<p>ca87, I live in LA, and while others might recommend hotels in downtown LA for purposes of getting to and from USC, I would never stay downtown if you’re planning on taking in more of the area. LA’s downtown is not like the downtowns of other cities - it’s business, more business, convention center and some (but certainly not all) theater. But… there’s no there there. Pretty it is not. And you’re in LA - why not stay someplace… sunnier?</p>
<p>Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, West Hollywood are all nicer and more centrally located (to all of LA’s sights) than downtown. If you’re open to those areas, I would suggest using Tripadvisor or Expedia and seeing what looks good. There are so many great hotels in every price range (although perhaps not in BH). While it’s possible to get a cab from one major place to another, NYC/Boston/SF/Chicago, it’s not (cabwise). It’s just too spread out. It’s very difficult to see or get around in LA without renting a car, particularly if you want to see all those other schools (which you should!).</p>
<p>Also, if you time it right (as in avoiding major traffic), it’s 20 - 25 minutes from BH to USC by car.</p>