Best Los Angeles Airport Hotels for Plane Spotting

Los Angeles is one of the world’s great aviation cities. Home to the famous Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as well as busy airports such as Van Nuys and Long Beach, the area offers aviation enthusiasts a huge variety of aircraft movements to enjoy.

Whether you’re visiting Southern California specifically for plane spotting, have an overnight layover, or simply want to maximise your time watching aircraft, choosing the right hotel can make a big difference. Fortunately, several hotels around Los Angeles offer excellent views of airport operations, allowing you to log aircraft registrations, watch movements, and even capture photographs without leaving your room.

Why Stay At An Airport Hotel?

For many aviation enthusiasts, an airport hotel is much more than simply a place to sleep.

The right hotel can provide hours of aircraft viewing from the comfort of your room, allowing you to watch movements early in the morning, late at night, or during breaks between sightseeing trips. Some hotels offer views of runways and terminal parking gates, making them ideal for logging aircraft registrations or monitoring interesting visitors.

Los Angeles is particularly well suited to hotel-based plane spotting thanks to the number of airport hotels located around LAX, as well as other area airports. With hundreds of aircraft movements every day, including airliners from around the world, cargo aircraft, private jets and occasional military visitors, there’s always something interesting to see.

For enthusiasts travelling with family or combining spotting with a holiday, an airport-view room can also be a convenient way to enjoy the hobby without spending all day at a dedicated spotting location.

Best Los Angeles Airport Spotting Hotels

Here are some of the best Los Angeles airport hotels for plane spotting.

Embassy Suites LAX South

1440 E Imperial Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245

One of the long-time favourites among aviation enthusiasts visiting LAX, the Embassy Suites LAX South sits close to the airport’s southern runways and within easy walking distance of the famous Imperial Hill spotting location.

The best rooms are located on the fifth (top) floor facing the airport. From here you’ll be able to observe movements on the southern runways as well as activity on nearby cargo and business aviation ramps. While photography from the rooms can be difficult due to obstructions and window angles, the views are excellent for aircraft logging.

Enthusiasts often recommend Suites 580 and 581, although recent construction nearby has partially obscured some views of the business jet apron. Aircraft using the northern runway complex can still be followed with the help of flight-tracking software.

A word of warning: make sure you book the correct Embassy Suites property, as another hotel of the same brand nearby does not offer comparable airport views.

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

9750 Airport Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Located close to the terminal area, the Four Points by Sheraton has long been a popular choice for spotters seeking affordable accommodation near LAX.

The hotel offers rooms facing either north or south towards the airport. Depending on your room location you’ll have views of one runway complex or the other, so it pays to request your preferred side when booking.

Although photography opportunities are limited due to windows and viewing angles, the hotel works very well for aircraft logging. The location also makes it easy to reach many of LAX’s famous spotting locations.

H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton

6151 W Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For enthusiasts wanting one of the best hotel spotting experiences at LAX, the H Hotel is difficult to beat.

This modern property sits close to the airport terminals and offers panoramic views from selected corner rooms in the north-west and south-west sections of the building. Even better is the rooftop terrace and gym, which provide excellent elevated views across the airport.

From here you can watch arrivals approaching from the Pacific Ocean and observe operations on both runway complexes. Photography is possible, making this one of the few airport hotels in Los Angeles where enthusiasts can realistically capture decent images without leaving the property.

The downside is the price. The H Hotel is usually among the more expensive airport accommodation options, but many aviation enthusiasts consider the views worth the additional cost.

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport

5985 Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Formerly operating as the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport, the Sonesta LAX remains a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts.

The hotel’s height provides good views across the southern side of LAX, particularly if you request a room facing the airport. Aircraft registrations are generally easy to read, making it a good choice for enthusiasts keeping track of fleet movements.

Photography opportunities are limited, but the hotel excels as a comfortable location for watching aircraft movements throughout the day.

An additional bonus is the hotel’s multi-storey car park, which offers even better elevated views over parts of the airport and can be useful for enthusiasts looking for a different perspective.

Long Beach Marriott

The Marriott at Long Beach overlooks the airport. Photo: motox810

4700 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815

Long Beach Airport may not receive the same attention as LAX, but it remains an interesting airport for enthusiasts.

The Long Beach Marriott is situated alongside the airport near the south-eastern corner of the airfield. Higher-floor rooms facing the airport provide views of movements on the main runway, particularly during periods when aircraft are arriving from the south.

Depending on runway use and room location, distant views of other parts of the airport may also be possible. The hotel is particularly useful for enthusiasts wanting to photograph or log aircraft operating for carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines, alongside a steady stream of business aviation traffic.

Nearby Plane Spotting Locations

Aircraft pass low over the In ‘n’ Out Burger near LAX.

Even the best airport hotel views can be enhanced by visiting some of Los Angeles International Airport’s famous spotting locations.

Clutter’s Park

Located just south of LAX in El Segundo, Jim Clutter’s Park is a popular location for spotting.

The elevated position provides panoramic views of the airport’s southern runways and taxiways, making it ideal for photography and aircraft logging. Depending on runway use, aircraft can be photographed arriving, departing and taxiing from a variety of angles.

The park is particularly enjoyable during the afternoon and evening when trans-Pacific arrivals begin to arrive.

[Read: Spotting at Los Angeles LAX Imperial Hill Jim Clutter Park]

Dockweiler Beach

Located directly beneath the western approach paths, Dockweiler Beach offers one of the most dramatic aircraft viewing experiences in Southern California.

Widebody airliners from across Asia, Oceania, Europe and the Americas pass low overhead before touching down at LAX. The combination of beach scenery and aircraft photography makes this a favourite among enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

In-N-Out Burger Viewing Area

Perhaps one of the most famous aviation viewing spots in the world, the In-N-Out Burger near Sepulveda Boulevard attracts enthusiasts from across the globe.

Visitors can enjoy food while watching aircraft pass overhead at remarkably low altitude on final approach. It is often one of the first locations aviation enthusiasts visit when arriving in Los Angeles.

Flight Path Museum

Located on the southern side of LAX, the Flight Path Museum provides an excellent insight into the history of the airport and commercial aviation in Southern California.

Although not strictly a spotting location, it makes an ideal addition to any aviation-focused visit and can easily be combined with time spent watching aircraft nearby.

Get More Spotting Tips With This Guide

For more tips on spotting locations and spotting hotels at airports around the world, our book World Airport Spotting Guides is for you.

This comprehensive tool for plane spotters covers over 350 airports in 50 countries in an easy-to-use format.

You can get your copy at this link.