Glad to hear that you have decided to do this. Hopefully they will make good on their promise.

Can't really help with NY accomodation but if you want to read about our time in LA(first trip..have been back once since)here is a link to my trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lden-state.cfm

Unfortunately, there is nothing there that will help you track down Lady Gaga!

Hello fellow Aussie traveller glad to see you were able to cancel. There are a whole bunch of good hotels available on hotels.com under your budget (and most likely on heaps of other sites like Expedia). If you're looking for the same location, hop onto the website and look in the Midtown East - Grand Central area. I can personally recommend the Roger Williams (not the Roger Smith). Good luck!

From one Aussie to another, I was very pleased you have managed to get yourselves out of that situation. I know you will get some helpful advice from the experts on here as to a suitable place to stay. Best wishes in your adventure!