cheap and convenient
i was pleasantly surprised by this holiday inn. they make an effort. it's clean and they have free high-speed wireless and hbo for their guests. you can also pay money for playstation type video games. there's even a hospitality night on wednesdays with hors d'oeuvres and wine, but i passed on this.
it's right by the 101 (very convenient to the airport) and there's a useful shopping center less than half a mile away with starbucks, big movie theater, in & out, + several other eateries.
nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.