If you are going to stay in LA, you need to stay in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, or on the Sunset Strip. Los Angeles is varied in its atmosphere so it is important to stay in the nicest spots. LA overall is a pretty safe place and is one, if not the most diverse city in the world, so there are a lot places where you can stay.
If you like partying and want the true superficial LA experience, you can stay up on the Sunset Strip – The Standard, The Argyle, The Mondrian, the Hyatt, Renaissance Hollywood, Sunset Marquis (the quietest one).
The Hyatt SC is quite new and lovely. Sort of a tuscan theme in a nice upscale shopping/ business area and only a couple of offramps from Magic Mountain. Please do check the park hours during your preferred visit time as they change throughout the year and I was unpleasantly surprised once. You can receive excellent info on the area, including maps, from the Santa Clarita Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Renaissance Hollywood is another nice hotel. It’s a new hotel next to the Hollywood and Highland complex with various places to eat and different shops. The Kodak Theater (where they hold the Oscars) are located here and the Mann’s Chinese Theater is also located within walking distance. There’s always a lot of people around and this place does have an interesting ambiance. It’s also very close to Century City and Beverly Hills, the West side.
Theese are good accomodations, but it’s more budget hotels. If you had a car, you can drive and explore LA on your own.
If you like to shop, Le Meridian is near the Beverly Center area/ 3rd St. Farmer’s Daughter is on Fairfax across from the Farmer’s Market/ the Grove (this is a motel). Century City hotels are expensive, but safe and central if you have a car. The best clothes shopping is on 3rd St, Robertson Blvd, La Brea.
If you want to be by the beach, you can either stay in Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica. Or even look into the South Bay like Redondo Beach or Hermosa Beach. Hermosa Beach has been a fun hangout lately and attracts a young attractive crowd, especially out on Hermosa Beach Pier. Pasadena is also pretty cool area and Old Town Pasadena has various clubs/restaurants and stores around that area and is a fun hangout on weekends.