In that case, you probably don't care about nightlife, unless you have a good fake.

If you don't care where you stay you should probably just priceline. Check out the travel bidding section of FT, or betterbidding for advise.

How big is your convention? I must admit i tried to figure it out what convention you are going to by looking at the convention center calander and came up dry. If it is a smaller event, most if not all of the convetion participants may be staying at the same hotel. You may want to contact a convention organizer to find out. The 'special' rate they'll offer probabaly isn't that grate but you'll be with everyone else which is good for networking and just having a good time.

Alternativly, if it is a big event and you are part of sort of delegation or working group you may want to stay with them.