LAX Escape: Luxurious Sonesta Select El Segundo Awaits!
LAX Escape: Luxurious Sonesta Select El Segundo Awaits! – A Messy, Honest, and Honestly Pretty Good Review (Mostly…)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your usual sanitized hotel review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, after a recent stay at the Sonesta Select El Segundo. Because, let's be honest, after a red-eye flight, all you want is a comfy bed and a decent cup of coffee, right? Let's see if this place delivered, shall we?
Accessibility: The Basics… and a Sigh of Relief.
First off, a major thumbs up for accessibility. I'm not wheelchair-bound myself, but I appreciate a place that thinks about it. The website boasts details, and from what I saw of the lobby and common areas, it seems pretty good. Elevators? Check. Wide hallways? Check. This is important, people. Especially when you're dragging your carry-on after a transatlantic flight and fueled entirely by airport coffee.
Check-in/out [express]: Smooth Sailing (Finally!)
Contactless check-in/out? Yes, please! After the hellscape of LAX (seriously, I swear that airport has a gravitational pull that makes time itself slow down), the express check-in was a godsend. I just waltzed up, showed them my digital confirmation, and BAM! Key card. Room in, problem solved. No standing around listening to some overly perky desk clerk drone on about the weather. Bliss.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter (Especially After a 10-Hour Flight)
- 24-Hour Front Desk/Wake-up service: Essential. Seriously, after a long flight, the ability to just… be is paramount.
- Elevator: Obvious, but appreciated.
- Luggage storage: I didn’t need it, but it's there, which is always a win.
Rooms: Ah, the Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (pun intended). The carpets… well, they weren't exactly new. A little worn around the edges, like they’d seen a few too many spilled coffees. But, the bed? Oh, the bed. That's where Sonesta really shines. Heavenly. Plush, comfortable, and it swallowed me whole after I collapsed in a jet-lagged heap.
- Air conditioning: Mercifully silent and effective. LA heat is no joke.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: Essential for the modern traveler. Streamed a movie, caught up on emails, you know, the usual. (More later…)
- Blackout curtains: Crucial. Jet lag is a beast. These puppies kept the California sun out.
- Desk and Laptop workspace: Yup, good for getting some work done when required.
Internet: (A Mini-Rant)
I'm a digital nomad. I live on Wi-Fi. And the Wi-Fi at Sonesta? Okay, it was there. It worked. But, let's just say it wasn't the blazing-fast internet of my dreams. There were a few moments of buffering during my Netflix binge. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but for a hotel billing itself as 'luxurious,' I’d expect better. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is great, but is it fast free Wi-Fi? That's the question.
- Internet access – wireless: Fine, just fine.
- Internet access – LAN: Not tested, but theoretically available.
- Internet services: Nothing ground-breaking, but functional.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Or, How I Survived on a Diet of Coffee and Regret)
The on-site restaurant… listen, after a flight, I'm not looking for gourmet. I'm looking for food. They have a coffee shop and a bar, which are helpful, but I did not partake in the food options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Important, very important.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, let's be real: travel is a different beast than it was. Did Sonesta do a good job with COVID-19 precautions? Yes, they seemed to. Lots of hand sanitizer, staff in masks, and signs reminding you to… well, not breathe on each other. The details are in the list below:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Promising.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I hope so.
Things to do, ways to relax: Beyond the Bed (Mostly)
- Fitness center: I'll be honest, I didn't even look at the Fitness Center. After that flight, my exercise for the day was walking from the bed to the mini-fridge.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Tempting! Sadly, my jet lag won. Next time!
- Spa/sauna: No Spa.
Getting Around: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
- Airport transfer: They offer it! I Uber'd, because I’m a control freak.
- Car park [free of charge]: Score! Free parking is always a win, especially near an airport.
For the Kids: (I Don't Have Any, But I Noticed)
- Family/child-friendly: I saw a few kids, so that’s a good sign.
- Babysitting service Noted, if you need.
In conclusion:
Sonesta Select El Segundo? Not perfect. But, for a convenient, comfortable stay near LAX? A solid choice. The bed is glorious. The check-in is blessedly efficient. The location is decent. The internet could be better. Overall, it's a decent stay. Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if that bed is calling my name after another transatlantic flight.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Columbia Getaway Awaits at Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're doing this my way. Forget perfectly polished travel guides; this is gonna be a chaotic, glorious mess of a trip… a Sonesta Select Los Angeles LAX El Segundo kind of trip. Prepare for turbulence.
The (Un)Official Trip Plan: LAX, El Segundo, and the Whirlwind of My Existence
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Questionable Charm of LAX
11:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at LAX: The Hopes and Dreams Die First. Oh, LAX. The shimmering gateway to my dreams… and the potential for a four-hour wait just to find a freakin' rental car. I'm already regretting not packing a small survival kit. You know, snacks, water, maybe a tiny parachute in case I get lost in the arrivals chaos.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (or Whenever the Shuttle Finally Shows Up): The Shuttle Shuffle. Okay, so I’m at the "shuttle pick-up area" with approximately 100 other lost souls, all staring balefully at the departing airport trams. This is where I will find my patience, lost in a sea of wheeled luggage.
1:30 PM - Check-in at Sonesta Select LAX: The Promise of a Bed (and Maybe a Shower). Okay, I need to start this vacation clean, I desperately need to get away from this airport madness. This is probably the moment of truth. Praying the place doesn't look like a scene from "The Shining." (Side note: I really hope the bed is comfy. Hotel beds can make-or-break a trip’s emotional well-being.)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking, Assessment, and the Dreaded California Sun. Okay, room's…fine. Air conditioning? Check. View of… a parking lot? Also check. I'm sure there'll be a palm tree somewhere, right? I'll unpack, get my bearings, and then… what? Decisions, decisions. Is there a vending machine with something that isn't a sad granola bar?
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: El Segundo Exploration (or, "Getting Lost in a New Neighborhood"). Gotta explore, right? It's gotta be at least a little bit better than the airport. Okay, El Segundo. Google Maps says I'll find a cafe, if I actually leave the hotel. Maybe a quick walk around, scope out the vibes. This is where I'll become a local. I will get that tourist tan.
6:00 PM - Dinner at… Somewhere, Maybe? Yelp review research time! I want good food. Not those sad, overpriced airport options. I'd be happy with some real tacos, or maybe a pizza I can eat in my room in sweatpants. The ultimate goal.
8:00 PM - Mandatory Hotel Bed Test and Existential Dread. I will test the bed. It's a crucial part of the process. All those long-haul flights, the uncertainty of the journey, the stress of LAX will fade. And the existential thoughts? They come when you're horizontal, staring at the ceiling, and wondering why you packed so many socks.
Day 2: Beach Vibes, Sunset Sadness (Maybe), and the Quest for In-N-Out
9:00 AM - Wakey Wakey Eggs and Anxiety. No, not really. Breakfast? Coffee? Need to be functioning before the world touches my skin.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Beach Day! Santa Monica or Venice? Oh, the eternal question. Santa Monica is probably the more "touristy" choice, but maybe less of a culture shock than Venice. Fine, Santa Monica it is! Sunscreen, hat, and trying to remember how to be social again.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch with a view (or, attempting to avoid seagulls). I hope there's a cute cafe with ocean views, and maybe a sandwich that isn't too expensive. The seagulls will probably be ruthless. I'll have to protect my precious French fries at all costs.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - The Beach Walk (And the Inner Monologue): Okay, so, walking on the beach. What's the protocol on these situations? Barefoot? Sandals? Do I look like I know what I'm doing? This is prime people-watching material. All of this will fuel my inner monologue.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Sunset… and, Possibly, Tears? A perfect sunset is a cliche for a reason. I'll find a spot, watch the sun sink, and… well, who knows? Maybe I'll be utterly captivated. Or maybe I'll get a little misty-eyed. Either way, bring the tissues.
6:00 PM - The In-N-Out Pilgrimage. Okay, this is non-negotiable. I've heard the legends. I've seen the Instagram posts. Tonight, the double-double will be mine. This is the ultimate goal, and I’m prepared.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: In-N-Out Bliss (and Regrets About That Third Burger). OMG, it was everything. And yes, I'm already regretting that third burger. Worth it.
9:00 PM: Back to the Hotel, Staring into the Abyss of the TV. Okay, back to the room, probably watch some brain-melting TV, and try not to think about how I need to pack for the flight home again. Just kidding, that's for a different day. This is the good time.
Day 3: The "I Should Have Stayed Longer" Departure
8:00 AM: A Sad Breakfast. Because, ultimately, this is the end. The last bite. The end of the trip.
9:00 AM: The Panic Pack. Oh god, the packing. I'm the worst at this. Clothes strewn everywhere, a general sense of chaos, and the crushing realization that I've probably left something important behind.
10:00 AM: Checkout and the Dreaded Ride Back to LAX. Yep, back to the airport for the grand finale: the departure. And the crushing truth that this is, indeed, the end.
The rest… Well, let's just say it's a blur of airport security, plane food, and the slow, inevitable return to reality. And hopefully, a few good memories.
A Few Extra Notes:
- Mood Swings: Expect them. They're inevitable.
- Food: I'm open to suggestions. But tacos are a priority. And pizza. Always pizza.
- Improvisation: This is a suggestion. I reserve the right to veer wildly off course.
- Perfection? Not found here.
This isn't just a trip; it's an experience. It's the honest, messy, and beautifully imperfect reality of travel. Wish me luck. Or, you know, send pizza.
Escape to Wisconsin: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Antigo at Super 8!
LAX Escape: Sonesta Select El Segundo FAQs - Because Let's Be Real, You Need Answers (and Maybe Therapy After Flying)
Okay, So... What *Is* This "LAX Escape" Thing? Sounds Dramatic.
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen (or king, no judgment). "LAX Escape" is basically Sonesta Select El Segundo's attempt to be your oasis after the soul-crushing experience that is LAX. That's right, I said it. LAX. You know, the place where time ceases to exist, TSA agents seem to have a personal vendetta against you, and you question all your prior life choices while waiting for your delayed flight.
This is their attempt to make you feel like you've, well, *escaped*. Which, honestly, feels necessary sometimes. I mean, after fighting for a parking spot, navigating the human zoo that is the terminals, and enduring the flight itself... You deserve a decent bed and maybe a tiny umbrella drink. That’s what I was hoping for, anyway.
How Close IS "Close" to LAX? Because "Close" Can Be a Lie. Asking For a Friend... Who is Me.
Okay, this is critical. Sonesta Select El Segundo is, thankfully, *actually* close. Like, a reasonable cab ride away. I'm talking maybe 10-15 minutes, tops, depending on LA traffic (which, let's be honest, is a gamble). I once took an Uber there *after* my flight was delayed by four hours. I landed a little after midnight, was exhausted and already on the brink of tears from being stuck next to a snorer on the flight. The *relief* when I realised I was *actually* close… pure bliss. You can practically smell the freedom cookies baking in that direction. (Okay, maybe they don't bake cookies, but you *get* the feeling). It's definitely not the hotel that promises "close" and then you're stuck in a shuttle for half an hour wishing you had a different life. This one delivers (almost).
What's Actually *In* the Hotel? Like, Besides the Obvious (Rooms, Hopefully).
Alright, let's break it down. Sonesta Select El Segundo has the basics: a decent restaurant (I've had both a surprisingly good burger and a totally forgettable Caesar salad there, so results may vary), a bar (essential for pre-flight / post-flight emotional recovery. Or both!), a decent-sized pool (didn't use it, but it looked inviting), and a gym (that I definitely didn't use, because, come on, I just flew). They have free wifi (thank god), and a shuttle (to and from the airport - *score*). I remember the front desk staff being pretty friendly, which is also important, especially when you're running on fumes and caffeine.
Okay, so here's the messy bit. They also have a "market" selling snacks and essentials. Honestly? It's a bit… overpriced. But hey, you're a captive audience. Bring your own snacks if you're savvy. Me? I was too exhausted. Ended up paying like $8 for a bag of chips I could've bought for $2 at the grocery store. Lesson learned. (Maybe).
The Rooms! Tell Me About The Rooms! Specifically, Are They Clean? And Do They Have Enough Outlets? (Priority One.)
Okay, the rooms. Yes, they're generally clean. (Thank the heavens). I'd say they're… standard. Think functional comfort. The beds are comfy enough to pass out on after your flight, which is the ultimate goal, right? The bathrooms are decent. Clean. And if there's one thing you need after a long flight it is a clean bathroom.
And the outlets! THANK GOODNESS, yes, they have enough. Finally, a hotel that understands the modern traveler's crippling dependence on electronics. I'm talking outlets by the bed, outlets near the desk! I could charge my phone, my tablet, my noise-canceling headphones, and my portable charger all at once. (A little detail: I swear, I think I might have left a charging cable in the room, and I'm still not over it. I hope it got a good home).
Is the Airport Shuttle Actually Useful? Or Is It a Nightmare?
The shuttle! Okay, so it's *mostly* useful. Key word: *mostly*. This is where the imperfections come in. The shuttle runs frequently enough (check the schedule, it might vary), which is a huge plus. BUT (and here's the but that can really bruise your already-fragile post-flight ego) sometimes, it's packed. I mean, sardine-in-a-can packed.
My experience? One time, I had to wait for *two* shuttles before I could jam myself in. The first one was already overflowing with what looked like a convention of tired looking people and the second was the same. By the time the third arrived, my internal "hangry" meter was pegged. The driver was lovely, but the wait...ugh. So, plan accordingly. Consider a backup plan (Uber/Lyft) if you're in a massive hurry, or if you're just... over it. Because, let's be honest, we've all been over *it* after a flight. You know?
So, Would You *Actually* Recommend Staying Here? Be Honest.
Alright, here's the brutal, honest truth. Yes. I WOULD recommend it. It’s not the most luxurious hotel in the world. It's not going to blow your mind with fancy amenities. But it's clean, it's close to LAX, the staff is friendly(ish), the beds are comfortable, and it has those crucial outlets. Those things combine to make it a good choice for an LAX escape.
That said, it’s not perfect. The price can fluctuate, the shuttle can be a gamble, and the market snacks are a rip-off. But if you're looking for a convenient, comfortable place to crash after a flight (or before one, to avoid that pre-flight anxiety), Sonesta Select El Segundo gets a solid recommendation. Just… bring your own snacks. And maybe a valium. Just in case.
Anything Else I Should Know? Secrets? Hidden Gems?
Okay, a couple of things. First, if you're a light sleeper, request a room away from the elevator or the highway (traffic is a relentless hum). Second, it's in El Segundo, which is a decent little town with some restaurants and shops nearby if you have time to kill (but honestly, after flying? You're probably going to just collapse on the bed). Also, use the free coffee in the lobby… it’s not the best, butStay By City
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