint, it was a bit eerie, but the room, though small, was bright and welcoming. Our king bed had luxurious linens and a fluffy comforter, the bed was perfectly supportive.
The view was great, and there was a full shade when it was time to block said view, eliminating the old curtain crack problem. Bathroom was basic, plenty of hot water and fat towels.
We also noticed on the hotel website that the bed comforters feature doggies on them (above.) So it sounds like so far this place is pretty good even if following in the dark hallway trend of many boutique hotels.
Not only does this include breakfast for 2, but an upgrade to a Custom level room (based on availability). Travel 7 days a week through Jan. 13 -- including holidays. You save over $70 per night!
Ok, we're trying to calm down because a deal this good is never as good as we think. That said, the pool and restaurant won't be open until November 15 and it's a far ways away from the Hollywood clubs. But it is close to the beach, Loyola Marymount, the airport, Marina Del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica. Plus the place has complimentary WiFi.
And we hear that the hotel is staffed with some former Kor Hotels employees. So you should be in good hands.
Hotels near Los Angeles International Airport aren't usually stylish ones. Hello? Have you seen the Sheraton there lately? But fortunately for travel-goers to the LA area, the 12-story Custom Hotel will open November 1, featuring hip boutique offerings like a stadium sundeck, outdoor heated pool and poolside tapas bar, fire pit and DJ lounge.
Even better, the Custom Hotel has some actual history to it. It used to be the Furama Hotel under a different ownership and was designed by famed architect Welton Beckett who also did the Capitol Records building and the Cinerama Dome, two of LA's big landmarks.
The Custom Hotel, now owned by the Palisades Development Group and located on Lincoln Boulevard and Manchester Avenue, is close to the airport--about a mile--but it's definitely not in the middle of all the park and fly parking lots. It's also close to Loyola Marymount University and Marina Del Rey.
Guest rooms will include classic and custom-designed furnishings, including a signature bed, large flat screen LCD TV's, stereos with iPod docking and stocked mini bars. Other creature comforts will include complimentary wireless, high-speed Internet access and organic bath amenities.
Reservations can currently be made online at the hotel's websites and rates start at $129 a night.
But that's not all the Palisades Development Group under president Avi Brosh has going on. A West Hollywood hotel called the Palihouse Holloway will also open November 1, "combining boutique styling with long term options. "
However, the hotel is quick to point out their offerings will be more stylish than Aloft or Element hotels. Those rooms will also be a little pricier than the custom with rooms at $245 a night for a 14-day minimum stay. And if you love the place that much, consider buying one of the 16 condos for sale with prices starting at $800k.
