New Yorkers: help!

I have to attend a convention in NYC in November, and it’s centered at the Javits. I’m looking for a hotel, as most officially associated with the convention are already booked up. Do any of you who live in NYC have recommendations for places to stay near the Javits (like within a mile or so)?

I don’t mind the big hotel franchises, but I like places that have some local color just as well. So if you know of a place that’s clean and interesting and slightly off the beaten path or not on the big tourist-dollar radar, and can give me a suggestion, please let me know.

Thanks!

Have you tried the Chelsea Hotel? everyone (like Bob Dylan, Sid Vicious, famous writers, etc) stayed there. I think Sid and Nancy achieved some notoriety there, famous musician and writers ODd there.

The W is a boutique, very small chain, with one location on 17th and Union Square.

Everything is VERY expensive in Manhattan, so lots of organizations won’t even hold conferences there anymore.

Here is a list of nearby hotels for another convention during september, but it’s at javits so it’s all the same.