Any question answered...

I'd pick a hotel in the area you want to stay and give them a ring- they'd be delighted to make some money from a room that would normally be standing empty I am sure.
My company hires rooms for meetings when we're travelling and don't have an office in that city.

I think that's how it's gonna go down. When I'm closer I'll see what's about and ask them what they can do. I found Travellodge will let you do early check-in or late checkout if you ask them, they have room and you pay a little extra.