There's an international hostel on Amsterdam Avenue, around 104th Street. The daughter of a friend stayed there with an Ohio University group in September and a friend of mine used to work there.
Moderate, but you should look at the Hotel Belleclaire around West 72nd, I think. I stayed there a year ago with a group, and it's a beautiful, comfortable hotel. I'm looking it for a trip I'm taking in March, and the rate is $182 a night. Not bad.
popular_elphie, if you go to expedia.com and put in a search for Available hotels during March you will find about 15 hotels in the Midtown-Broadway-Times Square area priced below $182 a night.
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"
Big Apple Hostel. Right in the theater district. www.bigapplehostel.com
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Try Priceline. What I usually do is book a room directly with a hotel as a backup. That way you can cancel with no penalty fees. Then a week or so before going, start trying priceline. Just specify the neighborhood and star rating you're willing to accept. I've stayed at the Park Central, Sheraton and Comfort Inn midtown all via priceline and for $100 or less. Lowball your offer to start then gradually go up. Just allow enough time to rebid.
I've also found that you can get just as good deals directly with the hotel vs. Expedia or Orbitz or one of those. Just look for internet user rates. My inlaws are up there right now at the Milford Plaza for $120/night. And this is peak tourist time.