Amy - I don't know the answers to your questions about the trials, but I can give you some input on places to stay. I had my surgery at MDA and also go there for my F/U visits every 3 months. If I can get in, I've found that the best place to stay is at the Rotary House Hotel - it is on site and connected to MDA with a bridge, and only takes patients for MDA. It is run by Marriott but their rates are discounted - it's less than $100 a night for a regular room, and they also have rooms with kitchenettes for a little more - go to this link for more info: http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/rotaryhouse/ The only problem is that it's sometimes hard to get a reservation if you don't make far enough in advance. I have also stayed at the Marriott Hotel that's close by and the Marriott Courtyard. Both of these have shuttle service to MDA but are more pricey.
MDA also has a travel agency and a complete page of travel information on their website at http://www.mdanderson.org/patients_...-AEBD00508BDCCE3A&method=displayFull

Hope this helps a little....