It's usually cheaper than a hotel but if you are only in town for a couple of night a month then I would get the hotel with a shuttle. On reserve get a pad because its just better if for cost and homeness.
The problem comes when you have an early am show, you'll need to get in the night before and if you can't get home for your late return you SOL wo you'll need a place for that.
Crew scheduling seems to think this is the best schedule to **** as many crews off as possible and make it as much of pain in the ass to commute as possible.