You will need lots of quarters. And, I believe that some of the meters downtown now take credit cards due the rather steep hourly rates the City is imposing.

As far as a hotel in Culver City, unless you are in some sort of overnight restricted zone you may be able to park on the street for free. Look at the signs or just ask a local.

Santa Monica and Beverly Hills have free parking downtown for two to three hours in various public structures and lots. It really is free.

For the Hollywood Walk--park in the lot at Hollywood and Highland in the giant new shopping center. Rate is $2 for up to 4 hrs. An excellent deal. Entrance is on West side of Highland above Hollywood Blvd, by the hotel enterance. Be very very careful about street parking in Hollywood. Tricky rules abound and there are a lot of towaway zones. You can also take the subway/Metro to Hollywood and Highland.