Great base for stress free LA visit
On a recent trip to USA we struggled with where to stay in LA. We chose Renaissance LAX to avoid hassles with airport transfers. high costs of getting around LA and very mixed hotel options. It appears we hit upon the perfect solution. The Renaissance LAX was a good hotel and the room was very good (5th floor, west side). The rate of $129++/night with full breakfast was good value (~$150/night with taxes) - food generally very good. Most important for us we found the Renaissance LAX much easier to access tourist areas than staying in LA itself.
Free shuttle to airport terminals takes minutes (can be used anytime), In addition to hotel restaurant there are number of eating options varying from Burger King (across road) to various grills, restaurants and food options a short walk away (inc. other hotels on Airport and W.century Blvd). Basic shops etc are a short drive or bus trip (Big Blue Bus or Manhatten Beach Shuttle). Avis and Budget car rentals are directly across the road and road access is very easy via Lincoln Blvd (to north) and Sepulveda Blvd (to south) for those worried about freeway. Taxi rank directly outside hotel.
Transport options are very good and major convenience factor. The airport hotels support a hop-on-off trolley bus for $5 that goes to Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village shopping mall and a couple of other stops in the Manhatten Beach area. The Big Blue Bus stops outside and is $1-$2 to get to Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica or UCLA (Westwood-Beverley Hills). Nearby shopping option is Westfield Culver City (Fox Hills Mall) with 3 department stores and 2 levels shops $10-$15 taxi fare. VIP Tours offer day and night tours from LAX that cover all the glitter and glamour of Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverley Hills etc for $65pp. They are based at LAX and hotel pickup/drop off - the night tour is very good and can be booked from hotel desk.
Main negative were free WIFI only in lobby ($13 for 24-hours in room), pool area is quite small but adequate, and the lack of in-room hotel and local information (you have to find out for yourself - hopefully above info helps). Service was OK - we do not mind dragging our own bags (saves on tip) - note we found this trend in number of US hotels but staff were always helpful when asked.
FYI - www.bigbluebus.com streets and bus route safe for overseas tourists. Every 15mins to 30mins all day / evening.