FWIW -- the Priceline rates pre-attacks in Boston were as low as $50-$60 per night for 3* hotels in Boston Back Bay and Financial District. The rates have been this good all year.
Currently, I'm staying in another prime city at $45-ish 3* rates via Priceline. Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are the usual outcomes. I understand why the hotel chains won't lower their directly-booked rates (hard to increase them later), and I choose to save the money via Priceline.