I commuted to reserve in IAH for a while early last year and stayed in nearly every place on Kennedy, plus a few others.

Red Roof is the worst of the lot. Tiny, dirty rooms. Meth heads hanging in the lobby. It is cheap though.

Country Inn on Kennedy is more like $75 out the door. The one east of the airport in Humble is vastly better, and is next to a Target.

Occasionally the Hyatt, which is located west of the airport, will have Hotwire rooms for $75. No free breakfast, though.

On Kennedy, the La Quinta is actually very nice, although pricey. The Comfort Inn is fine and is probably your best bet in terms of price.

Another option is the Quality Suites southwest of the airport in Green point, but it's a dive. Better than the Red Roof though.

Good luck!