In August 2015 the Sheraton Gateway LAX started a massive renovation.  I needed a quick night in LAX, and decided to stay at the Sheraton Gateway to see how it turned out.  As I arrived, it looked like the same old – same old from the outside.

Hotel Review: The Renovated Sheraton Gateway LAXThe website said that “the first phase of the renovation, encompassing the main lobby and hotel entrance has been completed and guests can now enjoy a refreshed, welcoming experience from the first moment of their arrival at the hotel.” And it was quit different.  Minimum use of furniture, and maximum use of marble. There were two gigantic crystal chandeliers in the lobby area which definitely caught your eye. Check-in itself was speedy and the reception desk was uncluttered.

The Sheraton website also pointed out that, “the clean, modern look and feel of the lobby, front desk and porte cochere add a new touch of elegance to the Sheraton Gateway.”  Since I didn’t know what a porte cochere was, I had to google it to figure out that it is “a porch where vehicles stop to discharge passengers.” Okay. So you will just have to imagine the extension of the porch in the picture. Back in the lobby was a gift shop off to the right, and a Starbucks off to the left.  I generally like the look of Starbucks, but this one seemed kind of frumpy and out of context in the newly renovated lobby area. I could not tell if any renovations took place in the pool area, but I always thought that the pool looked pretty good there.  And yes, the pool is heated!Back inside, one of the big negatives was the bar and restaurant.  Upon check-in I was told that the renovation was 95 percent complete – with the exception of the bar and restaurant. The make-shift bar off of the lobby was just weird. It looked oddly in expensive and out of place.  And I know it’s temporary. But I just couldn’t. So at this point, I was pretty curious to see the room itself.  I have a hard time describing it other than it was blue, and yellow, and silver, and gray, and white and wood.The most interesting feature was a bold yellow sofa/coffee table combo which didn’t really look comfortable or inviting.  But it was there. The bathroom turned out nicely with an upgraded vanity, and lots of stone in it. The towels were also nice and fluffy. I am guessing that they were new.They also wisely ripped out the old tub and replaced it with a marble shower with an oversized shower head. One of the highlights of the property was the Club Lounge on the 15th floor.  It was really well done.  There was ample seating so it never felt crowded. The lounge has a ‘wall of windows’ overlooking the airfield of LAX.In the evening, there was complimentary soft drinks, water, and light fare of cheese and crackers, veggies, chips and salsa and a tortellini salad.I think beer and wine was available for purchase. And I quickly located one of the two plants in the lounge to hide behind while snapping a picture. Morning in the lounge featured a greater selection of food. Some of the best stuff – the yogurt parfaits and muffins were attractively displayed. There was a cold bar of juice, yogurt, cereal, bread for the toaster.The hot bar featured congee, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs and scrambled eggs.

Bottom Line:

The Sheraton turned out nicely enough, but it seems like there is every brand of hotel along Century Boulevard outside of LAX. The ones I can think of off the top of my head include the Marriott, the Courtyard by Marriott, The Crowne Plaza, The Westin, and The Concourse which is going to the be newly renovated Hyatt Regency LAX.  I would recommend staying where you have status, or you need the points or nights credited for your stay. I still think the lobby is one of the best features at the Sheraton Gateway.