is there a cheap hotel or motel to stay at the night before i catch a train

Hello Mr. Stephen: There are motels around the train station. If you have an app. you may get a good deal. You can also take the Gold Line and find a cheap motel in Alhambra or Monterey Park. It all depends on your trains departure time. Best of Luck

Check out one of the hotel apps. I'm sure you'll find something that fits your budget. You can do a hotel search from Google Maps too.

Hotel miyako is nearby and great

There are several close by. Don't know what you consider cheap, but there are many small hotels and motels nearby.