That's a tricky question. The only thing the Union Station area has going for it is it is convenient for transportation. It's not a nice area at all, but you could drop your bags at the motel Friday morning, catch the subway to Hollywood and spend the day and evening there, returning only to Days Inn for sleep and departing in the morning. Alternatively if you head straight to San Pedro Friday morning you will be staying in more tourist friendly area.

I see you found your way here from the Amtrak site. I have taken 2 cruises from San Pedro and have stayed at the Best Western Sunrise. It is less than $100 per night and has free transportation to the terminal. Be sure to have dinner at Ports-O-Call Village where there are many fish stands. I love the shrimp and potatoes.

From what I can recall, the hotel is in the edge of Chinatown. It's an average area to stay in. I don't think it's a an unsafe place to stay, as their building new condos and lofts near the Amtrak station that's priced from $500k-more than $1 million. There are currently billion dollar projects going on around downtown LA, 2 of them major projects.. If I were to do this trip though, I'd stay in downtown Long Beach for the night(which is pretty much right next to San Pedro. There's a variety of restaurants in the area if you choose to do something when you arrive). It would be an easier commute to go to the San Pedro cruise terminal the next day.

Well, I live nearby and here's my take. I'm not familiar with the Days Inn, but the location is definitely convenient to Union Station and the Red Line. The hotel is located in Chinatown. So if you like Chinese food, you're set. Chinatown is quite the bustling place, although not on par with San Francisco. But, you'll find many interesting shops. There's also a concentration of art galleries on Chung King Road. Never been, but I always read about them.

I have had some friends stay at the Best Western in Chinatown and they quite liked it. Nothing fancy, but it met their requirements for a few days.

I'd also recommend you check out Olvera Street. This is the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles and quite at odds with the media image. It is now a Mexican street market. There are some interesting shops, particularly in the buildings off the street. The well-hidden adobe is worth a visit. There is also a famous mural on the roof of Italian Hall (yes, it is located on Olvera). Placita Overa, which is a very old Catholic church is also located across the street and usually is very busy with the faithful.

Since you're in the neighborhood, visit Philippe's on Alameda at Ord. This old restaurant dates back to the early 20th century and offers excellent sandwiches with sawdust on the floor. If you want some fine dining, go to Traxx for dinner. The patio is lovely and the food very good.

If you like baseball, I'd point out Dodger stadium is just up the hill. Check the schedule and see if there's a home game. Take a cab to get there. Or there maybe a shuttel from Union Station. Ask for details on this.

Places nearby worth visiting include the new Cathedral, even if you don't believe. It is a beautiful and surprisingly intimate house of worship. The place is fun to explore. The public patio is very nice. You can get here by taking the Red Line one stop to Civic Center and walking over to Temple & Hill. Also, if you're arriving this weekend, there is a production of 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona' by Shakespeare LA. It is free, but call ahead.

Near the Cathedral is Disney Hall. This iconic building is very impressive. If you have the slightest interest, take in a performance. Be sure to visit the park on the roof.

MOCA is down the street and their permanent collection is very good. Another good place to visit.

If you really want to, you can head to Hollywood via the Red Line from Union Station. Exit at Hollywood & Highland. Conversely, you can head to Old Town Pasadena via the Gold Line from the Chinatown station. Exit at Memorial Park and walk a block south.

There's plenty more you can do. The Fashion District for shopping. L.A. Conservancy for walking tours. Grand Central Market. Little Tokyo. Heck, if you like books, check out the Central Library at Fifth & Flower. Beautiful building. Get a hold of a map of the Dash system. These will get you about very inexpensively.

Hopefully, I've given you some ideas to relax before you get on your cruise ship. Let us know what you end up doing and how it goes.