Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Since you will be traveling light, you can easily get from LGA to Manhattan by public transportation for $2.25. Whether you can find a hotel in Manhattan within your price range is another matter. You can check the NYC lodging specials at travelzoo.com; you can see what's offered at hotwire.com; or you can submit a bid at priceline.com, after reviewing winning-bid information at biddingfortravel.com and/or betterbidding.com.

For sightseeing in Manhattan, try to stay in Manhattan. If you must stay out in Queens, try to stay at a property with convenient subway access, like the Holiday Inn in Long Island City.