This is never a good plan, but at an airport hotel (of all places), it's really unacceptable. The one time I *NEVER* have a car is when I'm at an airport hotel! If I have a rental I return it the night before I fly out.

:td: to automatic assumptive billing.

FYI: For anyone who doesn't want to park on Century (free overnight parking), there's a very affordable 12-hour parking at Fox Parking Lot down the street (exit the hotel lobby, turn right and walk 1 block down to Glasgow Place and turn right). It's only $4 for 12 hours. :)

The strange thing is that if you look on tripadvisor, there has been a huge flurry of *excellent* reviews over the past couple of months. I checked it out because of the Amazon promo, but I'll find another Westin in which to stay before May.

The bad news is that I stayed at the Sheraton LAX a couple of weeks ago, and their customer service has gone downhill recently. Apparently the new owners have really hurt morale.

So perhaps it's time to try the SLS BH.

I work near here so I checked in here a few times last year and it was a major disappointment. Shabby, dark, yuck, yuck. I could not bring myself to stay in the room. The Sheraton and 4 Pts are not any better - standard airport industrial rooms - I do it only for stay credit if I have to.
Someone mentioned the SLS BH as an alternative - way better if you don't need to stay at the airport (actually the SLS is only about 10 miles from LAX, but it can be a tough 10 miles depending on the time of day)....

Can anyone confirm that the Westin have a lounge?
When I'm trying to book for next week an "executive room with lounge" option comes..

They do have a lounge with absolute nothing in there. thankfully, subway is next door and 24 hr McD is across street with Taco Bell, AMPM, PizzaHut Express.

I'm confused...How they sell executive rooms with Breakfast in lounge ??

The lounge is now a business center with a computer and printer. I was told by the front desk that it has no other lounge features. Their executive rooms are ones on higher floors with a couple additional amenities. If they are selling a room with breakfast, the breakfast would have to be served in their restaurant.

I don't understand why 405 traffic is so bad..that 10 miles..Even local can be tough on weekday, weekends, nights and days.. I haven't had once that I was not slow/or stopped on the 405 either N or S bound from LAX to Westwood area.

From LAX to the SLS I would definitely take surface streets (Airport>La Tijera>La Cienega) over the 405.

Executive Lounge makes a comeback at Westin LAX
 

Checked in last night, was recognized as a Plat, and was handed a nice invitation card from Glenn Sampert, the GM:

"We warmly invite you to start your day by joining us for breakfast on the 12th floor Executive Lounge. Chef Jose will prepare favorites highlighting Superfoods to energize and empower. Breakfast is available from 6-9:30AM (Tu-Fr)

Upon your return, relax and unwind from 4:30 to 7pm (M-Th). Complimentary appetizers prepared by our own Chef Jose. Cocktails will be available for purchase."

So I went for breakfast, and was pleasantly surprised at how good the breakfast burrito was. There are the usual juices, coffee, tea, yogurt, mini-croissants, bread, fruits, etc... A very nice spread. They said that today is the first day of the reopening of the Executive Lounge.

Stopped by again after work, and found chicken pineapple on a stick, along with cheeses, olives, artichokes, and other nibbles. Wines and beers must be charged to your room, no other option available.

Since I had to go to a fancy dinner, I did not eat that much, but the spread is not too bad.

Glad to see that at least some Westins are reopening their Executive Lounges ^ May be the pressure from Hilton and Hyatt is being felt? :D

Well, I spoke to the GM Glenn Sampert during Happy Hours, and it would appear that Starwood is trying to grab some market share, so perhaps more Westins will have Executive Lounges. We shall see!

Executive Lounge makes a comeback at Westin LAX
 

Checked in Tuesday night, was recognized as a Plat, and was handed a nice invitation card from Glenn Sampert, the GM:

"We warmly invite you to start your day by joining us for breakfast on the 12th floor Executive Lounge. Chef Jose will prepare favorites highlighting Superfoods to energize and empower. Breakfast is available from 6-9:30AM (Tu-Fr)

Upon your return, relax and unwind from 4:30 to 7pm (M-Th). Complimentary appetizers prepared by our own Chef Jose. Cocktails will be available for purchase."

So I went for breakfast, and was pleasantly surprised at how good the breakfast burrito was. There are the usual juices, coffee, tea, yogurt, mini-croissants, bread, fruits, etc... A very nice spread. They said that Wednesday was the first day of the reopening of the Executive Lounge.

Stopped by again after work, and found chicken pineapple on a stick, along with cheeses, olives, artichokes, and other nibbles. Wines and beers must be charged to your room, no other option available.

Since I had to go to a fancy dinner, I did not eat that much, but the spread is not too bad.

Glad to see that at least some Westins are reopening their Executive Lounges May be the pressure from Hilton and Hyatt is being felt :D

I also posted the same thing on the Westin LAX Master thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...l#post14588119

What a terrible stay last night.

The key holder said "gold", but that's the only recognition I got. I have a standing request for "high floor". They put me in the lowest floor with guest rooms.

Most Starwood properties leave me a bottle of water or similar amenity. None at the Westin LAX.

This is a particular peeve of mine: beds made wrong. At the Westin LAX, it appeared that they used a full-size bed sheet as the bottom sheet on a king bed. That meant that the last 6-8 inches at the foot of the bed were unsheeted. The bed was covered with a king-size sheet & comforter. So my feet were on the mattress all nigh. Yuck. Calling housekeeping at 11 PM when I have a 6 AM conference call is a non-starter. This alone is reason to not stay at the hotel.

"Breakfast" was included in the rate - if you can call it that. The breakfast coupon consisted of items from the Starbucks Kiosk in the lobby. Nothing hot. It specifically said "not valid in Daily Grill".

There was no bill under my door or express checkout. Had to stand in line at the front desk this AM.

When I mentioned all that to the front desk clerk, he shrugged, said "I'm sorry", and didn't even call a manager to note the issues.

I usually stay at the Ren near LAX - now I know why. I would have stayed there this trip but 1) they were full w/a corporate group, and 2) I needed the SPG points/stay. Never again at the Westin LAX.