We're staying in LA for 3 nights on the way back from Hawaii for some shopping before heading back to Europe but not sure which area would be best to stay in. We have been to LA few times and have stayed in various places eg West Hollywood & Santa Monica, we will have a car. Would be thankful for any suggestions.

Depending on what you plan to do and how much you want to spend....
the Hilton or Sheraton at Universal City are good places. Walk to Universal Studios, Metro station within walking distance that will take you to many areas.
Down town the Westin or the Hilton Checkers are among several nice hotels.
There's always the Disneyland area in Anaheim with lots of choices in all kinds of price points.
Further afield there's the Crown Plaza on the waterfront in Ventura or the Embassy Suites on the waterfront in Oxnard.
Have fun!

If shopping is the only thing you plan to do, then I'd suggest Costa Mesa in Orange County for "The Ultimate Shopping Resort" South Coast Plaza. 17th largest in the world, and 3rd largest in the U.S. 280 stores.

http://www.southcoastplaza.com/

West Hollywood gives you easy access to the new GROVE shopping complex and also to The Beverly Center, as well as funky shops on Melrose Ave. You can also get to the Hollywood & Highland shopping complex easily, and you are not far from the freeway entrances if you wish to drive an hour to "outlet shopping".

I'm with the poster on going to South Coast Plaza!

SHOP AWAY.

: )

Yes we will definitely go to the South Coast Plaza. Many thanks for the suggestions.

Well if you stay in the Costa Mesa area, you have three major shopping centers within a 15 minute drive:

1) South Coast Plaza
2) Fashion Island
3) Irvine Spectrum

Plus you can have lunch in Laguna Beach on the beach. Sounds like a plan to me.

Sounds great thank you. There is always time for lunch and I understand Laguna Beach is quite scenic.

Have you considered Beverly Hills?

I think that might be out of my price range for everything? I have been to Beverly Hills to have a look, same with Rodeo Drive, I've also been to Century City for shopping, stayed at the Santa Monica Loews and Hyatt West Hollywood on previous trips. We also been to Universal Studios but a certain somebody wants to go again.