The Egyptian Theatre
Conceived by grandiose impresario Sid Grauman, the Egyptian Theatre is just down the street from his better-known Chinese Theatre, but it remains less altered from its original design, which was based on the then-headline-news discovery of hidden treasures in Pharaohs' tombs -- hence the hieroglyphic murals and enormous scarab decoration above the stage. Hollywood's first movie premiere, Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, was shown here in 1922, followed by the premiere of The Ten Commandments in 1923. The building recently underwent a sensitive restoration by American Cinematheque, which now screens rare, classic, and independent films (see chapter 10 for details).

City Hall
Built in 1928, the 27-story triangular Los Angeles City Hall was the tallest building in the city for more than 30 years. The structure's distinctive ziggurat roof was featured in the film War of the Worlds, but it is probably best known as the headquarters of the Daily Planet in the Superman TV series. When it was built, City Hall was the sole exception to an ordinance outlawing buildings taller than 150 feet. On a clear day (yeah, right), the top-floor observation deck offers views to Mount Wilson, 15 miles away.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Completed in September 2002 at a cost of $163 million and built to last 500 years, this ultra-contemporary cathedral is one of L.A.'s newest architectural treasures and the third-largest cathedral in the world. It was designed by award-winning Spanish architect Jose Rafael Moneo and features a 20,000-square-foot plaza, more than 6,000 crypts and niches (making it the largest crypt mausoleum in the U.S.), Mission-style colonnades, biblically inspired gardens, and numerous artworks created by world-acclaimed artists. While most Angelinos admit that the exterior of this austere, sand-colored structure is rather uninspiring and uninviting (the church doors don't face the street, but rather a private plaza in back surrounded by fortresslike walls), the view from the inside is breathtaking: Soaring heights, 12,000 panes of translucent alabaster, and larger-than-life tapestries lining the walls create an awe-inspiring sense of magnificence and serenity. The bronze doors, created by sculptor Robert Graham, pay homage to Ghiberti's bronze baptistery door in Florence. The cathedral now serves as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of L.A.

Days Inn Los Angeles/Airport Center/LAX/Venice Beach/Santa M
Welcome to Days Inn Airport Center, Los Angeles, CA. The Days Inn Airport Center/Venice Beach/Santa Monica offers spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. Whether on business or pleasure our amenities are sure to please: Premium Cable TV, Complimentary Wireless High Speed Internet, Free USA Today Newspaper, Complimentary Continental Breakfast, etc. We are conveniently located 2 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 1 block away from the San Diego Freeway. We are just ...

Quality Inn Mid Wilshire Plaza
Centrally located to all major attractions. Excellent for business travel due to close proximity to all financial districts. Walking distance to famous Korean night life and shops and cafes. Newly renovated and well maintained ...

Econo Lodge Los Angeles
The Econo Lodge hotel is conveniently located near University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood College and Venice Beach. Marina Del Rey, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and the Los Angeles International Airport are within six miles. Universal Studios Hollywood, the Shrine Auditorium and Los Angeles Convention Center are 10 miles away. Guests of this Los Angeles hotel are invited to enjoy many amenities, including a free continental breakfast and free coffee. Business travelers will ...