[FFR]

So, as the title says, I'm going to Los Angeles in April. We're going down for a concert at the Staples Centre, and then some sight seeing, Universal Studios and hopefully the beach.

My question is...what is a good area to stay in. There will be just me and my sister-in-law and we're a little leery of staying in downtown LA (as it's close to the Staples Centre) so I'm wondering if downtown LA really is not bad of an area...or if it's really an area to avoid.

I'm not really looking for specific hotel suggestions. We will be staying at a Starwood Hotel (so Westin, Sheraton, W, Four Points, etc) as we get a good deal there. They are all over the Los Angeles area so we're just not sure where the best place to be is.

We want to be rather central, but obviously, we're ok with taking cabs or trains.

Also, any suggestions of places to see, tours to do, from anyone who's been there before would be great!