[tobymc]

I also found the FIRST travel arrangements frustrating. I made reservations for us just in case in January - which we did use after we qualified at Week 6. This year, I made reservations in August, with a drop date of April 8th - just after Week 6.

Last year, we stayed at Super 8, Belleville. It was about 30 minutes by bus (our charter bus took us back and forth), though it was also a 15 minute walk to the metro. The rooms were clean but small, and really cheap (<$60/night). No pool. I thought the neighborhood was just fine - there was a great BBQ place nearby.

This year I booked Home2Suites Hilton, which is in (long) walking distance. It's more expensive, but the rooms are suites and have full refrigerators, so self-catering is easier.

If you haven't qualified yet, just be sure to watch your drop dates that go in your group sales contract.