Tucson, Arizona - cheap housing?

McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Subway, the grocery store, any taco stand near a check cashing center in a neighborhood you'd be scared to walk in alone at night, any restaurant near an Aldi.

Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, Travelocity.

See what ones look ok to you and then ask us specifically if you will be shot in these locations, if they are dumps, etc

How thin is your budget? I stayed at a Motel 6 in Tucson a few years ago for about $35 a night, 2 double beds. Right off the interstate, there wasn't really anything else around, but it was typical Motel 6 style, clean and functional.

We are trying to save as much money as possible. We are students on a thin budget - the focus of our trip is not partying or vacation, we are meeting with different NGOs and organizations. We need to be rested, but not in luxory - better if we are not in the middle of nowhere. I was hoping someone might have the low down on either surprisingly good hotels/motels for the cost - or hostels in the area.

The one hostel I saw on line looked good - the Road Runner, but about $20/night - the $35 per night Motel 6 would thus be quite a bit cheaper. Was it totally far removed from downtown Tucson?

Tucson's not that big so I can't imagine it would be that far from downtown. You can check the Motel 6 website for a map, I'm sure. To be honest, I was just passing through so didn't pay that much attention to its location other than it was just off the 10 which I was taking crosscountry. I don't generally stay in hostels, so can't help you there. Hope you find something suitable, good luck.

I would contact the Roadrunner Hostel,Explain your situation & see if you could arrange a discounted room for your group.As they have a good kitchen you would save on food.You get only poor coffee at the 6.The hostel is near down town.The motels are all out by the freeway.Good luck...carracar

There's a more or less typical assortment of cheap chain hotels just west of the freeway (I-10) near downtown (dowtown area is east of the freeway). not the world's greatest neighborhood, but convenient enough. if you'll be doing business downtown, there's a few good places where you can get a decent lunch for near or under $10: Enoteca, Dizzy G's, the Cup cafe, the happy Iguana, Arizona Bagel and Deli, cafe Milano. Around town of course the chain places... and those taco stands really are good. Los Betos and La Salsa are two delicious local mexican food chains, los betos being the cheaper. if you're staying on the west side, you must get some food at Tania's on Grande - most delicious real mexican food in town. For dinner check out 4th Ave (the university neighborhood), there's all kinds of places to eat along that strip.

La Salsa is owned by Carl Jr's, but it is good.

South of 22nd has loads of cheap, delicious mexican food. There are dozens of places and everybody thinks their favorite is the best. Taqueria Pico de Gallo is the best, btw.

Congress hotel has some dorms, I think, so that might be an option with the best location.

I've seen signs for as low as $25/night in the area of the motel 6. Another set of options for a low, low price is the Miracle Mile area. You may have to pay by the hour, though.

What the hell is a "border delegation"?

Dear god, you're right. How could something as tasty and delicious as La Salsa be owned by Carl's Jr. ? Truly, the end times are upon us.