Seems like the airfare is about the same if we fly into LAX, Burbank or Santa Ana (?). We'll be staying at the Beverly Hills Hilton. We won't be renting a car.

Which airport is closer and/or easier?

LAX is the closest. Santa Ana, aka John Wayne Airport or SNA is in Orange County, 50 miles south of Beverly Hills.

How are you going to get around LA without a car? LAX is far closer to Beverly Hills than Orange County airport (SNA). Even though SNA is only 50 miles away, it could be a 2-3 hour drive, depending on the traffic.

Tossup between LAX & Burbank....Burbank is much easier airport to get in and out of if it's a nonstop flight for you either way. Taxi fare might be a bit higher from Burbank but worth it. Traffic down from Burbank to the Bev Hilton can be slow between 5pm and 7:30pm however so try to arrive mid-day.

Los Angeles is one city I would not try to do without a rental car. It's just not practical imo.

What sort of trip is this - and for how many days?

If just a couple of days for a business mtg or convention at the Hilton - then you probably don't need a car. But otherwise - how did you plan on getting around w/o one?

It is a business trip so they will provide transportation if we do any sightseeing. But mostly we'll just be at the hotel working

We will arrive mid day so based on the responses I'm thinking Burbank might be the best alternative (yes, there are non-stop flights into either airport). I've been to LAX a number of times but if Burbank is a bit easier to get around and to get to a cab stand I'll think we'll try that.

You can book Prime Time Shuttle ahead of time if desired, not sure what the cost would be compared to a cab. I'm also not sure if the cab companies can quote you a "flat rate" to the Beverly Hilton so that you avoid a cab driver who takes the long way around.
Burbank is a cinch to maneuver compared to LAX, and LAX has one runway still down for renovation so is expected to be a mess all summer.

We prefer not to take shuttles when on a business trip since we have to take extra baggage of equipment. The company will pick up the cab fare but I'd love to know what the long way versus the short way is so we don't get a taxi driver who sees us as chumps.

Thanks for the heads up on the LAX congestion. The runway construction seems like that will create problems and waste time in landing on a busy summer day.