We depart from Port of Los Angeles and are flying to Los Angeles the day before departure. Is it better to stay near the port of departure or near the aiport and do transfers to the ship? It is our first time cruising. Can you recommend a reasonable hotel/motel near either.

There aren't all that many good choices in San Pedro (home to the Port of LA) bu, in the $100 range you have a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. At a little less is the Vagabond and for a little more, the Sheraton.
Many more choices around LAX in most price ranges.
I try to stay closer to the port than the airport.
There isn't anything to do in the immediate LAX area.
In San Pedro, you've got some options...Port O'Call Village, LA Maritime Musuem, tour of a WWII Liberty ship the SS Lane Victory and the Cabrillo Aquarium.

Beckyb,

I endorse boom_boom's advice. It can get unpleasant trying to get to the ship from the airport, and there is very little to do but hang around one's hotel near the airport. In San Pedro, I think the Sheraton is the best property, but it, too, is a bit isolated from the attractions and restaurants.

As a compromise, you might wish to consider spending the night in Long Beach. There are several nicer hotels there, and some are within walking distance of the area around the convention center and courthouse. There a number of good restaurants in and around this area. And, you would have, at most, a 15 minute taxi ride from there to the ship.

I think you'd be better off staying near the pier. No worries about traffic getting there from the airport, etc. We haven't sailed from San Pedro for quite a while, but did enjoy the Port O'Call shops when we were there. I'm always more comfortable when I'm near where I need to be the next day!

Thank you. This is very helpful. Probably go with the pier.