Flash/David,
How you guys going?
Got an assessment eh? Firstly, don't panic... The whole day is pretty informal really, the main thing i can advise is to make sure your instrument scan is up to speed as sim work is pretty frantic without any let up. All good fun.
As for places to stay, i didn't have to tackle this problem as i've got in-laws nearby, but the other guys on the day stayed at Thistle hotel (could have been holiday inn not sure) apparantly about £70. Apart from that you could try some B & B's in Castle Donnington which isn't far away.
Hope this helps. All the best.
M.