JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Taking the Stress Away at The Hyatt Regency LAX

BY JILL WEINLEIN

After a recent renovation, The Hyatt Regency LAX is now part of a growing trend of airport hotels becoming more upscale. Studies have shown that more travelers are staying close to an airport before a trip to make sure they make their flight. Traffic, long lines at security and delays are very stressful for travelers.

LAX now has a new luxury hotel for locals and visitors to enjoy before or after a flight to relax, unwind and extend a vacation. Just steps from LAX Terminal 1, the Hyatt Regency has a big heart. At the reception area is a welcome bowl of apples. Guests who take an apple and donate $1, the Hyatt Regency will give 100% of the money directly to JDRF, a charitable organization dedicated to funding Type 1 Diabetes research.

Also in the lobby is Sir Hyatt of Regency – an adorable rescue dog that is now the welcome ambassador at this hotel. As a certified therapy dog, Sir Hyatt’s tail wags with everyone he greets, especially to travelers who need a little pick-me-up after a long flight or are nervous about an upcoming flight.

Taking a tour of the property with a friendly Hyatt Regency staff member, I viewed a guest room and suite, before seeing the amenities. Over 500 rooms are decorated in soothing hues with a pop of color for excitement. There are 20 ADA accessible rooms and 23 beautifully appointed suites. All guest rooms have double paned sound reducing windows, free premium Wifi, Hyatt Grand Beds, turndown service, 55 HD flat-screen television, full bath amenities with bathrobes on request, Rainfall shower with hand wands, coffeemaker and refrigerator.

Taking an elevator up to the penthouse to explore the hotel’s StayFit Gym, I noticed there were treadmills, cycles, StairMasters, weight machines, free weights, and yoga mats. Guests were working out while overlooking the LAX runways and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

We visited The Hyatt Regency private club setting (nominal fee per night applies) with concierge service, and daily Continental breakfast, evening hors doeuvres and desserts to members. It’s quiet, relaxed and offers great airport views.

Walking outside to the heated pool, I learned it’s the largest pool of any hotel in the area. There are comfortable lounge chairs, cabanas, pool toys and fire pits.

My tour finished at the International sit down restaurant unity LA. Chef Martine welcomed me and showed off his melting pot of International flavors menu. The dishes are inspired by the Latin and Asian communities in Los Angeles. I selected the Drunken Noodles that are similar to the dishes in Thai Town; Sticky Pork Ribs that taste just like the savory ribs served in Koreatown; and vibrant Carne Asada from Boyle Heights.

For those wanting something quick, The Open Market offers fresh hot soups, ramen and Pho. It’s available for guests and visitors who arrive late or early in the morning and want a little something before getting into their car or spending the night. They also provide LA-based products like Randy’s Doughnuts, and Delicious cookies for travelers to enjoy before or take on their flight for later.

The property offers 24-hour complimentary shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to every airport terminal. Guests can park $45 per night for valet and $17.50 for self parking in a covered garage.

HYATT REGENCY LAX –  6225 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles (424)702-1234.