I'd stay on the mtn, it's over an hour getting up there from town. between getting everybody rounded up and in the truck, then un loading, then changing clothes when ya get there. Better to just get up and go from the door.
Maby stay in town your last night but what does this town really offer that isn't on the mtn? Ya got three different places for grub on the hill. There are more choices in town but none are really any better it's all Sysco
Bear has kind of been the hub forever. It's showing its age but it has the best pie. Has a gas pump, a rental shop, and I thin a guide service. Has a bunch of different angle parking plus the semi turn around for us locals to park in.
Elk view has the best food, the biggest parking lot, and newest hotel with pool. The parking lot is easy to get stuck in, bring your tire chains.
Arrowhead is kind of tight for parking, I've never stayed there but they seem busy most of the year. I've ate there it's about the same as the others.
If you were really trying to save a buck, you could stay in ranchester. The western motel is cheap and has decent parking. the buckshot saloon next to the gas station has very good grub. The gas station has new tanks with non eth gas.
But once again, you'll be about an hour messing around getting up there.