I'd recommend just staying downtown-- it's only about a 10 minute drive/cab ride (depending on time of day, of course). You can usually get either the Hilton, Marriott Marquis, or one other nicer hotel for about $80-90 after taxes (plus 20-30 for parking) on Priceline's name your own price.
The Highlander would be the only 'close' hotel, really, and it's not really walking distance.