We all got out around 3:30, but just like the poster above, I was in the morning group. It moves pretty easily and the people there are really nice. They seem to know that you spent a lot of money and most realize the what a complete pain in the a$$ it is.
As far as what hotel to stay in, I used hotels/orbitz and stayed at the Wyndham in downtown. Just stay where ever its cheapest/best deal is and get a cab. The cab costs me around $10. No big deal compared to $975.
Best of luck