Hotel recommendation, please!

I%26#39;m planning a last minute trip to NYC for just one night (10/13). My husband %26amp; I will be seeing Lion King and wanted to explore the NYy on Sunday. It%26#39;s hard to justify spending $400 (I will if I have to!) for just one night. We%26#39;ll probably be driving, but taking a train from Phila. is also an option. Because it%26#39;s less than 2 weeks away, hotels are a little limited. A couple of options are the NY Helmsley, Portland Square, or Wellington, all for around $350.

My question is this.....can anyone recommend a different section of the city or even outside of the city (preferably not too far north, since we%26#39;ll be coming from south) where I can find better rates? I don%26#39;t mind having to travel a bit either by car or public transportation as long as it%26#39;s convenient. Also, hotel does not have to be fancy. Just clean and in a safe area.

I%26#39;ve spent a little time in NY, but not much and am not that familiar with the different areas. I%26#39;m a little overwhelmed trying to pick a hotel. Any help would be much appreciated!

Hotel recommendation, please!

Sheraton Suites on the Hudson has a King Suite available for 10/13 for $219 on quikbook.com.

This hotel is right across the river in NJ with a fantastic view of the NY skyline. You can take ferry over and take their free bus or taxi once in Manhattan. www.nywaterway.com

Hotel recommendation, please!

What about priceline? Have a look at biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com to learn about strategies for bidding.

I think the Sheraton on the Hudson is a good option if you%26#39;re driving. While I don%26#39;t think their parking is free, it shouldn%26#39;t be expensive and the $100+ you save by not staying in Manhattan will buy a nice dinner or whatever.

I also see the newly opened 6 Columbus Circle (in manhattan) on quikbook for $325 for a superior king. Rooms are small there but it%26#39;s a new upscale hotel. Either of these is cancelable so you could book and then perhaps decide to try Priceline. Hotwire is often a gauge of whether there will be rooms on Priceline and there are a few Hotwire options in midtown east and midtown west for that date.

I%26#39;ve never used priceline, but I did start looking into it after my post here. I do like the idea of staying right across the river, so I%26#39;ll take a look at the Sheraton %26amp; compare it to what I might be able to get on priceline. Thank you both for you help!

Just a heads up that I%26#39;ve been reading recent reviews of the Sheraton on the Hudson and they%26#39;re not great. Sounds like the place is in need to some sprucing up and management is not very helpful. People are complaining about infrequent bus shuttle from the ferry terminal which would affect you on a Sat.

If you should decide to stay at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson, you don%26#39;t need to depend on their shuttle to get to the other ferry terminal on the weekends.

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (www.mylightrail.com) will also work.

There%26#39;s a station at Lincoln Harbor next to the hotel.

And there is also a NJ Transit bus that passes the hotel as well.