We are looking for hotel suggestions for Amsterdam. We would like something nice, with character, very convenient to all of the sights, includes breakfast, but not more than $175 (USD). Is that too much to ask? Any suggestions? Thank you.

These will help you.
www.amsterdam-hotels.org
venere.com
www.bookings.nl
www.amsterdam-hotels-1.com
www.medialink.nl/amsterdam/hotelguide.html

My favorite Amsterdam hotels are: Hotel Fita, a small family run hotel in the Museum district. www.fita.nl

A little pricier, in the same area is Hotel Jan Luykenstraat.

For a splurge I stay at Hotel American in the Leidsplein. It's very art deco, has a wonderful cafe and very comfortable rooms. You can't beat the location. Get it at discounted rates at www.hotel-booker.com

www.amsterdamhotspots.nl

And a second to the Leidseplein district, my favorite part of Amsterdam.

We just were in Amsterdam at the end of May. We stayed at the Canal Crown Hotel. The location was perfect. We walked to everything. It is on the Herengracht. Rembrandtplein with all it's restaurants is only a few minutes away. Leidseplein wasn't all that far either. We went a couple of times for dinner in that area.
We had breakfast included...and they had a PC in the lobby with free Internet access. We would definitely stay there again.

Also, at www.channels.nl, you can find hotel listings with user Reviews...
and I "third" the Leidseplein area.