A new spotting hotel has come to our attention at Los Angeles International – LAX Airport.
The H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, to give its full name, is one of the newest places to stay at the busy airport. It is located in the central area, close to the terminals and iconic Theme Building.
Michael Cahill stayed there recently and sent these pictures and tips. He says:
“Make sure you ask for a room on the 12th floor because it has a big rooftop area”. This is great for spotting on both sides of the airport, and enjoying the sunshine during the day, or taking a dip in the pool. This is also a great place to take pictures of aircraft approaching from the east on both the north and south sides of the airport. You can even frame the aircraft with the Hollywood sign or mountains in the background!
The hotel is very modern and of a good standard. It is part of the Hilton range of hotels. “They even have robots deliver things to your room!”
A WOW Air A330 approaching as seen from the rooftop terrace.
The H Hotel Los Angeles rooftop terrace at night.
The best rooms for views are the corner rooms in the north west or south west parts of the building, which have a better view over the airport as well as the runway approaches. Michael stayed in room 1225, which is one of the corner rooms.
You’ll see most movements, and Michael says it’s possible to get good pictures with a 300mm lens of individual aircraft. A bigger lens can give some great shots of aircraft departing with the sea as a backdrop.
He adds “The staff went out of their way to accommodate spotters” which is a good sign, considering many hotel staff don’t understand the hobby, or treat you with suspicion. He paid a little over $200 per night for weekend rate.
Rooftop terrace and fitness centre with views of aircraft approaching.
The H Hotel at LAX is within easy walking distance of the In ‘n’ Out Burger spotting location near the end of runway 24R. It also has regular shuttles to the terminals, and you can grab a taxi to the Imperial Hill spotting location.
H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio by Hilton
6151 WEST CENTURY BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045
T. 310.215.3000
Here’s a map of the location:
Visiting Los Angeles on a spotting trip? Read our guide:
[Airports of Los Angeles – A Spotting Guide]
3 comments
Sounds like a very nice hotel, but also very expensive. I think I will stick with the Motel 6.
I have just returned from a three night stay at the H Hotel LAX and would just like to add a couple notes to Michael Cahills’s excellent review.
There are two room types with guaranteed airport view. Superior King Corner Airport View. These all end with either a 25 or 07. The other room type is a Deluxe King Airport View. I stayed in Deluxe room 1027 and had a great view. H Hotel shares the building with Homewood Suites. All Homewood Suite rooms are on the lower floors, while H Hotel rooms exclusively occupy the upper floors.
There is a Subway outlet on the ground floor of the property, found towards the rear of the hotel. The outdoor swimming pool is located on the ground floor, beside hotel entrance, and does not offer any decent views.
As Michael mentioned in his report, the roof top deck is amazing and the highlight of any stay. I spoke to the management regarding opening hours of the deck and it is their intention to keep it open 24/7.
Thanks very much for this information Wayne!
Matt