It's been a couple of years since I was based in DTW, but you probably won't find a motel that will give you a real price break. Some guys used to buy up the week and split the room with four or five others, but that was still expensive. Even in the totally dead business climate following Sept, 11 2001, I wasn't able to get a motel to deal. The single story dump just across the street from the convenience store is a rat hole. They advertise in the airport newspaper if you need contact info. I don't recommend staying there, but it is cheap. I tried staying there, but gave up after a couple of nights. I repeat, it is a rat hole. The best deal I could work was with the motel six.
There used to be a NWA FO that ran a crashpad business. I'm not naming names, but I'd advise against renting from him if you expect to get your deposit back. On the other hand, you could rent from him and just factor your deposit loss into the monthly rent. Other than the nonreturned deposit deal, his deal is ok. It used to be 175 a month, and the complex provided an airport transport van for a nominal fee. The main drawback was the crowded living situation. He rents two bedroom/single bath apts, and sticks two bunks in each bdrm. I have been in the pad on nights when all eight bunks were occupied. I now know what a sardine feels like.
enigma