I know someone who used to stay at the La Quinta on W. 32nd. It's pretty basic, but I hear they have some kind of a rooftop bar or lounge or something. Anyway, if it's available, it will definitely be well under $200/night.
http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/prop...751&propId=751
I see that the Washington Square Hotel is also available for a day or so next week. It's smack dab in the middle of the Village in a large Greek Revival townhouse. And very reasonable (well, relatively):
http://www.washingtonsquarehotel.com/
I know NOTHING about the St Marks Hotel, but it's at the gateway to the East Village. And right around the corner from Dojo's, which has great, healthy ethnic eats and booze for real cheap. Also a good/cheap falafel place at the end of the block. Veselka on E. 9th is also a must-visit, and it's open 24 hours. And my favorite vegetarian restaurant, Anjelika's Kitchen, on E. 13th... sigh...
http://www.stmarkshotel.qpg.com/
There's always priceline or hotwire. But just be careful about getting a hotel on the far east side (east of Third Ave.), especially north of midtown. The public transportation is far away and always crowded. There's also craigslist; it seems like there is always some shady NYer trying to make an extra buck subletting their overpriced apartments.
