Thanks John - good ideas.

I am surprised at how inexpensive rooms are at the medium rated places (4 star hotels don't impress me). I also know that the rooms are normally tiny but there will be just me so that is OK. I was expecting over $100 per night but am getting rooms at $50-90 per nite for places rated 3 stars or better on Tripadvisor. In case anyone out there is not familiar with Trip Advisor I strongly recommend it. Their rating from travelers are the best. you can input almost any hotel in the world and they will have ratings on it. They also have a chart at the beginning to show each star rating and how many people gave it each rating. Just make sure the average and above ratings are way more than the poor or horrible ratings and you are good. Do keep in mind that the rating there are more based on value for the money than amenities. So a 3 star hotel with great service and rooms may get 5 stars from members. But all I am looking for is quiet, decent neighborhood and clean room since I will have a car I can drive for food if necessary.