>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.

How did you get from your hotel to the Conference hotel? Rental car? When factored in, how does the lower hotel rate + rental car compare to the Conference hotel cost? Getting to Palm Springs is just a beating to get to unless you live within a puddle-jumper plane ride from it.