Ok, so you really don't want to drive back and forth to the convention.

But you still want to save money?

Roommates.

Search the anime convention's forums and you will likely find one dedicated to the hotels at and near the convention. Here you will usually find people advertising for roommates to lower the cost of getting a room at the con.

Note: I do not advocate stealing from the hotel by stuffing more people into a room than you are paying for.

Hotels have a limit set for safety and also usually charge more per night when there are more than two people in one room. So, if you're going to be or have roommates, do it right. Don't risk getting kicked out in the middle of the night and possibly being charged with a crime.

First off, decide whether you want to get space in someones room or rent space in your own. In either case, the deal should be to split the total cost of the room, including all taxes, evenly by the number of people staying in the room. Again, don't try to cheat the hotel. Obey the rules.

If you are the one renting the room, then make sure when you check in to pay cash rather than using a credit card. Also, make it clear to the hotel that you do not want any charging privileges for your room. No phone calls, no pay per view, no room service. (If anyone want's room service they can always pay cash.) You will have to pay for the entire stay plus a deposit set by the hotel, but this is the safest way.

Make sure that the rules are clearly understood by all involved. I suggest no smoking or drinking in the room. No drugs. And no sex in the room.

Whether you are sharing space in someones room or renting space in your own, don't do it alone. Have a friend with you, someone you really know, not someone you met online or at the con. Never be in the room without your friend.

Sharing a room can be a fun experience and can really cut down on the costs. But be clear on the rules, don't cheat the hotel, and always be safe!