If Priceline is out for you because of the whole 4 people in a room issue, then you should take a serious look at the Comfort Inn Long Island City, though be sure some rooms have 2 double beds. Of all the places in the outer boroughs, it's the most convenient to Manhattan.

I believe there's also a Marriott Courtyard hotel near the Pavonia/Newport PATH station in NJ, and that might be just as convenient, but this hotel is usually more expensive. THere may be other Newport possibilities, but if you can't be on a direct train route into the city, staying in NJ is going to be a huge inconvenience. It's useless to even look at hotels in Fort Lee or the Meadlowlands area.

Hotwire has the four in a room option.

Hotels in Manhattan that hold for people aren't standard rooms and are considered upgrades.

GoTravel has already provided very good advice already so nothing to add there... may I respectfully suggest, though, that on your next trip, you give yourself more time to plan. Making last-minute reservations in Manhattan should be avoided when possible.

pookie, if the Courtyard Midtown East is available, it's a great choice for the size of your group -- we had a very large room last summer - big enough for 2 beds and a sitting area. Expensive for a Courtyard, but not for mid-town Manhattan.

The B&B up near me could accomodate 4 to a room, and be well under $200. We are a block to the A train, and walking distance to Yankee Stadium, with a cute cafe on the corner. This is a very safe area of Manhattan, I've lived here for 6 years and love the area. This is Hamilton Heights on a map.

I'll get the web address and repost it.

It's the Harlem Heritage Guest House, on W. 147th St. and the phone number is (212) 234-7017. Ask for Terry she is one of the owners.

I went over and toured the place not long ago and I thought it was a great deal for the price.

Each room is nicely done, you can ask for private bath or shared. There is a ceiling fan and AC in each room and some have kitchenetts.