Christopher-- In 2006, I was (miraculously) able to reserve a room in Gainesville just three weeks before the race. The reservations I had made for the race the previous April were fouled up somehow, so in desperation, I turned to Travelocity-- got a room at the Travelodge. Maybe it was a once-in-a-million stroke of good fortune, but it did work for me that one time... I hope I never find myself in that situation again....
Gainesville definitely could use some more rooms though. I always thought it was strange that there are no hotels near the airport.
-Chris W.