The Consolidated LAX Plane Spotting/Viewing Thread
Sep 13, 2010, 11:55 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SEATTLE, WA USA
Programs: UAL, AA, AS, CX
Posts: 1,973
Best lax airport for plane spotting?
Curious as to what is THEE best hotel around LAX for in room plane spotting?
Yes I will also be at the In & Out burger and a few other areas around the airport but would like hotel or even room suggestions please? Thanks
Yes I will also be at the In & Out burger and a few other areas around the airport but would like hotel or even room suggestions please? Thanks
Sep 14, 2010, 9:45 pm
#34
Join Date: May 2003
Location: GEG
Programs: Motel 6 Club Avoir Le Cafard
Posts: 5,027
Radisson (the rooftop bar).
Wait a sec, you said "in room." Nearly any Century Blvd. hotel will do if you get a high room overlooking the airport. The properties on the north side are closer to the 24L/R approaches than are the properties on the south side to the 25L/R approaches. But since 25L/R begins further to the east than does 24 L/R, the 25 L/R aircraft you see will be lower (more parallel with your window).
Wait a sec, you said "in room." Nearly any Century Blvd. hotel will do if you get a high room overlooking the airport. The properties on the north side are closer to the 24L/R approaches than are the properties on the south side to the 25L/R approaches. But since 25L/R begins further to the east than does 24 L/R, the 25 L/R aircraft you see will be lower (more parallel with your window).
Nov 28, 2010, 10:05 am
#36
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 411
Christmas gift!
My wife (with my encouragement) is giving me, for Christmas, a night in a LAX hotel to plane spot - from my research, it appears that the Embassy Suites South, Radisson, and Sheraton Gateway all seem very good. My wife & (will be) 10 month old will be with me, so I'm conscious of the noise factor but also seeking best possible vantage point from room and/or room + lounge. I have a free night with Hilton to burn, plus a bunch of points with Starwood.
Any recent experiences? I'm leaning towards Embassy Suites South (5th floor facing LAX runways) at this stage.
Thanks.
Any recent experiences? I'm leaning towards Embassy Suites South (5th floor facing LAX runways) at this stage.
Thanks.
Nov 29, 2010, 4:52 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,405
If you want to use the Starwood points, Sheraton is not bad. Just ask for a room with airport or approach view.
The noise factor is what it is... but not that bothersom inside the hotel. The In N Out burger location gets pretty noisy for both landing and takeoff.
The noise factor is what it is... but not that bothersom inside the hotel. The In N Out burger location gets pretty noisy for both landing and takeoff.
Nov 29, 2010, 5:03 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 411
Thanks for your recommendation bzcat
Nov 29, 2010, 11:25 pm
#39
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PMD-ORD-AZO-ILO-NRT
Programs: UA 1K, BD Silver, Amtrak Select, SPG & PCR Plat/ICH Amb, AA, AS, DL, PR
Posts: 744
Another vote for the Sheraton.
To go along bzcat's suggestion, if you have access to the club lounge you can also view the eastern end of the south complex of the airport as well. Always look forward to having a light breakfast there while watching the morning lineup of departures waiting to use 25R. ^ (Closed on weekends though, IIRC.)
To go along bzcat's suggestion, if you have access to the club lounge you can also view the eastern end of the south complex of the airport as well. Always look forward to having a light breakfast there while watching the morning lineup of departures waiting to use 25R. ^ (Closed on weekends though, IIRC.)
Nov 30, 2010, 5:29 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 411
Another vote for the Sheraton.
To go along bzcat's suggestion, if you have access to the club lounge you can also view the eastern end of the south complex of the airport as well. Always look forward to having a light breakfast there while watching the morning lineup of departures waiting to use 25R. ^ (Closed on weekends though, IIRC.)
To go along bzcat's suggestion, if you have access to the club lounge you can also view the eastern end of the south complex of the airport as well. Always look forward to having a light breakfast there while watching the morning lineup of departures waiting to use 25R. ^ (Closed on weekends though, IIRC.)
Nov 30, 2010, 1:24 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PMD-ORD-AZO-ILO-NRT
Programs: UA 1K, BD Silver, Amtrak Select, SPG & PCR Plat/ICH Amb, AA, AS, DL, PR
Posts: 744
Exactly, the Sheraton Gateway. The Westin also has views of the eastern end of the south complex but nothing on the north side aside from approaching planes.
Feb 5, 2011, 7:54 am
#45
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
My only hotel experience on Century is the Radisson. Good and bad, but it's all about expectations.
First, GREAT views of the Southern complex and supposedly good viewing of arrivals on the North (only ever had a South facing room). Sadly, they have a very, very annoying film covering the windows, I think to prevent heat/glare. It really even messes up spotting with the naked eye, let alone photography, but it's still do-able I guess.
Second, the Radisson's roof-top bar was still closed to the general public as of last August (last time I was there). I have snuck up there before and the view is GREAT. This is unfortunate, as it's a super-prime location.
Overall, if you're in SoCal you ought to be OUTSIDE not hold-up in your hotel room. Just saying. It's a 5 minute walk to In N Out.
Having explored the Parking Spot, I would have to bear you this warning. It's not spotter-friendly AT ALL. They have signs posted all over prohibitting photography and loitering. Furthermore, they have cameras all over, and people staffing a central "office" at the bottom so you will be seen and asked to leave most likely.
First, GREAT views of the Southern complex and supposedly good viewing of arrivals on the North (only ever had a South facing room). Sadly, they have a very, very annoying film covering the windows, I think to prevent heat/glare. It really even messes up spotting with the naked eye, let alone photography, but it's still do-able I guess.
Second, the Radisson's roof-top bar was still closed to the general public as of last August (last time I was there). I have snuck up there before and the view is GREAT. This is unfortunate, as it's a super-prime location.
Overall, if you're in SoCal you ought to be OUTSIDE not hold-up in your hotel room. Just saying. It's a 5 minute walk to In N Out.
Having explored the Parking Spot, I would have to bear you this warning. It's not spotter-friendly AT ALL. They have signs posted all over prohibitting photography and loitering. Furthermore, they have cameras all over, and people staffing a central "office" at the bottom so you will be seen and asked to leave most likely.