If you ever long for the excitement of being in the middle of a busy campus environment, you’ll relish the Memorial Student Center (in Rudder Tower, 979/845-8909, www.msc.tamu.edu, $80 d). Though limited in space—there are only 26 rooms tucked into the northwest corner of the building—the hotel offers moderately sized accommodations with the intangible bonus of experiencing the buzz of being at the heart of a major college campus.

One of the more affordable A&M-area options is the College Station Super 8 (301 Texas Ave., 979/846-8800, www.super8.com, $80 d). Located three blocks away from campus, the hotel offers free Internet connections and a complimentary breakfast.

The nearby Comfort Inn & Suites (2313 Texas Ave. South, 979/680-8000, www.choicehotels.com, $124 d) features free Internet access, a free hot breakfast, an exercise room, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Just down the road in downtown Bryan is the beautifully restored LaSalle Hotel (120 S. Main St., 979/822-2000, www.lasalle-hotel.com, $105 d), a 1928 boutique hotel that’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The LaSalle exudes vintage charm with a seamless integration of modern amenities, including free Internet access in each room. A complimentary breakfast is also served. Those willing to splurge on a suite ($130) receive the extra benefits of a refrigerator, microwave, Jacuzzi tub, separate living room with pullout sleeper sofa, and three TVs (in the bedroom, living area, and bathroom).