We are driving to NYC from Hartford CT. and then are heading down the New Jersey Turnpike to VA. We need a hotel choice that will be easy to drive out of onto NJ Tnpke after our one night stay. We plan to visit the SOHO Tribeca area, but as long as there's a nearby subway,we're ok. Would like to stay under $200--doesn't have to be luxurious, but nice would be nice. Any ideas? We're leaving this Friday, so we need advice quick. Thanks everyone.

Don't know what you'll pay but you could try some hotels in Tribeca near the Holland Tunnel for easy access out of NYC. Here are some choices:
60 Thompson
Soho Grand
Tribeca Grand

If all else fails and you just need a quick place to crash, there's always the Milford Plaza (think bus stop tourist trap) near the Lincoln Tunnel. I'm sure it'll be cheaper but not as unique as the ones above.

Jodo, I'm not sure I completely understand your question:
Are you looking to stay in the city, or outside NYC, somewhere in the NJ or CT suburbs?

In NYC virtually anyplace will allow to to get to Soho easily, as you mentioned by subway. I don't think you can get any of the downtown/ Soho hotels in your price range (especially if you factor in 13%+ tax plus parking--figure that at at least $30/night) . Of course, as many people willprobably suggest, Priceline may work for you...

Virtually no place in Manhattan really allows "easy access to the NJ turnpike" simply because of regular city traffic. Yes, lots of NYers are out of town this weekend, but many are coming back Saturday and Sunday, and there are certainly plenty of tourists around!

Yes, we want to stay in NYC...think we'll try to see what we can do at the Tribeca Grand....($200 may be wishful thinking, but who knows. We'll try priceline. We're a bit in NYC sticker shock. We just got back from Bangkok, where The Pen..voted #1 in the world, was $180 a night including breakfast) Now back to reality.
Anybody hear about the Cosmopolitan in Tribeca?
Also, some travel advice needed: Coming in from Ct any best route or any best way to get to Tribeca area?
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated.

ThE Cosmopolitan is on Chambers street, right? If it's the one I 'm thinking of, it's what they would call a "tourist class" hotel--not necessarily terrible, but certainly not a "fine " hotel.
Seems to have lots of young Europeans in and out rather than older, more upscale or family crowd

jodo,
We just returned last week from NYC and stayed at 60 Thompson. I found a rate listed on travelocity for 179.00 for a "deluxe queen", but we needed 2 doubles for our family with 2 kids. That bedding type room listed for $450.00 ! which is WAY out of our range. I emailed the hotel directly and asked them if they could give us the rate listed on travelocity WITH the double beds. I don't know if it was because of the Christmas spirit or not, but they offered us a rate of 179.00 for the queen and king and 199.00 for the double. We took it and were so pleased. The location is fantastic! The rooms were incredible and all members of their staff were so kind and helpful. Parking was $35 a night, which seemed a bit steep, but we got there very early (9:00 am) and being we didn't pay by the hour, we probably got off cheaper than in an iconparking lot. Like I said, maybe we were lucky, but it would be worth a try to contact them. It was worth every penny. Have a great time.

Oh I also forgot, 60 Thompson is about two blocks from the Holland Tunnel. We have never driven in the city before and had a very easy time getting out of there. We are from Richmond, Va. Other Ny Fodorites can probably give directions , too, but when you go out of the tunnel just bear to the right. It will say NJ Turnpike. Take that and you are on your way.

You know, you might try the Ritz Carlton Battery park City - I noticed on expedia or orbitz that their standard rooms in January are $209. per night on the weekend. Call and ask - it can't hurt . . .