Thoughts on the AMS/MAA Joint Meeting Part One: Hostelling

First, my most sincere compliments to the AMS, MAA, the San Diego Convention Center Staff, and everyone else who made the 2008 AMS/MAA Joint Meeting happen. It was, in short, completely awesome. Most of the talks I saw were very well done, especially the AMS Special Sessions and the more focused AMS topics sessions.

Next, as for accommodations: I stayed in the listed hostel four blocks or so from the convention center. As a hint to those on a budget and considering doing the same, this is probably a big toss-up experience wise, but I had a blast.
Pluses:

1. Much more contact in informal/social settings with other conference goers (I was in a 10 bed room and all of us were attending).
2. Great networking and "insider's view" of graduate school as most of those staying there were grad students looking for jobs.
3. Very collegiate/dorm atmosphere.
4. Very budget conscious. I spent $100 for four nights. Best price at a convention hotel was around $150/night after taxes, etc.
5. Fully stocked kitchen.
6. In the heart of the Gaslamp district.
   

Downsides:

1. Little private/personal space. See 10-person room comment above. If you booked far enough in advance, however, private rooms were available.
2. Minimal storage space, but the space was lockable. Basically, there was plenty of room to lock up valuables like laptops, wallets, etc, but not enough to store things like suits. No real space to hang anything.
3. You are NOT the normal customer.

Overall, I'd say the hostel experience was great for me (as a fourth-year undergraduate), but is probably not something I'd recommend to everyone.