I'm not sure what time we'll be arriving in the LA area, as we'll be driving from Yosemite (we added that) - sometime between 8 and 9 pm, I would guess. My flight the next day is at 1:45 pm. I'll have a car to turn in.

The Hermosa Hotel that Tabernash suggested looks like it is 20-30 minutes from the airport right now, same for the Travelodge.

I appreciate the warning about traffic. The distances aren't great, but with construction and sheer number of cars on the road, it sure can add up to travel delays.

If you're arriving late and have limited time the next morning, I'd stay closer to LAX.

The Hi View in Manhattan Beach would be 15 minutes from LAX. The Travelodge in Culver City (Washington Place) would be closer to LAX than the Santa Monica location.

The Custom Hotel on Lincoln might have rooms for about $159. It's maybe 20 minutes to LAX, but it's on a busy corner with no place to walk per se. Beaches would be relatively close by car.

http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/cali.../custom-hotel/

The Custom is less than 10 minutes from LAX, but I don't see a rate in September less than $169.

New info -- you are now coming from <u><B>Yosemite</B></u> . . . Which changes things.

It would be faster and MUCH easier to fly out of Sacramento or San Jose or SFO or Oakland . . . even if you have to connect someplace.

From Yosemite Valley to SMF = about 3.5 hours and to either OAK or SJC about 4 hours. To LAX it will take at least 7 hours.

Janis, when I did google map directions from Yosemite (fish camp), it said 4:40 hours to LAX.

Google says 3 hours 20 to SJ, 3 hours 35 to OAK, and 5hours to LAX.

>>Janis, when I did google map directions from Yosemite (fish camp), it said 4:40 hours to LAX.<<

BIG difference. When you said Yosemite I assumed you meant Yosemite <i>Valley</i>. Fish Camp isn't the same at all -- it is 90 minutes from Yosemite Valley.

And even from Fish Camp -- I'd use a northern CA airport and not LAX.

oops - didn't mean to click submit.

. . . It is MUCH farther and you have to cross the entire LA basin.

Unless Southwest and the car rentals have a big sale, I'll be sticking with my original itinerary because costs would go up significantly. Trust me, I've checked. This just won't be one of my more efficient trips. I'm ok with that. Getting out of dodge is my main goal and I'll be happy whatever I'm doing in California.

Sorry I missed this, but the Travelodge on Pico in SM is in a fine, safe neighborhood. I know it well, since it's across the street from McCabes Guitar Shop, where I periodically buy instruments or go to a folksy flavored concert. For food, you can either go to the very expensive (not on this trip, I know!) Valentinos, which is across the street, the very cheap Der Wienerschitzel, or the take back to the room Trader Joes . . . all within 1/2 block.

Thanks Surfergirl.

Keep your eyes peeled. Although they just had a big 3-day sale last week,there's a good chance that Southwest will have another September sale later this month.

And - are you set on Fish Camp? It is an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley - there are other/better places to stay.

Hi Janis. I'm not set on a Fish Camp, but I haven't found anything closer that a)I can afford and b)that my travel companion will be ok with.

Look at the Yosemite View Lodge and the cheaper Cedar Lodge in El Portal. They are 15 mins from the Valley. Even if they are a little above your budget it would be more than worth it to save 2.5 hours driving each day. Yosemite View is much nicer but Cedar is probably cheaper