Visiting L.A from Sacramento, what to expect? (Beverly Hills: how much, hotels)

[TheRainman]

Ok, I am in Sacramento and am familiar with Sacramento area but I am getting tired of my surroundings in this area and want to visit L.A. just to see if theres anything I been missing the whole time since arriving in this state. I know the Lakers and Kings had a rivalry and Phil called Sacramento a cowtown and in my experience, its not too far from the truth about that region. People sure don't seem as cool as how I'd picture them in L.A either and don't have much to brag about as I do believe there is snobbery in Sacramento.

Traffic wise, how do you compare the 2. Based on my research L.A may have more traffic but by how much at the end of it all? Doesn't seem by a real ton like people make it sound. Every city in CA seems bad for traffic now imo. I google mapped some places and found a few possible hotels I want to stay at. Possibly on Sunset or Melrose. Any recommendations? I am looking for reasonable priced hotels along there and plan to drive. I searched based on my interests and what I like to do and it pointed me to that area like cigar shops, Chinatown not being too far, many places to shop in general. I think if I am visiting L.A, THAT Should be where I go. The area and city and surroundings may be huge but something tells me I found the right spot to stay in. It looks like a working class area or like it could have been and it borders Beverly Hills to some degree. Looks very happening. Sac has nothing like that Melrose Ave corridor.

So yes, any imput is helpful that I can get. TTYL.