Pointman, your budget of $80-100 a nite is low in my opinion. I don't know where you will be spending those 250 nites, but I would imagine with that much travel time your level of acceptability will rise with the number of nites on the road. My company has never questioned a hotel bill, although I have been partial to Marriott and Hilton brands for the past few years.
I have a buddy that is now limited to under $70 bucks a nite. His company is being repositioned to be sold and the CEO is looking at all costs. He has had trouble booking Fairfields or Hampton Inns and generally ends up in a Super8 or Motel 6.

My advise, aim a little higher and settle on at least $100 a nite.