Aiming to spend in the US$150 - US$200 per night range.

Are you planning to visit NYC in the 90s?

I'd say check hotels.com?

"crowdsource any recommendations"

what language is that?

Manhattan area is huge

"looking for information" - is that better?

Anywhere within Manhattan would be acceptable - am aware it's bigger than the Square Mile...

It's a cheap time of year to go but that is still a fairly tight budget for Manhattan. There are a bunch of fairly average hotels around time square that are relatively inexpensive. Not the nicest place to stay but OK and obviously very central.  There will be something there in budget.   

Can't help with Boston as don't really know it.

We went in Feb about 10 years ago. It dumped 30cm of snow on the last day so was stranded for a few extra days. 

Thanks Donny.  I'm getting places just off Broadway on the Upper West Side (e.g. Lucerne Hotel, Arthouse Hotel NYC, Hotel Belleclaire) for around US$150 a night and they look absolutely fine, but from RofRoyalty's (deleted) comment they might be absolutely horrific?

Why was my comment deleted? Totally harmless by my standards. 

Heh. Whut did I say?

U, not I. 

Weird thing to auto correct 

Can't remember exactly, but something about a hotel in NYC for $150-$200 being more realistic decades ago

Disgusting 

I blame risky

Depending on the day of the week, this may be just about doable with your budget:

https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-york/hotel-50-bowery-nyc

I've stayed there. It was nice. I think being in Chinatown is a bit of a turnoff for some.

Boston is, if anything, worse than NYC.  I quite like the Copley Square Hotel in Back Bay.

I stayed at The Wellington when I went c. 15 years ago, it wasn't very nice at all & was next seen in the naked scenes from Borat. I believe it's closed now. 

Hope this helps.

The London Hotel

151 W 54th St, 

New York

London.

Obviously.

Arlo Hotel, Soho is good.  Small rooms (which is the idea) but nice downstairs area.  I think booking direct with the hotel through website is cheapest.  Seems like it's $149 a night midweek in February direct but a lot more on the aggregators. Not sure if that includes tax.

I doubt those hotels will be horrific (though I don't know any of them) but this time of year for that budget you should be able to get one of mid range brands from the big operators (Hilton Double Tree, Marriott Courtyard etc) and they are generally absolutely fine. 

The London is now a Conrad. 

It was pretty tired staying there afew years ago but assume now is fully refurbished and will be part of HH if you have points. 

Other half is from Massachusetts. Do not stay in the “downtown” part of Boston, it’s very sketchy at night. If there for work, try the Seaport area which is lovely now. Loved the Seaport Hotel, great restaurant and bar. If for leisure and you want to experience the real city, Cambridge or Somerville although I like the South End too.

Verb in Boston. Last time in NY stayed at 1 Brooklyn Bridge for the awesome view.

Thanks all, very helpful 

I wasn't helpful at all you liar

I think I remember staying at a place called The Library a few years back and it was good. Otherwise, any of the big chains would be safe bet. If it’s a special occasion then it has to be the Plaza. Boston, then the Harbor Hotel is also nice.