We'll be staying over one night at LAX to break the trip between the east coast and Hawaii, and I'm torn between the Radisson and the Renaissance Montura. They seem to be about the best around the airport, but I'm not seeing unqualified cheers for either of them in TA. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I thought the reviews for Renaissance Montura looked consistent and pretty good.

I think the reason you don't find "unqualified cheers" for the airport hotels is because they are generally not geared for a memorable stay but are usually just used for a several-hour layover in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the staff knows they'll never see you again.

There are many hotel chains with properties in El Segundo, just a few miles from LAX. Hilton Gardens, Doubletree, etc. You might do a Tripadvisor search for El Segundo hotels and see if something looks more promising.

Renaissance Montura is a lovely hotel. We had a one nite stay at the end of our San Diego vacation few months ago. Close to airport. Nice decor and pleasant staff

The Hotels in El Segundo are much better than the LAX hotels and not much further. The Doubletree is pretty decent. You'll also be closer to restaurants, and an easy cab ride to Manhattan Beach (cute town on the beach) if you want to stretch your legs or eat someplace besides the chains.

I agree with Hills. Montura is a fine hotel in a neighborhood where you could be shot down on the sidewalk or mugged in the parking lot. Take a 15 minute cab ride to Hermosa or Redondo Beach. Be safe, in a much nicer setting with plenty of fine hotels. The Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Redondo Beach is a great place.

Yikes, stumpworks! When were the shootings? I live in Manhattan Beach and missed that big news.

I haven't heard of the shootings either, when did they happen?

Hi, Nancy. I meant my comment as a challenge to stumpworks. I think the description was so much hyperbole.

Would I want to spend much time strolling on Century Boulevard? Not! But, I think you'd agree, it's not a particularly dangerous area if one uses common sense.

I picked someone up from the Montura and took them out for dinner (to San Pedro where we were meeting others) and thought it looked just fine for one night. Better than most, in fact.

Thanks, all. I appreciate your input!

I don't know about these hotels, but may I throw in my two cents? I was in LA this past weekend and we stayed at the Sheraton LAX for a mere $77/night plus tax. Last January I got the same deal at the Westin LAX. I booked both of these hotels by making a priceline bid for a 4* hotel at LAX. Both of these were fantastic hotels with free shuttles to the airport.

I know this isn't what you asked, but I wanted to make the suggestion anyway. Have a great trip.

My colleagues and I used to stay frequently at the Westin LAX. Until one had a roach problem in his room and the other a bedbug problem. I would avoid it like the plague.