[Los Feliz Slim]

While "cool areas" is without a doubt subjective, The Standard on Sunset might be a good choice for a hotel. There are lots of bars nearby. The downside, of course, would be all the cheesy wannabe's in trucker hats. At least the women are hot.

It doesn't get much more touristy than Universal Studios, but I get a kick out of the backlot tour. The other cliched thing that's worth doing is Graumann's Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame. These are both full of buses lousy with foreign tourists, but at least you can say you've done it.

Cardroom-wise, I also like Hollywood Park, which has regular, well-run tournaments; and the Hustler, I don't know why.

I'm sure all the other LA people will have plenty to add.