be in la over xmas going to lakers game
dont know if should stay near staples
center or hollywood/downtown etc
want to see other attractions also
only there 2 days help need advice
and a good hotel

provide more details - such as what your price range is - and if you want 3, 4, or 5star hotels. Then you will get some advice!

I think you will get more replies if you tell us:

1. Will you have a car?

2. What are the other 4-5 things you want to do besides the Lakers game?

Holy cr@p! IF you want a 5-star hotel..dont stay downtown. There are 2 very nice hotels downtown-not 5 star though (The Biltmore and The Hotel Figuroa - which is walking distance to the Staples center) But if you want a nice California sun and fun trip- stay out near Laguna beach (the Ritz or Loews) and rent a car,or, for a celeb sighting type place- try any of the numerous West Hollywood/Bev Hills hotels (The Standard/The W hotel on Sunset/Beverly Hills Hotel, etc)

If you won't have a car, downtown is actually a convenient place since it's a easier place to pick up the subway lines. You can take a Dart shuttle to Union Station and hop on a train to Universal Studios, Hollywood, or Long Beach.

As for a place to stay near Staples Center, I'd recommend the Figueroa Hotel (hotelfigueroa.com). It's a fun hotel decorated in a Moroccan style and is only two blocks to the arena.

Rob,

Since you want to see other attractions while you are in L.A., I suggest staying at a hotel downtown, and on gamenight, dining at one of the downtown restaurants that offer a free shuttle service to and from the Staples Center. McCormick & Schmick's, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, and Cafe Pinot are excellent restaurants and offer this free service. Have a great time in L.A.

The Biltmore or Checkers are two good more expensive choices downtown. If you have a car downtown is a good central location. Getting to Staples from Laguna seems a little far for a two day trip. FYI: there are plenty of shuttles from points downtown to Staples but parking can be as high as 20 bucks.

Enjoy the game - beat the KINGS!

The Figueroa Hotel is a great suggestion. I stayed there recently and absolutely loved it! It's good a fun, hip feel to it and it's a close walk to the Staples Center. I'd highly recommend it.

There is also a Holiday Inn right across from the Staples Center. I don't think I would want to stay in downtown LA. So much more to do on the westside or the beach.

In Hollywood, depending on your budget, the Renaissance, the Hollywood Roosevelt, the Days Inn on Sunset or the Motel 6 on Whitley. All are a short subway ride to the Staples.

The Universal hotels (Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn Express) are also right by the subway line.