Staying in East LA

Trying to save a few dollars, some accommodation in East LA was sourced, I can't complain as the Greyhound Station required some walking (no buses came by), we then got onto the second bus route and that took us all the way to the hotel. Our hotel looked more like a hotel from a porn movie, a large mirror in front of the bed and the place was just dirty. I was regretting staying here, we should have looked for something a little more expensive downtown. I think the trick is to get out of the place first thing in the morning and not come back until late, there isn't much to interest me in East LA, that will be the last time I ever come to this part of town.