I guess it depends on how much cheaper. You could probably get a car service to take you from downtown LA to SNA for about $100 one way. On a Sunday morning, it should only be about a 45 minute ride. I wouldn't chance a shuttle or taxi. Try: http://orangecountyairportlimo.com
for a quote.

I agree with lvk's suggestion to stay in downtown L.A. You can't really consider the area around the Coliseum because there's only one or two hotels, the Radisson being the only one I'd consider and its website says it's sold out for that weekend. USC sells out most home games, but this will be the biggest game on USC's home schedule this season. There will be a huge number of out-of-town people at the game, and you should get your hotel reservation soon.

You might also check to see if the OSU alum association (and/or another booster group) has any lodging and transportation packages. Many of these groups book blocks of rooms all over L.A. (including where I live in Manhattan Beach) and take the fans back and forth in luxury buses.

I also agree with the airport comments and wouldn't consider SNA unless the fare was crazy cheaper.

Hopefully you are planning this trip for September as the baseball season ends at the end of the month.

Car rentals on weekends are $17 per day, and traffic is very manageable usually. Why are you cabbing from LAX to downtown, to the Colliseum, to Santa Ana etc?

Clarkgriswold, there may be cheap weekend car rentals available, but the parking charges are steep. For the USC/OSU game at the Colisseum, parking could easily reach $40-50 unless they get to the Colisseum several hours before the game and snag a spot in one of the state-owned lots or on the USC campus. (Many groups with and without motor homes arrive at dawn.) Likewise, overnight parking at a downtown hotel can cost more than the car rental unless they find a package that includes free parking.

And traffic? Around the Colisseum on the days of big games, traffic is very controlled and to an out-of-towner could be very confusing. The only good news is that there is no home Dodger or UCLA game the same day and no events scheduled (yet) at either Staples Center or Nokia Theater.

Get the car and have the freedom to stay someplace memorable/different like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach.

There are beautiful museums within walking distance of the Coliseum, so you can go to the game early and have plenty to see while you wait. $40 for parking is nothing compared to the cost of cabbing it everywhere for two days. Get a late flight on Sunday if you can, enjoy half of another day, maybe at a beach just minutes from the airport. LAX probably has the best flights out for you, and shouldn't be difficult to deal with on a Sunday.

Thanks to all - flights are booked! Now I'll try to comb through other posts for good hotel ideas. Does anyone have hotel suggestions for:

Central area of San Francisco: Sun-Tues: central located as good sightseeing base; Nothing fancy.

Healdsburg area: 2 nights mid-week (and I know nothing is budget-priced in this area but something reasonable)

Downtown L.A.: Fri-Sat nights. Again, nothing fancy - just safe.

We still haven't decided on the car rental in LA but for now, let's look at downtown LA.

Again, many thanks. I would have never thought to fly out of STS. I really appreciate all of your help - you guys are the best!

The Omni Hotel in downtown L.A. gets good reviews. Nice location, close to Museum of Contemporary Art, Grand Central Market, Disney Hall, Music Center and walking distance to the cathedral.

Central area of San Francisco: Sun-Tues: central located as good sightseeing base; Nothing fancy.

What's your budget? Or better yet, how much is more than you're willing to spend?

dmlove, as far as budget, I think most of our budget will go towards activities and food, as well as time in Healdsburg. I guess $125 - $150/night. What about Best Western Hotel California in Financial District (just saw a good rate for it and it looks alright)

There's a Best Western in Healdsburg that is decent; otherwise I'd suggest staying in Calistoga. It's a beautiful 30 min. drive from Calistoga to Healdsburg, plus Calistoga is a sweet little old-fashioned resort town with natural hot springs. One budget-minded place our friends have liked is Washington Street Lodging.

As far as downtown LA, I would also pick the Omni as first choice.

Others that have good locations are the Bonaventure and the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown.

In a bit more urban situation (next to Pershing Square) are the Biltmore and Checkers.

Leeni, I don't know the hotel (I live here, so don't stay in hotels here often!) but I checked on TripAdvisor and it gets pretty good reviews. It has what is supposed to be an excellent vegan restaurant (Millenium), is near Union Square (theaters, shopping), etc. It might be a good choice.

Do a search -- others have had very good things to say about the Chancellor and the Rex hotels (but I don't know the prices).

Read the Tripadvisor reviews on the mentioned L.A. hotels. Some have had rather negative (or mixed) ones recently. The Omni ranks #1.

Just to clarify re: budget. We are trying to stay around $125-$150 per night in San Francisco. Open to more in Healdsburg and would like to spent less in L.A. since we'll be there such a short time.

Suggestions for area to stay in San Francisco based on itinerary?

Columbus Motor Inn for San Francisco.

ParkPlazaLodgeHotel.com for Los Angeles if you decide to book a car.
How early is your return flight from LAX?

We leave LAX at noon on Sunday.

Thanks for everyone's help so far. Anyone else have Healdsburg area or San Francisco hotel ideas?