Great Location and an OK Stay: Hyatt Regency LAX (Review)

A late night at work, an early-ish morning flight, and a free night certificate allowed me to stay at the hotel closest to LAX: the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.

Why I Chose the Hyatt Regency LAX

I actually live in the City of Los Angeles. But a client hired me for a job slated to end around 11:00 PM. My flight to Detroit (DTW) the following morning boarded at 7:15 AM. My home is 40 minutes each way from both the job and the airport. So, I opted to stay at an airport hotel. I could get at least five or six hours of sleep and not worry about early morning traffic.

The Hyatt Regency LAX is very close to the airport.

It’s an easy, 10-15 minute outdoor walk to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. In fact, I often see pilots and flight attendants walking to and from the Hyatt. I know of at least two airlines that use it for short layovers.

There’s also a complimentary shuttle that runs pretty frequently.

I often park in the QuikPark ramp behind the Hyatt when traveling from LAX. We usually walk to the Delta Air Lines terminals (check in at T3) to get some exercise. (Quik tip, pun fully intended: use CheapAirportParking.org to book your QuikPark parking reservations. We’ve saved a ton of money doing that.)

My World of Hyatt Credit Card gives members one Free Night Award each year, valid at Category 1-4 properties. The LAX Hyatt Regency is a Category 3. I didn’t love burning the cert there. But cash and points redemptions were too high. Other hotels in the area were too expensive. Plus, the Hyatt’s convenience is tough to beat.

Standard King Bedroom at Hyatt Regency LAX

There was no line when I checked in. I was up to my room very quickly.

I stayed at the LAX Hyatt Regency a few years ago. My wife noticed a kind of smoky, “burnt” smell in the room. I guess that must be the Hyatt’s thing because it’s still there.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s not awful. But the smell is, well, different. I don’t like it. Is it from jet exhaust? (The Hyatt is close to LAX’s north runways.) Is the HVAC system wonky? Yes? Who knows?

The standard rooms are nothing special. But they get the job done just fine.

You will hear jets departing from the closest runway (24L). The rumbles are especially noticeable late in the afternoon and late night when heavy, widebody aircraft depart for international destinations. If that doesn’t bother you, great!

Something lacking from the room: a good work desk. I would’ve been a little cranky had I needed the room for a morning or afternoon. That table is fine, I guess. But the chairs weren’t conducive to sitting and working.

Then again, this isn’t a resort or hotel where you spend a bunch of time. Most people don’t go, Hey, let’s visit Los Angeles and stay at the Hyatt LAX for a few days! (I know people who do but they’re fellow aviation nerds.) Much like most airport hotels, it’s not a destination property.

Bad news for René deLambert: the Hyatt LAX offers TAZO tea and not Twinings.

There are plenty of bedside outlets for you to plug in your devices.

I slept OK. The pillows weren’t fantastic and a little soft for my liking. On the other hand, I was a little amped up after work, excited for my trip, and anxious about making sure I didn’t oversleep in the morning. All of that is a bad combination.

The bathroom is nice and bright. It’ll wake you up at 5:00 AM! 🙂

The outdoor pool was closed for repair, as noted on the amenity sheet.

Final Approach

The Hyatt Regency LAX is a decent place to stay for a night. I really don’t like whatever the heck smells up the rooms (especially when the lobby smells good!). But it’s fine, does the job, and it’s location is fantastic.

Have you stayed at the Hyatt Regency LAX?