Japanese American National Museum
Located in an architecturally acclaimed modern building in Little Tokyo, this soaring 85,000-square-foot pavilion -- designed by renowned architect Gyo Obata -- is a private nonprofit institute created to document and celebrate the history of the Japanese in America. The permanent and rotating exhibits chronicle Japanese life in the United States, highlighting distinctive aspects of Japanese-American culture ranging from the internment camp experience during the early years of World War II to the lives of Japanese Americans in Hawaii. The experience is made even more poignant by the personal accounts of the docents, many of whom are elderly Japanese-American citizens who were interred in these camps during the war. It's a very popular museum, attracting more than 150,000 annual visitors. Tip: Don't miss the museum store, which carries excellent gift items ranging from hand-fired sake sets to mini Zen gardening kits.

Walt Disney Concert Hall
The strikingly beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall isn't just the new home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; it's a key element in an urban revitalization effort now underway Downtown. The Walt Disney family insisted on the best and, with an initial gift of $50 million to build a world-class performance venue, that's what they got: A masterpiece of design by world-renown architect Frank Gehry, and an acoustical quality that equals or surpasses the best concert halls in the world. Similar to Gehry's most famous architectural masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the concert hall's dramatic stainless-steel exterior consists of a series of undulating curved surfaces that partially envelop the entire building, presenting multiple glimmering facades to the surrounding neighborhood. Within is a dazzling 2,273-seat auditorium replete with curved woods and a dazzling array of organ pipes (also designed by Gehry), as well as a Joachim Splichal's Patina restaurant, the hip Concert Hall Cafe, a bookstore, and a gift shop.The 3 1/2-acre Concert Hall is open to the public for viewing, but to witness it in its full glory, do whatever it takes to attend a concert by the world-class Los Angeles Philharmonic. Also highly recommended are the $10 audio tours, which lead visitors through the Concert Hall's history from conception to creation. The 45-minute self-guided tour is narrated by actor John Lithgow and includes interviews with Frank Gehry, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Esa-Pekka Salonen, and acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, among others. One big caveat is that you see just about everything except the auditorium: There's almost always a rehearsal in progress and the acoustics are so good that there's no discreet way to sneak a peak. The audio tours are available on nonmatinee days from 9am to 3pm and matinee days from 9am to 10:30am.

Tail o' the Pup
At first glance, you might not think twice about this hot dog-shape bit of kitsch just across from the Beverly Center. But locals adored this closet-size wiener dispensary so much that when it was threatened by the developer's bulldozer, they spoke out en masse to save it. One of the last remaining examples of 1950s representational architecture, the "little dog that could" serves up an "only in L.A." experience to go with its great Baseball Special.

Comfort Inn Los Angeles
Conveniently located between Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles. Numerous restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Close to Wilshire District and all major attractions, including Universal Studios, Dodger Stadium, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Convention and Staples Centers, and Mann's Chinese Theatre. Walking distance to Subway. Parking Charge: 5.00 per night. Safe charge: 1.75 per night. Technology fee for calls in 310 area code: 2.50 per ...

Holiday Inn Express CENTURY CITY
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Century City is a spectacular boutique hotel which offers convenience to corporate travelers, families, and vacationers alike. We are a 47 room property that features spacious rooms and suites with spiral staircases, loft bedrooms and breathtaking city views. Each room is equipped with three phone extensions including a bathroom phone which has a whirlpool tub. Come stay with us... stay fresh, stay comfortable and Stay Smart. We're just a few minutes from ...

Crowne Plaza Hotel LOS ANGELES- INTL AIRPORT
Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Hotel - Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)! Our 613 room, full- service hotel is the gateway to Los Angeles. Located on Century Blvd, less than one mile from the LAX terminals, with 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to and from LAX! While only steps away from LAX, the Crowne Plaza Hotel- Los Angeles International Airport is convenient to all major southern California area attractions, including Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios and The Los Angeles ...