Daytime layover in LAX

Question

Has anyone booked an airport hotel for a daytime layover in LAX? We are arriving mid morning and leaving at 9pm. I'm finding it impossible to find any information for how to book a close by hotel for the day. Thanks for any help or advice.

Answer

A daytime layover at LAX can definitely be made easier by booking a hotel room for a few hours, but most airport hotels do not show daytime availability on regular booking websites. Instead, you have to either contact the hotel directly or use platforms dedicated to day-use rooms.

Fortunately, many of the hotels around LAX *do* offer day-use rates, and several are very familiar with passengers who need rest between long flights. Below is a detailed guide on how to book, which hotels work best, and alternative options if a room isn’t available.

How to Book a Day-Use Hotel Near LAX

You generally have three ways to secure a room for the daytime only:

Call the hotel directly and ask for a “day-use rate” or “day room.” Most LAX hotels offer them even if you can’t find information online.
Use third-party day-use booking sites that specialize in short-stay rooms (examples include typical day-use hotel sites). These sites often list LAX hotels with hourly or 6–10 hour blocks.
Book a regular night and check in early/check out early if the cost is reasonable—but this is usually more expensive than a day rate.

Hotels Near LAX That Commonly Offer Day Rooms

Not all hotels formally advertise day-use rooms, but many around LAX provide them on request. These hotels are known for reliably offering daytime access:

Hyatt Regency LAX – closest large hotel, modern, quiet, easy shuttle access; offers day rooms when available.
Hilton Los Angeles Airport – extremely common for airline crews, and very used to day-use stays.
Sheraton Gateway LAX – typically offers day rates because of high airline traffic.
Crowne Plaza LAX – also airline-crew heavy and known for daytime bookings.
Renaissance LAX – often has 9am–5pm or similar blocks if you call.

What Hours to Expect

Most hotels structure day-use rooms in blocks like:

9am – 5pm
10am – 6pm
8am – 4pm

Some allow flexibility if rooms are available — calling directly is the best way to get specific times.

What Day-Use Rates Typically Cost

Expect around:

$90–$150 for basic airport hotels
$150–$200+ for upgraded properties (Hyatt Regency, Renaissance, etc.)

This varies widely depending on demand, the day of the week, and conventions in the area.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get a Room

If no hotel has a day room available, these are good backup options:

LAX Airport Lounges – You can purchase single-entry access to some lounges depending on the terminal; many have showers and quiet spaces.
Go out to Manhattan Beach – Only 10–15 minutes away by Uber; quiet cafés, the pier, or the Strand for a relaxing walk.
Visit the In-N-Out park area – A classic LAX activity right under the flight path, good for grabbing food and watching planes.
Rent a car for the day – If you prefer mobility instead of resting, a rental can give you flexibility to explore nearby beaches.

Final Tips

Since your layover ends at 9pm, a day room can give you a quiet place to nap, shower, or simply decompress between flights. Because day rooms near LAX fill up due to airline crew traffic, book as early as possible and always call the hotel directly for the best rate and guaranteed availability.

If you reach out to two or three of the large hotels listed above, you should easily find a place that can accommodate your daytime stay.