My wife and I plan to spend four days in NYC at the end of October-any recommendations for small pleasant hotel,central,in the $150.00 range?

The Gramercy Park Hotel might fit the bill. It's small, almost certain to be in your price range and in a great location. Also has access to Gramercy Park (a small "private" city park).

By time yiu read this I'll be in NYC but check with your local travel agency for package trips to NY.
We got a package 5 days and 4 nights 2 plays 2 sites
and dinner at resturant. We also have a Statue of Liberty -harbor cruise included.
for a group of 7 @$641.oo You can find deals

Try the Helmsley Middletown it has a good midtown location, and pleasant rooms--should be in the $160 range. The Roosevelt, while not small, was recently renovated, has beautiful public areas and often has rooms for $179. The Wyndham is older and not very updated, but it has a great location(across from THe Plaza) and rooms are very reasonable. For around $190 you might check the Roger Smith, the Mansfield, the Roger Williams or the Fitzpatrick.

Try the Fitzpatrick Hotel in the east 50's. It's near Bloomingdales.

I agree -- the Fitzpatrick on W. 57th is well located, modestly priced, and quite pleasant. All hotels are cheaper on the weekends.

My suggestion is the Wellington. It is (I think) at 7th and 57th. It is 2 or 3 blocks off of Central Park, it is 4 blocks away from Times Square, a short walk to Rokefellar Plaza, the theaters are near, subway stop down below. It is about 15 stories but not huge. Nice all night diner next door which can be a must of a early/late cup of coffee. I stayed last Nov. and it was $179 during the busy theater season. I would make your reservations fairly early because at this time of year, prices can be a few dollors more due to, again, heavy theatre traffic. Especially in Midtown which meets your requirement of "Central."