You could also ask for word to be put out around the department or school. Having worked in the hotel industry (in MI), I know that here a number of local schools have discounts & special negotiated rates. The grad school maybe able to direct you to ones they do, or you could simply ask the hotel. Trust me, it's not unheard of to lower a rate to get the business. Alternatively, you may also find a student or students willing to put you up for a night or 2. While as Decaf mentioned above, it may not be the best situation, crashing on a couch for a night or 2 would be a small price to pay to see said school...
