My requirements for this overnight stay in Los Angeles were a free shuttle, free breakfast, and a clean room. I chose the Fairfield Inn and Suites Los Angeles LAX/El Segundo, it delivered on my requirements, excelled in simple touches, and failed at some basics.
While the property does show signs of age, the warm service and practical amenities make up for it. Here’s a detailed look at my experience.
Key Features and Highlights
Convenient Airport Shuttle
One of the standout features is the free airport shuttle, this was a must since I didn’t want to rent a car or Uber around.
A helpful tip: make your way to the red zone at the departure level, not baggage claim, to catch it. However, I found the wait time to be at about the end of my patience. The shuttle branding is only visible on the side, which means I had to identify it almost as it passed me—something to keep in mind if you’re scanning the curb for your ride.
This service adds significant value, especially when navigating the chaos of LAX, but a bit more visibility would be helpful.
Rooms: Compact Yet Well-Equipped
I stayed in room 286, a standard king room. While compact, the space is efficiently designed with thoughtful touches:
A mini fridge and coffee maker for in-room refreshments.
Plenty of charging ports on both sides of the bed.
A small luggage shelf, a seated desk area, and an additional chair making it feel organized despite its size.
Complimentary bottled water (2) at check-in was a nice touch.
The bathroom was spotless and functional but lacked any standout features. The hot water wasn’t quite hot enough, and the tub drain was slow—minor maintenance issues that could improve the overall experience.
As for comfort, the bed was firm and comfortable, offering solid support without feeling too hard. The room lighting was just enough, though some might find it a bit dim.
Amenities: Breakfast, Pool, and Fitness Center
Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast was basic on all fronts but the staff who manned the stations were top shelf all the way. Nothing ran out, the counters were cleaned quickly, and they answered questions from several guests with a smile.
From fresh waffles to scrambled eggs, sausage, oatmeal, fruit, and coffee, it’s a solid spread for a free breakfast offering.
Pool: The outdoor pool was closed for January, but it looked inviting with well-maintained furniture and cozy lighting. It seems like it would be a great spot during warmer months.
Fitness Center: Small but functional, the fitness center had treadmills, ellipticals, light weights, and a yoga/stretch area—a practical setup for a quick workout.
Lobby Perks
The hot chocolate bar in the lobby was a highlight during my winter stay. With a bowl of mini marshmallows to pile on top, it was a comforting treat on a chilly evening. The lobby itself was clean and welcoming, setting a positive tone for the rest of the hotel.
They also had a popcorn station, pictured below, and a corner market with basic offerings.
Dining and Nearby Options
The location is a major plus if you’re looking for quick eats or essentials.
In-N-Out Burger is literally across the street, perfect for grabbing a classic Double-Double. We don’t have any in Hawai’i, yet, so I always make a pit stop if I can. I tried a similar business on the East Coast, can’t remember the name, not as good imho.
Other nearby spots include Starbucks, Subway, 7-Eleven, and a FedEx Office for any work-related needs.
Parking Information
For those driving in, here’s what to expect for parking:
On-Site Parking: $50 per day. Crazy if you ask me.
Off-Site Parking: Located right across the street for $45 per day.
While on-site parking is convenient, the off-site option offers a small discount for those looking to save a few bucks.
Vibe and Service
The staff was a standout aspect of my stay. Tania at check-in was efficient, friendly, and recognized my loyalty status, offering me the choice of 1,000 bonus points or a marketplace item. While the hotel itself feels a bit dated and worn in places, the cleanliness and attentive service helped offset this.
Noise can be a concern for airport hotels, but I noticed minimal noise from LAX flights during my stay, which was a pleasant surprise given the hotel’s proximity.
Practical Information
Shuttle Service: Free to and from LAX; pick up at the departures level red zone. Be prepared for a bit of a wait and keep an eye out, as the shuttle branding isn’t immediately visible.
Breakfast Hours: Complimentary and includes a wide variety of options.
Nearby Dining: In-N-Out Burger, Starbucks, Subway, and more.
Fitness Center and Pool: Both functional, though the pool is seasonal.
Parking: $50/day on-site, $45/day across the street.
Room for Improvement
While my stay was comfortable, a few areas could use attention:
Thin walls meant I could hear my neighbor moving about—a common drawback for airport hotels.
The hot water in the shower only reached lukewarm, and the slow drain in the tub was noticeable.
The property’s overall look and feel could benefit from some updates to match the otherwise excellent service.
The airport shuttle could be better marked to avoid confusion when waiting at the curb.
Conclusion: Who Should Stay Here?
The Fairfield Inn and Suites LAX/El Segundo is ideal for travelers looking for a convenient and affordable hotel near the airport. With its free shuttle, hearty breakfast, and friendly service, it’s perfect for short layovers or a quick trip through LA. While the building shows its age, the thoughtful amenities and efficient staff make it a solid choice.
If you value convenience and practicality over luxury, this hotel is worth considering for your next LAX stay.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying out of LAX to Honolulu and need ideas for how to pass the time on the flight, check out my guide on fun things to do on a long flight to Hawaii.
