Nick, going to make this quick, gotta catch a ferry (yeah I know, I feel sick already! )

Since you didn't mention price, I'm going strictly by location.

LAX-
Loads of hotels, Marriott, Hilton etc on Century Blvd, however I steer my overflow and those with the early AM flights to the Hacienda Hotel it's a little cheaper and there are fast food spots and a grocery store nearby - free shuttle to LAX

Universal Studios Area & CityWalk Area - night life
Beverly Garland Holiday Inn (free shuttle to Universal studios/Citywalk)
Sheraton Universal Hotel there's a hill, but you can walk to the studios; there's also a shuttle.

Gotta go, more later.