Hollywood is an option...but it tends to split between high-end overpriced hotels and slightly seedy motels. Most is safe at night, but some is a bit marginal. I'd instead suggest staying in Studio City or North Hollywood just over the hill. There's a Comfort Inn & Suites on Lankershim in NoHo I've heard positive reports on. Or a Holiday Inn in Vineland that's O.K., and of course if you want to spluge, the Hilton Univesal City is right next to Universal City Walk. All are within minutes of your destinations, and you can easily reach them by streets without fighting the freeways...which can be daunting for an out-of-towner.