Why is Manhattan so expensive 12/2-12/6?

I was orig awarded The Roosevelt in MTE 3.5 stars back in Oct for $150/night. Sister got ill and the trip got cancelled. Priceline refunded all my money. We have rescheduled for 12/2-12/6 and I cannot get a bid accepted for 3.5 stars for less than $200/night. At this rate I an going to haver to book a Hampton in Jersey (newark-harrison-riverwalk), the same one my hubby stayed at and they have a shuttle that takes you to Jersey Penn, then from there the train to Penn in NYC. That hotel is $139/night. I am thinking it might be worth a little inconvenience to pay this.

3.5* Los Angeles (Airport LAX) Hilton

Hi, I also was just awarded this hotel 1 night next week. My husband and friend are attending a job interview at this hotel and wanted to stay there. Through Hilton Honors they had it booked at $189/night. Hotwire-$57. What a screaming deal. I used the HOTWIRE link from this website.

4* hotel near Strip South?

I recently used this website and priceline and got a killer deal for NYC. It is just me and my sister though so I'll call and see if we can get 2 beds but we are ok with one if they won't give us 2.

However me hubby and 2 kids were going to big for a weekend in Vegas, I want 4 star hotel but do not want to pay $200 a night. We need 2 beds though. Should I go ahead and bid? What is the likligood they will try to give us a King or 1 double?

3.5* NYC (MTE) Roosevelt

HI new here. Will use the PRICELINE link provided if I decide to go this route. NYC hotels are so expensive I was either going to book Priceline or stay in Newark where there is a couple inexpensive Hampton Inns which I love. Sister wants to stay in Manhattan if possible. Can we get a 3.5 or 4 star hotel in Manhattan for Oct 15th for 4 or 5 nights for 2 adults, for around $150/night? With the economy being bad have hotels lowered their pricing? What zone and what should I bid and what hotel should I expect? I did read the hotel list. There are so many zones in Manhattan but they really are only a few miles from each other right? How far apart is midwtown east and west? The subway pretty much takes you anywhere right? We just wanrt to enjoy nightlife, see a play, shop, dinner,etc.. Are prices in Chelsea or Greenwich a little lower? What zones do you recommend I avoid? I was in NYC a few years ago and already seen the statue of libery, empire state, etcs so I do not care to do that again.

Thx!

Kim