My wif & I (both retired) would like to spend 4-5 days in New York City in middle to late October. She was there last fall on a theater tour with several other women. We want to stay in the Times Square area "at a moderate rate". You ask "what's moderate?" - Any good places for $200 to $300 per night in the area??????????

R & B

I have stayed at the Belvedere on 48th which is quite reasonable though a 3 minute walk to Times Square. It is quiet there at night & the prices are reasonable. I say at night because there is a high rise going up opposite but building work only happens in daytime when you're out.
I also stayed this year at the Radio City Apartments on 49th - around the corner to Times Square. It is a bit noisier there as you are so close to Times Square & Rockefeller Centre. Apartments are self catering but having said that it is like being in a hotel - rooms cleaned, beds made, coffee topped up. Compared to the 1 room Belvedere we had 2 rooms to spread out in, paid $1600 for 8 nights ($800 for 3 nights at Belvedere). Check them out on Tripadvisor for further reviews.
If you use the wash & folds don't go to Yees Excellent Cleaners on 49th as they shrank our clothes.

If you've done any checking you probably know hotel rates in NYC have skyrocketed. I would say the room prices are $100/night more than they have been.

Radiocityapartments.com is indeed one of the few places that hasn't raised their rates to outlandish heights but b/c of that, it books up months in advance. I doubt you can find any availability there for Oct although it might be worth a telephone call. (Unlike other websites that show you the nights they're full, RCA doesn't on their website).

The Belvedere is another good option but I think in Oct. you'll find rates closer to $350 and then tax on hotels is ~ 15% over the prices you see on US websites!

You will find rates of ~$300/night at places like the Super 8, Red Roof Inn or Milford Plaza, but I for one wouldn't consider paying that price for those kind of low end budget hotels.

I see 3 nights available at an apartment in the area that's been very well reviewed here and elsewhere. (~$250/night) bigapplegetaway.com has Oct 30-Nov 1 free. If you want to stay longer, you might be able to add another night or 2 by bidding on Priceline for a 4* hotel. (I don't think it's likely you'd get a 4-5 night bid accepted on Priceline.) OR
I do see a senior rate of $305/night on Oct 28/29 at the Marriott Courtyard Fifth ave. which is a nice hotel in a good location a short walk to Times Square. When you add the hotel tax that becomes $350/night. You could spend 2 nights there and move to the apt. Just be aware the NYC Marathon is Nov 4 so don't try looking in early Nov. Good luck!

The other option to consider if your dates are flexible is coming at a cheaper time. The week leading up to Thanksgiving (nov 17-21) is usually quiet. The Flatotel, the Night and the Belvedere are all within your budget at that time (on quikbook.com).

I frequently stay at the Super 8, 1 long block to Times Square. Keep checking rates, last couple trips, the rates dropped. Easy to just rebook and cancel.

I would suggest considering Priceline to name your price. You should be able to get a Times Sq. 4* well within your range. Check out Biddingfortravel to see what hotels are usually awarded and at what rates.

I know there is a very nice Courtyard by Marriott in that vicinity.

I have stayed in the Milford Plaza but mclaurie has a good point, it is hard justifying $300+ per night to stay in one of those hotels.

Priceline may be an option for you - just be sure you understand how it works - once you hit "enter" your money is gone - no matter what. And you don;t find out what hotel you get until after you pay. Also - the busier the city is the less inventory they get to sell. I wouldn;t do less then 4*, since some they rate as 3* are NOT pleasant.

I wold also have a look at travelzoo and kayak.com - to see if they have any deals.

Radio City Apartments looks booked for essentially the rest of the year - but you could call and see if there are cancellations.

Agree that for $300 at that time of year you will be offered mostly very basic budget chain hotels. (For random dates in mid-Oct kayak.com is offering some decent places near Times Square in the $400 range.)

Depending on your dates you might do better away from Times Square (which I think is awful anyway) - for example downtown hotels often have bargains on the weekend.