Hotels Auckland, Samoa, Tonga, LA & NYC in Nov-Dec

Hi guys,

My fiancée and I are spending two nights in Auckland, six days on Samoa, eight days on Tonga, a week in LA and four days in NYC in late-Nov and Dec. Really looking forward to an amazing trip!

I've never really done hotel bookings for that many places, and I'm of course looking for bargains. I'm contemplating just book one at a time whenever a good deal pops up. However, we're budget travellers, and with a month travelling we can't afford anything luxurious. I just missed out on expedia's $50per night per room sale in Auckland :/

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for budget hotels at a decent location in these locations?

Also, I see hotelclub.com.au give 'Member $', is that something I should consider being that I'm looking to book for so many places? Never used that site before.

We're really worried about Tonga and Samoa though due to the tsunami. We were contemplating changing our tickets, but fingers crossed it'll be a great place to visit in a month and a half time, too. No offence, and to be morbid, but I guess chances are hotel prices on Tonga and Samoa might be lowered to attract tourists again.

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

EDIT:

Advantageous websites for hotel bookings would be greatly appreciated, too!
ie. wotif.com, hotels.com, and expedia.com.au are the ones I've been using in the past.