Priceline Hotel: Traveling to NYC in mid-August, suggestions for location???

[tallen1984]

Hey everyone. So I was looking for a bit of input from the wonderful administrators on this one. Here goes:

I'm planning a trip to NYC from August 14 - 17. I'll be coming from DC on Megabus, and I'll be leaving to further my travels to Boston (also via Megabus). My fiance and I are planning on making this a mini-baseball road trip (Nationals, Mets, Yankees, Red Sox). Anyways, our bus will drop us off in Midtown Manhattan, and we're trying to figure out exactly where we're wanting to stay. Keep in mind that we will be heading out to Queens for a Mets game, up to the Bronx for a Yankees game, and probably spending a great deal of time in Manhattan, doing all the tourist-y stuff.

I've been looking at the zones in NYC, and two of them really peak my interest: Long Island City, and Jersey City (actually in NJ, but since it's in the NYC area, I thought it would work). In an effort to avoid the expensive (read: "overpriced") Manhattan hotels, these two locations seem to be potential winners. From what I can tell, they are both close to subway / train access into Midtown, and are safe areas.

Bottom line, here's what I'm looking for: New York City (Long Island City) & Newark - Meadowlands (Jersey City). I'd prefer to get a 3* hotel at a minimum in either location, but here's where I need the help. In anyone's opinion, which location would be more beneficial for my needs? Considering my planned activities, I would assume Long Island City would be the better choice; is this correct?

Perhaps just as important is the cost. Does anyone have any idea what a good, realistic bid would be for one of these hotels? I'd be willing to go up to $100/night, but would prefer to stay closer to $75/night.

Any help that anyone could offer would be tremendously appreciated. Thank you all in advance, and I look forward to hearing what you all have to say!