Quinney H.
Yelp
I considered keeping this slightly hidden gem close to the vest, but my Mississippi roots nudged me to share the wealth. So, here's a quick recap of what I loved about my recent stay at this hotel:
1. The AC Hotel Brand - I've been a Marriott rewards member for years, and, honestly, the AC Hotel just wasn't on my radar as a rock solid property to stay at for business and leisure travel. After two great experiences with AC Hotels this year--Barcelona in April and this property during Memorial Day weekend--they are now one of my top choices in the Marriott portfolio! I'm noticing that I usually love their locations, amenities, overall customer service experience, and the guests at these properties seem more approachable and hip.
2. Location - I've stayed all over the LA Metro Area during my visits over the years: Pasadena, Culver City, San Bernardino, Altadena, Highland, and DTLA. This was by far my favorite location. I was literally right by LAX, Venice Beach & Santa Monica was on the other side of the airport, and I was a short drive (15-30 minutes) from minority-owned businesses in Inglewood, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, Culver City, Koreatown, West Hollywood, Ladera Heights, and throughout the South Bay. Shortly after checking in at the hotel, I also walked about 3 miles west to the El Segundo Beach, and there was a beachfront trail that went to Manhattan Beach that was full of runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and people walking. So, lots of physical activity options nearly. Another thing I noticed on that walk is the stark contrast between the east and west sides of El Segundo. The side of El Segundo where the hotel is located is mostly industrial chic and quiet, which I absolutely loved. After I crossed the Pacific Coast Highway, it was a lot more residential and felt like a Norman Rockwell painting. That part of El Segundo was right on brand when a random teenager yelled a racial slur at me (from behind my back) for simply existing and minding my business. Hmmm... I graduated from the #1 high school in my home state, have an Ivy League degree, a graduate degree from a Top 20 school, and I've been accepted to both medical school and a PhD program in the past. So, the math formulas in my brain were unbothered by that level of ignorance, and I took the high road right back to my hotel in East El Segundo.
3. Customer Service - Prior to booking this hotel, I read multiple reviews that mentioned the front desk staff weren't particularly friendly or welcoming. I disagree. The hotel staff here were great and really helpful whenever I needed help, and they were able to meticulously accommodate all my requests when I experienced an unexpected mechanical issue with my vehicle that required two separate tows, coordinating parking with valet, and extending my stay an extra day.
4. The View - While the view from my hotel wasn't magical by any means, I enjoyed seeing trains come by on the elevated train tracks and planes flying in and out of LAX. I also had a direct view of the Air China and Los Angeles Times corporate buildings from my hotel room, which both have special meaning to me personally (my trip to China and Japan in 2018 on Air China) and professionally (encouraging my community partners to work with members of the press to amplify their messages).