This is what I could find on the hotels for the area around the Merriweather:
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/from=f/s...100020001011!A0!4$FF

This is the Courtyard by Marriott...about 5 miles from the Merriweather....it's quoting a price of $109 ($119) if ya add breakfast for 2.....I am trying to get them down to $89/ nite....I will know if they will honor my discount on Tuesday after the holiday.....Nice rooms, sweet pool, nice area, and it has stellar reviews......let me know if anyone is interested, or if someone has found a better choice......I'll keep looking also....

Like I said it to Cindy you da man T-rod!

columbia is an awesome place! i don't know if im still gonna be in bmore on oct 4 so i cant commit to going yet... but it's a great area and anywhere around it would be a smart choice. it's also very easy to get to, so going 10-15 minutes away isnt that big of a deal either.