I cannot imagine in my wildest dreams paying $400-500/night per room for those hotels. While you are coming at what could the most expensive time of the year, there have got to be better options.

On quikbook.com there is a 1 bedroom suite at the Shelburne Murray Hill for an avg. of $441/night plus tax for the 3 nights. The room would have 1 bed for 2 (either queen or king) and a sofabed for 2. It's cancelable.

The NY Helmsley has an executive room with 2 doubles (for 4 people) at $475 plus tax (on quikbook)

The Marriott Financial Center has a rate of $503 plus tax and it's a really lovely hotel although not that central.

we are paying less than $400 for our hotel. as i said, not my first choice, but everybody's budget is different!
I'll give a report when I get back...I must say, I'm a little nervous! Wish me luck!

What hotel did you pick?

we will be at the HoJo in SoHo. Apparently someone knew someone who stayed here before...I'll let you know!
$309 first 2 nights, then up to $389 for the third night.