Review: JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge

Last week I had a conference at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live. But I didn’t stay there. Instead I used Hyatt points to stay for free at the Andaz West Hollywood. But my friend Margalit from Autistic Globetrotting stayed at the JW Marriott and graciously invited me to join her in the lounge.  Keep reading for my review: JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge.

Getting There

Business Clas on Amtrak is worth the extra $14

I took Amtrak from Oceanside to Union Station and avoided traffic and $261 in parking fees. 🙂

Because I didn’t have a car, I used UberPOOL to get back and forth from the Andaz to the JW Marriott. It was surprisingly cheap. Like almost Thailand cheap. Stay tuned for my post on UberPOOL.

Use: my Uber (affiliate link) for a $20 Uber credit (I’ll get a $20 Uber credit too)

Review: JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge

Executive lounge

The JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge is located on the 4th floor and open:

• Monday to Thursday from 6:30 am to 10 pm
• Friday from 6:30 am to noon
• Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm

You can have breakfast from 6:30 am to 10 am and appetizers from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The honor bar is open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Desserts are available from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Read: How to get free breakfast at hotels

Seating in the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge

Dining area

The JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge seems larger than most US hotel lounges.

Lots of places to sit

Probably because there are so many places to sit. There are about 36 seats and a couch inside. There are three TVs in the lounge.

Relax outside

There’s also a hedge-enclosed patio area that backs up against the pool with several chairs, overstuffed seats and a couch outside. Think of the patio as a spot for fresh air and extra seats and not for views.

Read: Reviews about the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live hotel on TripAdvisor

Who Has Access to the Executive Lounge?

What’s behind door #1?

Marriott Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members along with a guest get free access to the executive lounge.

Tip: You can get free Marriott Gold Elite status for the first year with the Ritz-Carlton credit card.

Because Ritz-Carlton and Marriott are partner hotels, benefits are shared. As a Ritz-Carlton Gold member, you would get the same perks as a Marriott Gold Elite member. So you’d have free access to the executive lounge.

If you aren’t a Gold or Platinum member, you can get lounge access when you book an Executive level room.

There isn’t a sign-in sheet so no one enforces the one guest policy. Nor checks to see if you should be there.

In other words, if you’re cruising by the lounge and someone happens to be going in or coming out, it wouldn’t be hard to just follow along behind.

And no, I didn’t do that because my friend guested me in.

JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge Buffet

Small bites and apps

The appetizers in the evening are strictly that. Apps only.

You won’t be able to make a meal out of it like you could at the Grand Hyatt Kauai lounge. Unless you have a teeny tiny stomach.

Evening appetizers

The night I was in the lounge, the selection was potato chips, mixed chicken on a stick, bean and cheese quesadilla, celery & carrots with hummus, tiny quiche, cheese and crackers.

Aside from a traditional Brie, there was a lamb cheese. Which was surprisingly good! It was similar to a sharp aged cheddar.

Don’t expect to get hammered at the honor bar. There were only a few bottles of booze such as vodka, gin, rum, and domestic beer.

C is for cookie…

Throughout the day you can help yourself to three types of cookies and a selection of coffee, tea, soda, juice, milk, and water.

Read: Tricks to save money on vacation – meals

Conclusion

The JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live Executive Lounge is on the 4th floor of the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live hotel.

The lounge is open to Marriott Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members and a guest. You can also access the lounge if you book an Executive level room.

Overall, the lounge is a decent place to hang out and you can easily find a seat. But if you don’t have free lounge access, do the math before paying for an Executive level room. For families, the extra cost could be worth it.

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