I can't imagine a scenario where walking would be faster than the hotel shuttles. The majority of hotels are strung out for a very long distance along Century Blvd. and its tributaries, so even if you did walk, you'd have to be at one of the closest hotels to Sepulveda (east edge of the airport) and even then I think the buses would be faster. T4 is next to the Bradley International Terminal, about as far from Sepulveda as you can get within the airport loop.

(Maybe famous last words, but I'd probably arrive 90 min. before a domestic flight rather than 2 hours. AA is pretty efficient at LAX.)

Hotels are not near enough to be reasonably walkable.

Stick with one of the 4*s, and use their shuttles. Walking is NOT an option, as others have said.

OK thanks for all of this info, we will not make a decision based on proximity to the airport.

So Gardy, even on a holiday weekend you think 90 minutes is enough if we are checking bags? It will be a very short night so an extra 30 minutes will be good.

One more thing, are some hotels better than others for the shuttle service?

So Gardy, even on a holiday weekend you think 90 minutes is enough if we are checking bags? It will be a very short night so an extra 30 minutes will be good.

One more thing, are some hotels better than others for the shuttle service?

Probably a crap shoot - not much business travel on the holiday; OTOH schools are starting all over the place that week, so maybe some crush in that respect. AA at LAX is pretty busy in the mornings with east coast departures, which can be both good and bad - plenty of staff on hand, plenty of pax too. I'd still be okay with 90 min. but maybe my risk tolerance is different from yours. You don't have elite status or aren't traveling first class by any chance? If so things are much quicker.

No idea which buses are faster; they all seem to be pretty quick. Make sure you know when they depart the hotel when you check in. If memory serves the Sheraton LAX is among the closest to the airport entrance. It's a big (and quite nice) hotel so probably would be a good bet.

If you aren't elite status I'd do the 2 hrs. LAX (esp security) can be an unpredictable zoo for what appears to be no reason sometimes.

Other than that the Sheraton is a good bet. VERY efficient, you can reserve a shuttle time (every 12/2 hr IIRC) and if worst come to absolute worst there's always cabs there (about $25 to LAX)

P_M
Have you thought about a Priceline bid? Lots of good hotels right there on Century Blvd.

Last time we had a flight similar to yours, we stayed at the Hilton (on the far end of the hotel row on Century). On the shuttle ride to the hotel from LAX, the driver suggested we board the morning hotel shuttle 2 1/2 hours before our flight.

That turned out to be plenty of time for us, but then we weren't checking bags, we already had our boarding passes, and we got to go thru the priority line.

Lines can get pretty nasty at LAX. I'd err on the side of caution. You can always stop at the airport Burger King for one of their "yummy" breakfast sandwiches if you end up having extra time.

Happy travels!

The last time that I used a hotel near LAX for the night before an early morning flight the shuttle stopped at a couple of other hotels on the way to LAX. I think I stayed at the Hilton.

First of all I am a hysteric!!

Walking is totally out the question!

But I would reserve the shuttle and give myself 3 hours!! But then I always worry about the "what ifs" and at LAX they often happen.

And once at the airport a lot can still go nuts and having extra time is all in your favor. That is a holiday weekend so the aiport will be crowded and things will move slowly.

Better to be at the gate, bored and catching a nap ....then arrive in a sweat and skidding in on a banana peel.

But then......I am a hysteric!!

Last time we stayed overnight at LAX we stayed at La Quinta LAX. It was a decent hotel for a short stay without spending much money, the shuttle stopped at the Holiday Inn as well. During this trip when we arrived at the airport we found out the flight to HNL was cancelled and if we had arrived half hour earlier, they might have been able to put us on the next flight, instead we had to wait until about 5pm. So lesson learnt there, to be at the airport early rather than late, although LAX has to be the most boring airport ever to wait in.

ok, Odin, but you weren't late. Another learning might be to know the schedule of the flights before and after yours to the same destination and to check your flight status a few hours before the scheduled deparutre time.

I like the Marriott Courtyard and it is where I usually stay when I need to be at LAX for an early morning flight. It is actually closer to the airport than the Sheraton and has regular shuttle service. Recently remodeled and a good restaurant and bar.

Before you confirm your reservation with any of the larger airport hotels, call the hotel directly, not on a a national 800 number, and find out if there are any special events going on at that venue. The airport hotels are very popular for meetings of all types. We stayed in one last January when there was an "Anime" meeting. The hotel was very crowded with many costumed people, some of them playing their parts at all times. I also was caught in a professional football meeting at another hotel several years ago. That took me back to my first day of middle school, with a crick in my neck from trying to look over the big kids.

Thanks again to all who replied.

swisshiker, I have considered doing a priceline bid but I don't want to be a the end of the shuttle line where we might have to make several stops going to/from the airport. However if the savings from Priceline is substantial we could just taxi and not worry about waiting for the shuttle. I did a priceline bid a few years ago and we were very happy to get the Westin for somewhere around $60 plus tax.

We are flying coach and we do not have elite status so we will be part of the cattle call.

I will book something over the weekend and as always the Fodorites' help has been immeasurable.

I won't worry about the shuttle for any of the 4* hotels. At these major airports, people tend to arrive and leave throughout the day, and not just during a particular rush. For this with tight shuttle space, some let you reserve a seat the night before. And finally, those who miss shuttles usually check out the last minute.

It may be an issue with lessor properties, but the major 4*s at LAX should be fine.

If you Priceline an LAX hotel, you'll end up right in the middle of hotel row. The shuttles run back and forth constantly and it doesn't take long to get to the airport once you get going.

I'd allow 2 hrs at LAX unless you are checked in with a boarding pass in hand and only taking carry on. If there is any kind of checkin glitch or delays the lines are LONG.

UPDATE


We are currently in Kauai and a few days ago we had our overnight layover at LAX. After revisiting LAX and seeing the layout I can see why walking to LAX was indeed a very bad idea. We stayed at the Doubletree and all went very well with the shuttle bus. We arrived at LAX at appx 6:15am as we chose to be cautious and arrive early. There were 3 people ahead of us in line at security so we had a very leisurely breakfast at the airport.

Thanks again for all replies.

Kudos to you P_M! I'm always happy to see the OP post an update and results of their question/answer. Very helpful!