At LAX, the best first stop depends on whether the itinerary goes to a beach, studio, suburb, or Orange County. Confirm current Rental Car Center transfer instructions before leaving the terminal, then plan food and lodging around the first neighborhood rather than the airport alone.
A short hotel-only stay can make parking and congestion dominate the rental decision. Verify the hotel's current airport-shuttle arrangement separately from the Rental Car Center route.
Beaches, studios, Malibu, Orange County, and multi-stop Los Angeles plans need a route-shaped vehicle choice and a realistic return buffer.