I was headed out to Los Angeles for my yearly E3 trip, and in desperate need of a hotel. I was happy to find Shelter, especially given the low price. The majority of my work that week was downtown, but a train station is only a few blocks away. I rode the train downtown every morning for $1.50, and *usually* back in the evenings.
The neighborhood's not too bad, with a main street just a block away with carry-out food type places. I'm not so sure I would have felt great about walking back from the train *too* late, but during the day and evening it's perfectly fine. A cab ride to/from downtown will run you only about $13 (without tip).
The room was nice, with almost everything being brand new (the bathroom features were all brand spanking new) and nice hardwood floors. The staff was extremely friendly, and though I didn't drive, there is free parking in a lower garage. The garage (and i believe the hotel) lock up around 1am, so if you're going to be late, just call the hotel. There's someone on-site 24hrs.
The place definitely feels like an old apartment building, but it was very clean. It's definitely a minimal frills type joint, but I couldn't have asked for anything better for the price. While I'm debating whether or not to stay downtown next year (purely for convenience) this place is actually really great.
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