We are flying out of LAX to NZ on January 1. We decided to fly into LAX on 12/31 to break the trip up. Our daughter will be 13 months.

Where would you recommend we stay? We will probably just hang out at the hotel. But we'd probably like something in a decent area so if we wanted to take her on a walk, we wouldn't have to worry about being mugged. We really don't want to tour LA or even go to the beach - just hang around a very nice hotel, maybe jump in the pool (if it's warm enough?), etc.

We do like nice hotels. But it doesn't have to be "luxury."

Thanks for any ideas!

I forgot to say, we do want something with an airport shuttle. Thanks for any ideas! In terms of budget, I'd appreciate any suggestions you have. We are looking to keep the costs down, but will pay $$$ if needed.

I usually stay at the Hilton. There is also either a Doubletree or Embassy Suites and almost every other hotel near the airport. Most have shuttles.

I always stay at the Doubletree because they are so very pleasant to deal with. Good neighborhood, a nice, hot breakfast in the morning (included in room) and the super heavenly bed. Last time we were there they gave us a room with a king bed, sofa, two chairs super duper accomodations!

If you want a decent area, stay away from the hotels on Century Blvd, or located in Inglewood.

For families, I usually recommend the suite hotels in the El Segundo/Manhattan Beach area. The rooms are a little more spacious and breakfast is included in the rate. Hyatt's Summerfield Suites, Springhill Suites by Marriott, and Residence Inn by Marriott(Manhattan Beach) are usually reasonably priced. They are also in safe areas and I believe there are shuttles.

Other (pricier) options would be the Manhattan Beach Marriott, The Ayres, the Belamar, or Shade hotel.

The pools at these hotels are outdoors, and it will probably be to cool to swim.

Embassy Suites--with the two-room set-up you can put the little one down in the bedroom, and have the living room to relax in without disturbing. The El Segundo ES sits back from the busy street so you could walk around if need by. Beach is just down the road if you want to venture out.

If you are flying out the next day, then you need to stay at the airport, not elsewhere. I usually stay at the Westin, but there`s not much around the area. It was fun to watch the planes taking off and landing though.

You can absolutely stay in Manhattan Beach, it's only 3 miles down the road from LAX. The only problem is, it's New Year's Eve - don't know how that's going to affect the minimum nights issue, and/or the cost of the hotel.

A few to consider:

Homestead Studio Suites (El Segundo)
www.homesteadhotels.com
From $160
Rooms include full kitchen; hotel is adjacent to a supermarket, Starbuck's, Robek's Juices and across the street from a shopping plaza with moderate dining options.

Marriott Hotel (Manhattan Beach)
www.marriott.com
From $250
Heated pool, jacuzzi, 9-hole golf course; hotel is a short walk from a grocery store, movies, department store and dining options at all price levels.

Custom Hotel (Westchester)
www.customhotel.com
From $199
Heated pool; hotel is across the street from a public park and very near a grocery store and several dining options.

Thanks, everyone, I really appreciate it.

What do you think of the Doubletree in El Segundo? I got a suite for $129, which is much better than any other decent suite-type hotel. Any input would be great. Thanks again!

The Doubletree in El Segundo is located in the same general area as the Homestead Studio Suites I mentioned in an earlier post, but it's not as close to the supermarket, Starbuck's, restaurants, etc. The hotel has a couple of on-site dining options plus room service. There are also a pool and fitness facilities.

The immediate area is mostly large office buildings, so it will be very populated during the day but might feel very quiet after working hours.

www.foghornhotel.com

The Marina del Rey area should be fun on New year's Eve, and lots of boats and yachts for your little one to enjoy watching. Cheesecake Factory is next door, they'll give you a pager to tell you when your table is ready, meanwhile you can walk the shore and the marina since it will be quite a wait on New Year's. Other shops/ restaurants are not far away. 10 minute shuttle to LAX in the morning, advise hotel in advance as they must schedule it for you.

That is the Doubletree that I try to stay at. Are they offering breakfast with your package? Sometimes they offer breakfast AND a cocktail at happy hour. We've been there four times now and haven't been unhappy and yes, they have a shuttle.

I work across the street from the Doubletree. You can walk to a couple of casual restaurants that are about a block or two away. The hotel should be good for a quick stop before your next flight.

It should be a very quiet area on New Years Eve unless the hotel is having a party.