The Sonesta LAX renovation was a full rebranding renovation of a 600-room 16-story hotel at LAX. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, the property underwent a full interior renovation to align with Sonesta’s brand standards, redefining the guest experience from arrival to stay.
The project included a reimagining of four F&B outlets, the renovation of 20,000 sq ft of meeting space, and updates to the guest rooms and public areas.
With strategic, budget-consicous approach, we balanced design impact with smart, economical decisions, ensuring the renovation delivered a fresh, cohesive brand experience while working with existing constraints.
Sonesta Hotels
Sonesta LAX Renovation
Project designed while at Nelson Worldwide as the SE Regional Practice Leader for Hospitality
Challenges/ Design Opportunities
Design Vision
The existing hotel lacked a cohesive identity - filled with jewel tones and generic tourist photography. Our challenge was to craft a strong, authentic design vision that reflected Los Angeles & Southern California’s essence - light filled spaces, rich textures, and geometric forms.
Scale
Designing for 600 rooms meant every decision mattered. From finishes to FF&E, each choice was carefully evaluated for budget alignment and implementation within the existing structure. The objective was clear: maximize impact, enhance the guest experience, and deliver exceptional value - without unnecessary excess.
F&B Design
This renovation equried a thoughtful balance of transformation and preservation. While major updates were made, key structural elements remained, challenging us to work within existing conditions while still delivering fresh, cohesive concepts. Each F&B outlet needed a distinct identity, yet all had to function seamlessly across different dayparts, ensuring a dynamic, unified guest experience.
Implementation
With the hotel remaining fully operational, the renovation was carefully phased to minimize disruption. Meeting spaces, guest rooms, and F&B outlets had to stay functional throughout, requiring strategic planning, precise documentation, and flexible execution to bring the vision to life.
