Hi There,

Aussie girl flying in from Las Vegas for one night on the 29th Feb, before heading to Mexico on the 1st March. What's two 30 somethings to do for a night in LAX? possibly staying at a hotel airport due to an early flight the next morning. We love great food, bars and just want to enjoy a short but sweet trip in LAX...any help is appreciated!

Have dinner at Cafe del Rey in Marina del Rey, just a short taxi ride north of LAX. Elegant restaurant with bar on the water. Outstanding food for many years. And there are many hotels right outside the airport, a quick shuttle ride away. See www.cafedelreymarina.com

Stay in El Segundo, take a taxi to Hermosa Beach. There's a pier and a number of bars and restaurants (see Pier Avenue).

For a relatively inexpensive hotel there's the Hacienda and they have a shuttle to the Airport.

Yes, the Hacienda is close and reasonably priced. Another good choice is the Embassy Suites <http://tinyurl.com/2yv5fl> 1 mile away, albeit somewhat more costly.

Another restaurant suggestion is the Baja Cantina <http://www.bajacantinavenice.com/>, also in Marina Del Rey. The ambiance is very casual. Their location is only 2 blocks from Venice Beach and many people watching opportunities.

Thanks so much! I'll look at all your suggestions

Two 30 somethings might be too old for the Hermosa Beach Plaza, at least my kids think that! LOL

I think staying in El Segundo is a great idea, but I'd suggest Manhattan Beach Pier area for restaurants and bars. It's 3 miles to MB by taxi.

Yes..staying in El Segundo would be the best and cheapest. I like both Hermosa and Manhattan...but as point out...30 might be to old for Hermosa..I'm 38 and feel a bit out of place there but it is a cool vibe. Manhattan Beach is great too, more upscale.
Peace,
Keith http://rhoadeslesstraveled.om

I have stayed right outside LAX and love the Hilton Garden Inn. They have a free shuttle bus that picks you up and the hotel is right outside the airport. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to Manhattan Beach and there you can go to the clubs and pubs right there. They have a great Pub near the beach where the food is good. You can call the hotel and they will pick you up as a courtesy. There is a fun Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the beach and across the street is a club for the twentysomethings. The Hotel shuttle will also take you to some of the malls and other places close by.

We stayed in Manhattan Beach recently and it was perfect. A few bars and restaurants to stroll around very close to the beach, and the Sea View Inn at the Beach was clean and accomodating.
Saturday morning traffic towards LAX was nothing, and the trip took 8 minutes from our hotel to our terminal according to our watch.

This site seems to just be starting up, but they have the best LAX airport hotel info I've seen:

www.airporthotelguru.com

They list a few good options there. The best one for you probably depends on your specific budget and needs.