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Like the game clock ticking down in the fourth quarter, time is running out for March Madness fans to make their travel plans. As the annual NCAA men’s college basketball tournament gears up across the country, we’ve found a few hotels that are a slam dunk for budget-minded fans. But rooms are filling up quickly; to score these deals, you’ll need to make a fast break.

RELATED: These 10 states leave the most vacation days unused

These beds at the DoubleTree Suites look pretty comfy.

Dayton, OH (March 13-14)

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Dayton – Miamisburg is far enough from University of Dayton Arena that you shouldn’t have trouble finding a room, but still only about 10 miles from campus. The two-room suites include a sofa bed, so you can split the cost with an extra fan or two, leaving more money to check out attractions like the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park—because in addition to showcasing high-flying slam dunks, Dayton was the birthplace of the Wright brothers

Eye-catching designs abound at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh, PA (March 15 & 17)

Steel City loves a good comeback story, so it’s fitting that the folks behind Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh turned a century-old building into one of Pittsburgh’s most avant-garde boutique hotels. The inviting decor, evening nightcap and location across from the urban oasis of Mellon Square Park make the hotel an easy choice for b-ball fans heading to PPG Paints Arena, just ½ mile away. The hotel is also less than a 15-minute drive from attractions like the Andy Warhol Museum and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Hotel 316 offers free hot breakfast and a nightly drink reception in the lobby.

Wichita, KS (March 15 & 17)

316 Hotel’s name is a nod to Wichita’s area code, and its downtown location is a great base for exploring the city. Take the free shuttle to the Old Wichita entertainment district, check out vintage camping supplies at the free Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum, and grab a snack at Kernel’s Popcorn Express, whose 30-plus flavors go way beyond what you’ll likely find at Intrust Bank Arena—just a 1 ½-mile ride away on the aforementioned shuttle.

The decor at Lorenzo Hotel will get you energized for the big game.

Dallas, TX (March 15 & 17)

Live big in this modern Texas hotel located less than 3 miles from the American Airlines Center. Each of the Lorenzo‘s over-the-top guest rooms is decked out from floor (Shakespearean quotes on the carpet) to ceiling (concrete), and the hotel’s strong Instagram game shows off other eye-catching amenities like the swanky outdoor pool and artfully plated Tex-Mex classics from Lorenzo Kitchen.

Let’s taco-bout the top three reasons to choose the Grove Hotel: location, location, location.

Boise, ID (March 15 & 17)

The Grove Hotel is downtown and within walking distance of attractions like Liquid Laughs Comedy Club, Boise Contemporary Theater and countless restaurants. You’re in for a comfortable stay with modern rooms, an indoor pool and fitness center, and the Grove is located less than 2 miles from Taco Bell Arena, so you can truly live más.

After screaming for your favorite team, retreat to the Dunham Hotel’s 1920s architecture, marble bathrooms and chocolate turndown service.

Charlotte, NC (March 16 & 18)

Located less than a ½ mile from the Spectrum Center and within walking distance of Uptown Charlotte’s most popular museums and restaurants, the Dunhill Hotel is an easy choice for March Madness fans. The boutique hotel’s Southern hospitality includes free coffee and tea daily, nightly chocolate chip cookies and Southern comfort food in the restaurant.

ALSO: Earn CheapCash on your next trip, good toward hotels worldwide! Here’s how.

You’ll have a grand old time at this MGM hotel modeled after a Vegas resort.

Detroit, MI (March 16 & 18)

What happens in Vegas… can also happen in the Motor City when you stay at MGM Grand Detroit. Little Caesars Arena is less than 3 miles away, and basketball is just the beginning of your entertainment options, which also include the palatial hotel’s casino, music lounge, Topgolf, performance arena and more. There are a handful of restaurant options and plenty more just outside your door.

Modern amenities meet Southern comfort at the Hayes Street Hotel.

Nashville, TN (March 16 & 18)

The Hayes Street Hotel is at the center of Nashville’s action, located in Midtown less than 15 minutes from legendary Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame, a trio of universities and Adventure Science Center. This new boutique hotel features free continental breakfast, an on-site bar with live music and a fitness center, so you can stay at the top of your game just like the athletes you’ll watch at Bridgestone Arena, only 1 ½ miles away.

The Sofia Hotel is close to some of San Diego’s most popular attractions.

San Diego (March 16 & 18)

There’s a lot to explore in downtown San Diego, so book a stay at the Sofia Hotel. It’s about 11 miles southeast of Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, just outside of the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter and about 2 ½ miles from the can’t-miss San Diego Zoo. Explore the area when you borrow a free bike from the hotel, or take Sofia’s free walking tour Saturdays and Sundays at 9am. To keep calm no matter what happens on the basketball court, book a spa treatment or meditate in the hotel’s 24-hour yoga studio.

Magnolia Hotel scores big with budget-minded basketball fans.

Omaha (March 23 & 25)

The swanky Magnolia Hotel, located less than 2 miles from the CenturyLink Center, only feels expensive with its palatial architecture and stately decor. Located in Omaha’s Old Market District, the hotel is less than 1 mile from the Joslyn Art Museum, Orpheum Theater and the Omaha Children’s Museum. Take advantage of daily happy hour specials, nightly fresh-baked cookies, free valet parking and even free stays for pets.

You’ll feel like an A-lister when you stay at Andaz West Hollywood. Photo courtesy of Diamond Public Relations.

Los Angeles, CA (March 22 & 24)

Andaz West Hollywood oozes California cool, from the minimalist furniture and free daily wine hour to a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills. Located about 10 miles north of the Staples Center, this Sunset Boulevard spot scores big for its position at the epicenter of Hollywood nightlife.

If you’re looking to avoid traffic—and who isn’t?—the Ellis Hotel’s downtown location is just peachy.

Atlanta (March 22 & 24)

Like L.A., Hotlanta is known for gridlock. Avoid getting caught in traffic when you stay at the Ellis Hotel, less than 1 mile from Philips Arena. The elegant hotel is located at downtown’s Peachtree Center, giving you access to dozens of restaurants, shops and public transportation. Thoughtful touches like free morning coffee, a women’s-only floor and allergy-friendly rooms allow you to focus on your March Madness bracket while the Ellis worries about the rest.

Oh, say can you see yourself staying at the Kendall Hotel?

Boston (March 23 & 25)

Just across the Charles River from TD Garden is the Kendall Hotel, a 19th-century firehouse-turned-hotel in Beantown’s techy Kendall Square neighborhood. The Kendall’s folk art decor will have you feeling patriotic, while the view from the nightly rooftop wine reception allows you to take in this New England city in all its glory. Take advantage of the free breakfast buffet before you head out to cheer on your team.

Snag a hotel room by the airport, and you won’t have to worry about getting in and out of town for the big games.

San Antonio (March 31, April 2)

With hotel rooms near the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center mostly sold out, your best bet is to expand your search. A free shuttle ride gets you from San Antonio International Airport to Hilton San Antonio Airport, which is just 8 miles from the March Madness action downtown. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, fitness room, restaurant and comfortable rooms so you can focus on the game.

Tagged: California, L.A., Sports, Texas

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