The Crowne Plaza is nice and it's cool to be where all the VW's (plus your cars are very safe there if you have it with you) are but like Getgeoff said there are some better areas to stay and enjoy your off time.
Huntington and Newport can be expensive but if you stay just up the hill the prices are better. We stay often at the Ramada in Costa Mesa (5 min or less to Newport) outdoor swiming pool and hot tub. There's even a VW repair shop a block away. It has a trader Joes across the street, outback, CVS, taco places and lots of food near by. It's 10 min from the Host hotel and as mentioned 5 min to Newport where all the pubs, beaches, bike rentals and entertainment are.