The cheapest PL areas seem to be Time Square, Midtown East and someplace else that now escapes me. The Hudson has been going @ bargain basement rates ($85-95 per night), so maybe that's the area I was thinking of if thats not in the TS area. The Hudson isn't my personal fav, but I do like staying at the more boutique-ish hotels in NYC. They are always so eye-pleasing and smartly decorated. They also have fab lounges and sometimes u don't actually have to "go out" for the night and since it is your b/day, what's better than being a slight bit irresponsible when u can take an elevator to your room. :) I think $100 is "do-able" esp @ the 3* level. Personally, I'd start w/a 4* and work my way down to 3.5. Really hold out before u settle for a 3*. You have plenty of time, so if it takes trying a bid daily, do it. I never make reservations too far in advance just in case the unexpected arises & I don't think it hurts my success. So far in my PL life, I've found that hotels are quite accommodating. When two beds were needed it was never an issue. I've been upgraded to club levels, allowed to check in 5 hrs early. Maybe ppl are working extra hard to please these days and my stays in NYC have never been any different. I would suggest that u check-in as early as possible (even if the room isn't ready) before the hotel runs out of double beds, b/c they are in higher demand. Bonne Chance!
