Unfortunately, it is too much to ask for quite often. We've had to pay more than $200/night at a Best Western.

Priceline probably isn't your answer here either, but it certainly doesn't hurt to try. I would not try Priceline, however, until the day before checkin, because if you are unsuccessful in the 7 day period immediately prior to the date of your stay, you are locked out of re-bidding. Expedia's Hotel Price Matcher also offers San Jose, and they allow same day bookings. I did see one Expedia HPM success in Silicon Valley when it was bid the same day as checkin.

Back in March, a co-worker was able to get a room on about two days notice at the Hotel De Anza http://www.hoteldeanza.com for $249. We were a little concerned because we had never heard of it. Turned out to be lovely and he said he would try there first on his next trip.