Need some suggestions on a nice hotel for the dollar...like $150-$200 per nite in an area where the action is or where everyone wants to stay. Close to things to see., shopping, theatre, etc. And what we should see. Myself and my college-age daughter are visiting. She is a Psych/Fashion Design major and dearly wants to visit this city.

There is a Marriott on 41st Street, between 6th Ave and 7th Ave. (near Times Sq and Rockefeller Center). There is a Quality/Comfort Inn-type on 45th St, bet 5th Ave & 6th Ave. (near Times Sq and Rockfeller Center). There is another one near Herald SQ (Macy's).
Good luck.

If you want to stay in a great area that is not in the mid-town strickly touristy hotel area (which are suggested in the other reply) but is near to the theatre district, try the Upper West Side hotels--either The Lucerne, or The Beacon Hotel. Both are really nice, smaller, and in fun real NY neighborhoods with lots of restaurants, shops, etc. Have a great time!

Try the Roosevelt Hotel, which has been offering deals on quickbook.com.

Why not try PriceLine? I've read about many people getting a 4 Star hotel for ~$100. Sure you won't know the excact hotel until you've paid for it, but i THINK you'd be OK by bidding for the higher class level hotels.

Check out more on www.biddingfortravel.com

Research staying at the dorms at Fashion Institute of Technology. I have friends who did it while visiting a few years ago. Not a "nice hotel" but a great bargain.