On the dorms
At Hypertext '03, I decided not to stay in the dorms. Instead, for half the cost I stayed in a distant, vast Victorian "cottage" built by the 10th Duke of St Albans. I spent half the cost difference on taxi, but I still saved some money and enjoyed better breakfasts and some extra walks in Sherwood Forest.
This was the lovely morning view from my (remodeled, enlarged) room in what was presumably servants' quarters.