I think our morning and evening rush hours are probably similar to rush hours in other metro cities. The relevant inquiry for you is the rush hour traffic patterns on the particular freeways that you need to take. For example, on the 10 (east-west) freeway during the typical 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. rush hour, the traffic is usually stop and go from the west side eastbound towards downtown L.A.; however, in recent years the traffic away from downtown L.A. going westbound is even worse. Perhaps once you've decided on the hotels, we can help suggest times to avoid for any particular school visitation appointments.

I know you are interested in Marriott hotels, but would you consider a Hilton family hotel? (I don't know if you need this upcoming stay for status.) I ask because there is a Doubletree on the edge of Westwood and conveniently close to the 405 fwy (north-south) onramp, at a point where the 405 intersects the 10. It is located on Wilshire Blvd. (a MAJOR east-west boulevard), about 5 minutes drive to UCLA (but about 10 minutes drive to the north campus entrance; I think that's where the film school is located). Amongst the westside Beverly HIlls, Century City, etc. locations, this is probably the closest to a freeway onramp (both BH and CC are more inland, requiring a good 15 minutes minim. (and can be much longer during rush hour) drive to nearest freeway onramp). The Doubletree is sort of a mid-point locataion for Cal State Northridge (you'll need to go north on the 405), UCLA and USC (you'll need to go less than 20 miles southeast from that place). I've never stayed there so I can't give you a review; I just drove by the place for years. (You might post on the Hilton board.)