Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles-LAX Airport

There are some business travelers and tourists who stay multiple nights here, but this hotel caters primarily to transient guests flying in and out of nearby LAX. It’s typical to see guests coming and going at all hours at this busy property, but it’s especially bustling in the mornings, when guests are checking out, grabbing a quick breakfast, and heading to LAX for early flights. Video monitors at the lobby entrance provide the latest flight information. The breakfast room on the ground floor has plenty of seats, but it gets quite crowded when the hotel is full and seating is at a premium. The modest lobby is modern and brightly decorated. All in all, this Holiday Inn Express is a helpful option that covers all the necessary bases at affordable rates.

The Holiday Inn Express is located on Airport Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare that runs directly to LAX, which is just nine minutes away via the hotel’s free shuttle. It’s a safe and mostly commercial area that caters to airport-related businesses and travelers. Between the airport and LAX are several rental car facilities (some within walking distance), as well as numerous hotels and restaurants. There are a few restaurants and stores in close walking distance from the hotel, including a McDonald’s, Sizzler, pizzeria, and 7 Eleven. Venice and Manhattan offer the nearest beaches, which are about 25 minutes away by car. Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Convention Center, and other attractions in and around downtown Los Angeles are approximately 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Guest rooms at this Holiday Inn Express are decorated in a way that's typical of the chain. Still, oversize leather armchairs and matching ottomans are a nice touch, and rooms are spacious enough to include glass-topped desks and office chairs. Bathrooms are comfortably sized and include large granite vanities, good lighting, and shower/tub combos. Standard rooms come in King and Double-Double options, and Suites feature whirlpool tubs and separate sitting areas with sleeper sofas. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, safes, and 32-inch flat screen TVs. Two-line speakerphones with voicemail are also provided. Some ambient noise can be heard, but rooms are generally quiet. Plane-spotters may want to request a room on the upper floors where you can see planes landing and departing at LAX.

Helpful features are a big draw of this Holiday Inn Express, enhancing its value and appeal. Topping the list is the all-important shuttle to the airport that operates 24/7 and is included in room rates. Video monitors in the lobby also provide the latest flight information to keep guests up to date on any changes. Another helpful freebie is the hot breakfast, which includes eggs, breakfast meats, and a D.I.Y. pancake machine. The lobby gift shop sells snacks, soft drinks, and sundries when hunger pains strike at other hours.

The hotel has a little outdoor pool trimmed in palm trees and surrounded by a handful of loungers. A small whirlpool next to it gives another spot to relax. Active travelers can make use of the fitness center, which is on the small side but still includes several pieces of Precor cardio equipment as well as free weights. It's open 24/7. The business center also is open 24/7 and comes in handy for business and leisure travelers alike with two computers and a printer that can print boarding passes. The hotel’s one meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people, and Wi-Fi is free.

Parking is free as well in the hotel’s surface lot and garage, but both facilities can fill up quickly when the hotel is crowded.