The Westin is a really cool hotel architecturally, but I would have a hard time recommending it if the price is the same. The lobby is beautiful, but the rooms are really dated. The most annoying thing is that even the plugs are worn out. You will have serious issues keeping a wall-wort plugged in anywhere it is completely annoying. They also don't have a lounge. I stay there because they are the most likely to have a government rate, but if I wasn't travelling for work, I wouldn't. Like it is a cool, historical, truly architecturally significant hotel, but staying there is a pain in the ....

I actually like the Burbank Marriott. It is a fairly bland property, but the staff are great. I tend to get upgraded to suites there without asking - I've never been the asking type -- but some people seem to get good results with that -- an have gotten full hospitality suites for multiple night stays and the like (note that I also tend to prefer a view to a larger room in most cases). I do think Titanium get better upgrades than plats even if not explicitly published. There are no room with "views" unless you like plane spotting at BUR (hey, another WN 737!). The lounge is also not that bad, the evening snacks can easily make a meal. Your card should automatically give you lounge access. Make sure you get the hours.

I have no issues walking in DTLA in the areas you are talking about. I am a 6'4" male who looks like he used to be an offensive line man with a huge beard so YMMV. It will be less terrifying than what these hotels charge for parking, that's for sure. I would uber the Angel City though