NBA All-Star Game/Disneyland trip questions!

[jamesy11]

I know it is a long ways from now but we are planning to go to the NBA All Star Game/Weekend events that are going to be held in LA at the Staples Center in February of 2011. We are hoping to get tickets for the whole weekend of events like the Slam dunk contest and Rookie game as well as the All Star game itself. Those events occur on Friday-Sunday and then we were going to head down to Disneyland for a few days or a week after that. My questions have to do with where to stay in LA that is safe and close or nearby Staples Center and also will we need a car if we want to do one of the studio tours/walk of fame or see a tv show taping? I know nothing about LA and will be probably flying into LAX from upstate NY. Help would be so appreciated!!! It will be myself, DH and DS who will be 12 and is a basketball and Disney freak!!!
Thanks!!

 

[jlmarr]

The 7th St/Metro Center Red Line subway top is the closest to Staples Center (about a half mile), and that would enable you to stay somewhere other than downtown, e.g. Hollywood or the Universal City area. I think the business class hotels downtown would probably work well also, but someone else should chime in here.

About halfway between the subway stop and Staples is The Pantry, an L.A. institution. Open 24 hours since 1924.

 

[jlmarr]

I've attended meetings at this Sheraton hotel. This would be a good location if it's not too pricey.

 

[jamesy11]

Thanks for the suggestions! I noticed that the Staples Center website shows information about 2 new hotels being built there. One is JW Marriott and the other a Ritz Carlton. Is the Marriott open yet does anyone know? It is probably expensive but may be nice to be so close to the events of All Star weekend.