Staying in Santa Monica while overnighting near LAX...

Anyone done this? In the position of having a flight which lands me at LAX at 21:30ish, but not going till 5ish next day.

Is it that far for a taxi? Many hotels around there? Recommends?

Anyone done this? In the position of having a flight which lands me at LAX at 21:30ish, but not going till 5ish next day.

Is it that far for a taxi? Many hotels around there? Recommends?

Wouldn't have thought it was too far though maybe a prebook with Carmel or the like may be the best option.

Stayed at Loews a few years ago, but Shutters gets lots of mentions and The Shore hotel gets #1 on Tripadvisor.

Good choice for a location to spend a morning wandering around and having lunch.

I would definitely recommend Shutters. Not cheap but is one of the few places I've been where it has really been worth the money. I wish I hadn't seen this thread, now I really want to go back again!

We stayed at The Georgian back in 2013, good rate, comfy room with a side sea view, and a nice breakfast on the veranda looking at Ocean drive and the sea beyond.

Native here who used to work in Santa Monica for years. It's totally doable - not too far. Just make sure you tell them to hold for late arrival. And yes, Shutters or Lowes are both fine. Right where you want to be. There's also the JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot.

Also, since traffic sucks no matter what time you go leave yourself enough time to get back to LAX and through security. Believe it or not Google Maps has a fairly decent traffic indicator that will give you an idea of when you should leave.

Here's hoping you get a gorgeous day while you're here

Also stayed at the Georgian fab hotel and upgraded to a sea view suite

You might want to consider Lyft and I think (?) Uber instead of a taxi as I believe they are now allowed to pick up from the airport.

W.