<p>At many times during the year, outside of high seasons, the Best Western on 48th bet bway & 8th ave can get you a room for $99-130. It’s a nice hotel, not luxurious of course but very passable. It’s my dad’s go-to hotel when he’s in the city on business on his own expense. And it’s just north of times square. 25 mins to columbia (#1 from 50th st & bwy), the same to NYU (C train from 49th & 8th).</p>