There are also a couple of hostels in both the downtown and Whyte Ave areas. I personally prefer Hi Hostel (along Whyte Ave, near the university, and about a 10 minute bus ride from the main venues) http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel011010.en.htm But there is also a new hostel about 6 blocks from the Westin called Go! Backpackers Hostel (http://www.gohostels.ca/)

Go! is about $25/night and Hi (which is a much nicer, more european style hostel) is $22 for a bed or as much as $60 for a single room.

To those considering staying at the university:

The university campus is a 5minute LRT ride or an hour’s walk from the hospitality suite. However (as I just learned this week) it is only a $7.50CAD taxi ride! The university is also, as Kim stated, not an ideal place to hang out - so come spend the night partying with me at the Westin instead!

All the venues we have planned (and hotels suggested) will be within an absolute MAXIMUM hour’s walk or $12 cab ride of the Westin… So no need to try stumbling back to your hotel at 4am because you can’t afford a cab ride. We will also make sure people carpool when taking taxis — it’s not just cheaper, it’s also more environmentally sound!

Lila Klassen