My partner will be landing in LA and has 5 days to work his way up to San Francisco. He will be travelling as cheaply as poss (so he has more money to spend when i meet him in SF!). Can anyone recommend a well located backpackers / cheap accomodation in LA for him to base himself for the first couple of days. Do shared accomodation places generally provide bedding or would he be better bringing a sleeping bag at the least? thanks

There is (was when I left the area 10 yrs. ago) a hostel in Santa Monica which could not be in a better location. I'm sure you could google it and get all the pertinent info. Good luck and have a great trip. CJ

http://www.hilosangeles.org/

Avoid "backpackers paradise" on Century Blvd near LAX, also known as "LA Adventurer" among various other names. In fact avoid any hostel in Inglewood or on Century.

Go to the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree posting board (USA). There are fairly continuous discussions about the merits of low-budget LA accomodations, including hostels. www.lonelyplanet.com

There's an international hostel place on Lincoln in Venice. Can't vouch for details, but it's sure conveniently located.