Looking for any recommendations on places to stay (or avoid!) near LA.

Background is that I'm planning a trip to the US (from Australia), timed around end of January 2012. Never having been there before, I'm at a bit of a loss for planning accomodation, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Considerations:
1. I'm trying to do this on the cheap, so cost is a major factor. A bed and a bit of quiet is all I need, not luxury cocktail bars in the swimming pools &c.
2. I'll be visiting places from Ventura to possibly as far as San Diego. So I'm flexible on location to base in.
3. I'm not holidaying, and don't need access to touristy stuff.
4. I'll probably have a rental car, so parking is required. It also means that I don't need to be in the middle of town. In fact, up to an hour drive away sounds better to me.
5. Staying about 10 days.

I'm finding web sites with ads at around $60 - $70 per night, but have no way of knowing what the neighbourhood is like. I'd like to get from the car park to the room without being, how shall I say ... accosted. I'd also like to be able to sleep without the sound of a plane about to land on the roof.

So, umm, yeah ... any thoughts?

D.

I am only posting because I feel sad that no one has posted. I have no connections for you out there (east coast girl) but have you thought of using the Improbable Island Registry Google Map thingy and direct messaging the folks that live out there?

Just a thought.

moo

(can't seem to find the link right now)

Good luck!

Map in question is in no way related to or affiliated with the LandReg, sadly. Good luck, D; sorry I can't help.

I have contacts out in Cali. I'll give 'em a try, see if they have any helpful information.