I posted this suggestion before but it didn't show up.

In years past I found it useful to book lodging in Mystic early. VERY early. By booking in January (yes January) I once got a great deal on a room at the Howard Johnson's. Not the Ritz, but you don't hang in your room anyway. I just went onto Travelocity--- it appears as though their limit is 11 months in advance, but for May the prices looked livable. I'd suggest waiting until July and making reservations for 2011. You can always cancel! (BTW, you'd be amazed how cheaply you can stay in Mystic during November!)

Another advantage of the places between the Museum and I95 is that they are walkable if you're in no condition. And there is some likelihood that you can hitch a ride with someone else leaving around the same time, as they'll be passing.

Before the Amistad project and when I used to help with pre-Festival organization, I used to stay in the house in the shipyard that became offices for Amistad and thereafter. THAT was heaven!

Then there were the days when the Mystic Whaler used to donate her cabins. You could listen to concerts from your bunk.