We've stayed in the Holiday Inn in Hollywood. That's the one listed on North Highland. It's actually in a good spot, close to Hollywood Blvd and also the freeway and very short drive time to Universal. They have a shuttle to Universal from the Hotel. It's quality is OK and location is as good as you'd expect for Hollywood (I'm not a big fan of staying in Hollywood now). I would recommend it as a bed for the night. My only complaint is the walls are a little thin, but I don't worry about that too much and try to get a non-road side room. Peak hour into Hollywood starts at about 5:30am so if you like a little sleep in it may be a problem. Walk down into the Hollywood area is very easy and takes about 5 mins. You walk into the back of the big mall area and then you're at the Kodak theatre, Graumans and such. And of course El Capitan and the Disney Soda Fountain store. There is a convenience store across the road from the hotel (and down a little) for all the essentials as well. So as for hotels in Hollywood, it's a good choice.
As for San Francisco, I'd go the Wharf area every time. I've stayed near the city, but not the financial district which also has some good hotels, and at the Wharf area, and that is far better. Transport in and out is great and to be able to just get up and go for a walk along the water line is relaxing and worthwhile. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in the wharf area which is very nice, but we risked it and did a drive in quote and stay, got a great price. It can be quite expensive. Otherwise the Holiday Inn Express is the next block down, toward the wharf area. As someone suggested, fly into San Fran first would be a good option, something I'm doing our next trip.