The Murray Hill Comfort Inn is in your range. At least it was when we stayed there in December.
Stayed there twice, small rooms…but clean, they have a good restaurant downstairs and a good continental breakfast.
Also, close to the subway.
42 W. 35th Street
212-564-3139
You won’t find their rates online (at least I couldn’t) but when I tried to book there for three weeks in August last summer, they gave me a rate well over $200 for the first two weeks and over $300 for the third. As far as I could tell, these rates were non-negotiable. Finally, I was able to sublet a nice apartment for about $1700 for the three weeks.
Sorry, but I would book almost anything else on priceline, but not a hotel. You put up your money and should the hotel turn out to be a flophouse, there is no recourse.