Where do we go now?

I'm really struggling at the moment.  I'm looking for a hotel in New York City, that shouldn't be hard to find right?  Trouble is, I'm not made of money and have already made the decision to fly Virgin - because, well to me it was a no brainer, I've flown with them before and it was an enjoyable experience.  Though saying that, I was in Economy and I'm not entirely sure any Economy flight experience is particularly 'enjoyable'.  Especially as I am 5ft 11.  I like aisle seats as I can then cause chaos to airhostesses by blocking the aisle with my extremely long legs - otherwise they just don't fit in the space!!  And as I've already said, I'm not made of money so even Premium Economy is out of the question.

With me previously writing that I've already decided to fly Virgin, that is a slight issue as I've never booked a holiday separately like that.  I've always booked the flights and hotel together.  In reflection on that comment, I have actually booked them separately once before: Amsterdam, 2007 (or 08), I went with 6 blokes...but that's another story.  This may be a truer statement: I have never booked a long haul holiday separately before.

So, back to hotels.  I put out an 'ad' on Twitter, well it was more of a request I suppose, to find out if anyone knew of any good deals for hotels in NYC.  I got 2 responses from 2 hotels which looked incredible.  At around £150-£200 a night per person though and with the flight on it's own costing nearly 500 big ones (Hurrah for the Virgin sale - flight under 400 quid), it's not really something I can afford.  Shame though, The St Giles Hotels and also Room Mate Grace really do look fantastic.  I'm still working on that one though.

Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions?  All suggestions will be greatly received.