How much is "not too expensive"?

What time is your flight?

Do you want a place to just crash for the evening or a nice resort or hotel with amenities?

If you want the first, I would recommend La Jolla Village Lodge at 1140 Silverado St @ Herschel. 858-551-2001 or toll free 877-551-2001. It's right in the heart of La Jolla.

http://www.lajollavillagelodge.com/index.htm

or this one on La Jolla Blvd. near Windansea Beach.

http://holiday-inn-la-jolla.pacificahost.com/

> How much is "not too expensive"?

Let's say, below $120.

> What time is your flight?

Departure is 4pm, from LAX.

> Do you want a place to just crash for the evening or a nice resort or hotel with amenities?

Just for 1 night, resort would probably make no sense.

I would recommend you consider Carlsbad - as it's a very cute little town/village (was just there this weekend for a Rose Show/contest and forgot how charming it is) - and you're north of the congestion that can sometimes pile up on SD freeways plus - you are half an hour closer to LAX.

From Carlsbad to LAX - if you go around late morning - it's about an hour and a half. Check this great little place out - right on the Ocean in Carlsbad: http://www.beachterraceinn.com/

And if that is above your budget - there are others. http://www.hotels-rates.com/Carlsbad/CA/usa/

The Best Western Inn by the Sea in La Jolla is very nice and not expensive. If you get a room on the top floor on the back side, it has a great ocean view. Easy walk everywhere. I, too, think La Jolla is a long drive from LAX. Nice if you're flying out of SAN.

I get the impression the OP is already going to be in San Diego that evening and wants a place to stay before heading out the next day to LAX. If his flight leaves later in the day he might prefer staying one more night in SD - if it's an early flight I'd stay in LA instead.