We arrive in LAX in late May in 2010. The idea of a hotel with car rental agency in house appeals - as we'll be there for two nights on arrival; and possibly two nights on deoarture in July.

Anything we should know? (We already have sussed that it's an OK hotel. No better, no worse! We're from Australia - a very similar country to the USA in many (most??) ways - and we've been to the USA several times before. So not expecting (nor wanting) any surprises this trip.

No worries, mate.

Good location, for close the airport.
Easy access to the freeways.

You are away from the unfriendly neighborhood near the airport.

The Hacienda has been there pretty much forever, and for years (1970s and before) it had a rather seedy reputation among us locals (mob connections etc.) I've stayed there a couple of times in the last few years (as a traveler to/through LAX rather than a local) and note they have two distinctly different room qualities - okay and yuck. Every time I've been there I've noted that the great majority of the guests are from overseas; I presume the Hacienda does some pretty intensive marketing with foreign TAs or others who recommend it. I can't honestly say I've heard too many complaints from fellow guests, but I also can't say I've heard much praise. I will say the on-site restaurants are mediocre on a good day.

Unless the price is really, really great, frankly I'd stay elsewhere.

Two thoughts come to mind - if you're going to hire a car, there's no need to stay on the Century Blvd. strip (big hotels closest to LAX) or in El Segundo (Hacienda et al) since the car will greatly widen your options.

And/or, book the first night using Priceline (use Priceline/Hong Kong for Aussie addresses/credit cards) for a 4-star hotel at LAX, then collect the car and off you go. The only downside to having a car at one of the big hotels is high daily parking charges; I don't recall what the Hacienda charges. If you can defer the car until the second day, then you can overcome that problem.

I have stayed at the Hacienda several times for before flight nights over the past 15 years and will not ever again. The hotel is very old and can be a great deal if you can get a room for 89 or 99 dollars... they do not charge for parking and we've always parked there for free and been satisfied until the last time.

Last time after returning from a long international flight their line for registrations was literally out the door and into their parking lot. It took hours to check in and we had three little ones that I was trying to make comfortable.

Their "volume marketing" has paid off for them but it has now hampered my experience and I'm not willing to tolerate what comes with that.

I would do exactly what gardyloo suggests. Enjoy your trip!

My regular stay when I want to be nearby LAX for an early morning flight is the Crown Plaza Redondo Beach. You need to test pricing as they can be expensive at peak periods.

The hotel does have a rental car desk and offer airport shuttle.

The hotel is across the street from the beach, walking distance to the pier restaurants at Redondo, and on the beach path that goes from Palos Verde to Manhattan Beach. Downtown Redondo is very pleasant. Like staying in a small beach town 15 minutes from the 405 and all the SoCal madness.

Hacienda Hotel was used by the airline crews when I worked in El Smell in the 1980's. The newer nicer rooms are in the West Tower. Hacienda Hotel is fairly inexpensive when booked on the internet and popular with park and fly locals, as they have their own shuttle to the airport that runs 24/7 and package deals for parking. It isn't a resort by any means.You might try some of the other hotels in El Segundo which are newer, to see if you can find the same price. Most of those local car rental agencies will pick you up at your hotel anyways.

Offering rates in strong competition with the Hacienda, a much nicer hotel just north the airport:

http://www.customhotel.com/index.php

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...alifornia.html

But if you prefer to stay just south of the airport, all the major chains have properties in the same general area as the Hacienda. Hilton Garden, Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Embassy Suites, Doubletree...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g3...ia-Hotels.html

Thanks all.