We'll be in LA for a day for a doctor's appointment, the next day we catch a morning flight out of LAX. We really only have the afternoon and evening free, but would like to make the most of it. Would it be reasonable to stay in Santa Monica that night? How easy is it to get to the airport the next morning? We'll have a car, but the appeal of staying at an airport hotel is being able to return the car at night and take the hotel shuttle to LAX the next morning. Another idea would be to stay near LAX and take a taxi to and from Santa Monica. Any opinions?