Truckers post reminded me that sharing rooms with people you know can really save money. I'm still figuring out if I can go but here are a few options for the conference (SOME RATES MIGHT BE PREPAYED NO CANCEL READ BEFORE BOOKING)

In Manhattan (Note: Hotel taxes are higher in manhattan)

Doubletree Suites New York Times Square
$319.00 a night 1 King and a sofa bed (seperate rooms)
(up to 2) $159.50 a night per person
$359.00 a night 2 Doubles and a sofa bed
(up to 3) $119.66 a night per person

In Jersey City (right over the river in NJ from Downtown)

Doubletree Suites Jersey City
Mall Across the Street. Train Service (PATH) within 2 blocks and about 40 minutes away from John Jay (via Path and NYC Subway)
$139.00 a night 2 doubles and a sofa bed
3 people $46.33 a night
2 people $69.50 a night (can get a king or queen bed for same price)

In Secaucus
(across the river from Midtown/Times Square..Closer to John Jay)

Hyatt Place Secaucus New Jersey

Bus to Manhattan around $3 dollars in front of hotel
15 minutes to Port Authority 30 minutes to John Jay via Bus/Subway
(add 30 minutes at rush hour on Friday. Weekend will be fine)
Close to a ton of stores and resturants

$149 a night for 1 king or 2 double beds w/sofa bed
$49.66 per night w/3 people
$74.50 per night w/2 people

Embassy Suites Secaucus
Near Hyatt Place includes FULL cooked to order breakfast

$169 a night for 1 king or 2 double beds w/sofa bed
$56.33 per night w/3 people
$84.50 per night w/2 people

Just a few suggestions, if I go I will most likely share a room