re: places to stay, here's a good lodging option-- terrific location, above a very hip restaurant (Swingers):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...alifornia.html
There's also a great, affordable (and clean) place on the corner of Santa Monica and Doheney, but I can't find the name of it right now. Some web searching will find it for ya. Also a killer location but affordable.
best
skot