Re:Cheap but Nice Hotels?
My fave is the Suites Emperedor right between the San Marino and Tropicana.
Cheap and right on the beach, Mexican owned and run, very freindly and capible staff, only downside is no pool onsite.
I prefer the beach anyway so not an isue for me. If you get a room that includes a kitchenet you will be on the Ocean side of the hotle with an awesome view, the kitchen is on the patio, no better place to have coffee in the world (on the patio of your room that is.