What hotel area would you recommend in the LA area when you have a short time only for a visit? One couple will be there for 2 nights and the other arrives at LAX the next day for 1 night. Then they all leave on a cruise from there, heading for Vancouver.

Is car rental just about mandatory? They are a little daunted by the expressways and they are interested in bus tours. My sister Mary was looking at hotels with tour bus pickup. Suggestions, please. Budget is budget / moderate. She had been looking at Priceline but they would like to get a room for 4 for the 2nd night.

Frances Toronto, Canada