>My gripe has not been a particular city, but how easy it is to get to and reasonably priced place to stay [non-resort]. Palm Springs CA not once but twice was outrageous in both respects. I do not think anyone would have a problem with Chicago or New York City as long as those 2 criteria were met. I would bet finding a reasonably priced hotel in the vicinity of any of the New York area airports that anyone would want to stay in would be impossible.

Hi Mark,

I went to a SQL Server Conference in Palm Springs in the spring of 2002 - and stayed at a Howard Johnson Motel for $69 a night ... it had everything I needed - a bed and a pool - and heat.

I've never stayed in a conference hotel (except for GLGDW because it was a reasonable price) - and never would have been able to attend some of the conferences I've been to if I told my boss for the company I worked for at the time that it would cost $300CAD a night for accomodations - I've always been able to find less expensive alternatives.