I'm planning a trip to NYC in September (14th - 17th) and am on a tight budget for a hotel. I have researched extensively and decided that Jersey City seems to be a good option for a place to stay. Unfortunately the Hyatt and Doubletree are booked. (apparently these are very popular dates) This leaves the Holland Motor Lodge and Ramada Limited as my best options. I want to be close to a PATH station. Does anyone know anything about either of these? (I have already read the reviews on tripadvisor) or Can anyone suggest alternatives? Keep in mind my budget is $130/ night max and that anything decent in Manhattan is at least twice that much. Thanks!

I think the Holland Motor Lodge is a dump near the Holland Tunnel.

Don't stay in JC - that's a big mistake. Try the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken. There's a ferry right outside their door, takes about 5 min to get into NYC.

ditto about the HML. I wouldn't go near that place.

I looked at the Sheraton in Weehawken but it's $236/ night for the dates I want- so that's not an option. Thanks for the advice on the HML because the tripadvisor reviews make it sound great. Any thoughts on the Ramada Limited?

Have you looked into doing priceline ('name your own price' option) to stay in NYC. You may be able to get something for $130. Check biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com.

The ramada has some bad reviews on tripadvisor, primarily about safety and cleanliness.

Forget doing the outskirts of NYC cheaply any longer. You are much better off trying on priceline or booking something on hotwire.

Any hotel in New Jersey that is significantly under Manhattan hotel prices is waving a big giant red flag.

Please heed.

FWIW, the Hyatt and Doubletree weekend rates are going for around $300 per night for fall weekends.

You do not want the HML - it sometimes rents - if not by the hour - but the same room to several sets of people in one day.

Frankly - I wouldn't be happy with anyplace in Jersey City - unless right next to the ferry.

Well, DH and I stayed at the Hyatt in Jersey City last March and loved it. It is RIGHT next to the path station, very convenient. Its just one stop to the WTC site. We booked it on hotwire and paid around $90/night. If you go to hotwire and put in Jersey City, the hyatt is the only 4 star hotel in that area. I've seen it on hotwire anywhere from $85/night to $283/night, so maybe it will be on the cheaper side for your dates. Beware though, they charge $30/day for valet parking.

pianogirl, k1 already stated the hotel is sold out that weekend.

How about Weehawken? I'm not completely sure, but check if you can take the lite rail to the Path station from there.

I haven't seen many hotels in Weehawken. The Sheraton looks nice, but is too expensive. Are there others?
I want to avoid taking a bus anywhere.

I think you have to adjust your hotel budget. Right now there's a special on travelzoo.com for the W Court hotel (wonderful hotel in good location) for $199/night for your dates. Or try bidding on Priceline. OR, try for a private room at the Vanderbilt or the Westside YMCA.