Just in case I don't do well in the housing lottery, what is a good place/area to stay if I don't have a rental car?

I was considering somewhere in that NE block around Shadeland and I-70, which has the added advantage of being on a bus route (although the last bus from downtown leaves around 8:30, so if I want to be in a later event, I have to depend on Uber).

In the Shadeland/I-70 area, I only like the the Indianapolis Marriott East on E. 21st street. I've been there twice before: Once for a wedding, and separately for a work conference. I don't know much about the Fairfield or Red Roof Inn there (I don't live in or even near Indy, but I used to get there for work every other month), but that general area south of I-70 feels fine, albeit a little run down.

I've also stayed at the Sleep Inn on Shadeland for Gen Con. It was on the north side of I-70, and that is not one I'd choose again. The area felt sketchy, even though it's a mere half mile away from that Marriott East.

Somehow I-70 represents a boundary between what I'd accept and what I wouldn't. 

This is my personal opinion, but my buddy rooming with me then agrees. On the other hand, nothing bad happened at all, so maybe we were just paranoid? Regardless, I'd either get a room in one of the places south of I-70, or I'd choose elsewhere. 

How about a good "backup" on west side?