mizzou65201 and TTT, thanks so much!

I found the Claremont Hotel (www.claremonthotel.net), which has rooms for $60+/night and seems to be reasonably close. Everything else I saw was much, much more expensive, and I don't think I can Priceline for any less.

It looks like renting a car is the way to go, to get to and from the airport. It seems like a shame when there are buses that run so close, but I guess that's what makes it LA.

Thanks for the good wishes and advice!