Tl;dr – I stayed at the Hyatt Regency LAX twice over two months. I’m a fan of this hotel for its proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport, solid amenities, and comfortable rooms.
Between November 2023 and January 2024, I stayed at this property twice between my positioning flights into Los Angeles and before flying out to Asia. A good airport hotel is necessary for any believers in the positioning flight. Such is the Hyatt Regency LAX. I’m a fan of this property for its convenience and understated amenities. Though I currently don’t have any travel for Southern California, I’ll definitely keep this hotel in mind for any future plans that include a stopover in Los Angeles. Ok, let’s jump into it.
Booking the Hyatt Regency LAX
As a Category 3 property, The Hyatt Regency’s redemption cost ranges between 12,000 and 15,000 points per night. Cash rights fluctuate throughout the year, between $150 and $290. I redeemed an FNA 1-4 award for one of my stays and paid the cash rate on the other stay.
Location / Getting in / Check-In
The Hyatt Regency is located just ten minutes away from Los Angeles International Airport onboard the hotel’s shuttle. If you’re traveling light and don’t want to wait around for the shuttle, you can walk over to the hotel, right at the corner of Sepulveda and Century Blvd, and it’ll take you about ten minutes as well. I’m a fan of this hotel’s location – more on that in a second. The shuttle picks up at the terminal’s departure level every fifteen minutes. Any shuttle stowaways who aren’t hotel guests must shell out $25 for their ride.
The shuttle drops off outside the back entrance to the lobby, and the check-in kiosks are across the lobby near the front entrance to the hotel. On both of my visits, the check-in process was a breeze.
The hotel does a decent job with elite recognition. On one of my visits, I received a Globalist upgrade to a suite. On both visits, the team member checking me in gave the complimentary water bottles and confirmed the elite complimentary breakfast benefit.
Ok, back to the location. Where are all my walkers/explorers at? Whether you’re staying one night, a few nights, or only a handful of hours between flights, the Hyatt Regency LAX is striking distance to some solid taco stands. As a one-time California resident, I’m a firm believer in the state as the domestic mecca for Mexican food (though I give the golden goose to East Oakland), so even a few hours layover is enough justification for me to turn back the clock and forage for the good stuff. Nely’s Tacos is a good bet, a brisk 20-minute walk away.
The Room
Rooms at the Hyatt Regency LAX strike a slightly upscale business convenience vibe. Expect muted decor with splashes of local flair, not-lavish-but-comfortable furniture to help you kick back, and functional furnishings—like a powerful rainshower—to help you wake up when you need to.
I didn’t snap a photo of it, but a small kitchenette was available when Mrs. Blackbeard and I chowed down on the aforementioned Mexican foods.
A simple robe made it easy to get cozy during my layover on the shorter of my two stays.
For some reason, the beds at this property are extra comfortable. Dangerously so, even. I almost FAFO’d myself by drifting into an extended nap and had to get on my horse to return to the airport quickly so I didn’t miss my flight. Oops.
Vibe / Decor
Though it’s primarily an airport hotel, the Hyatt Regency LAX does try to remind you that you are in Southern California. Between the meeting rooms and banquet halls, you can find bright murals and wall art.
Of course, you can also enjoy a classic SoCal sunset.
Amenities
Though I didn’t take a dip, the hotel does boast an outdoor pool, which is a great place to do some planespotting.
The hotel’s fitness center is on the top floor. I like this gym – it’s sizable and has everything you need for a good workout.
Dining and Service
My dining experiences were limited to the elite breakfast (and one drink order at the bar) throughout my two visits to the Hyatt Regency LAX. Recently, the hotel’s dining outlets have changed (or have gone through a rebrand, more accurately), and the main restaurant and bar areas, which used to be known as Unity LA, have become Beckett’s Kitchen and Beckett’s Lounge, respectively. There’s also a 24-hour snack and coffee shop creatively named Beckett’s Coffee Shop (formerly Unity LA market).
For breakfast, elites have the choice of selecting from the buffet or ordering off of the a la carte menu. The buffet isn’t extravagant, but it’s solid, with more fresh and hot options than you’d receive at, say, a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House. I would stick to the a la carte menu. We ordered the avocado toast and huevos rancheros, which were pretty tasty.
I didn’t interact with the hotel staff much, save for check-in and placing my breakfast order at the restaurant, but each interaction was pleasant. The property does a decent job with elite recognition, so I’d imagine the service is above average.
Conclusion
The Hyatt Regency LAX isn’t super flashy but is a suitable option for stopovers or layovers at Los Angeles International. The rooms are comfortable, and enough amenities help you recharge and unwind. As a category 3 hotel, it can also be a strategic use of an FNA 1-4 Certificate, helping you save money before the next leg of your journey.
