So I go to NYC two or three times a year to see shows and visit family. I will see as many shows as I can while I'm there so I prefer to stay in the Times Square area so I don't have to take the subway or a cab back to my hotel. I've stayed at a lot of NY hotels over the years-Hilton Times Square (42nd Street),Hilton 6th Avenue,Edison Hotel, Crowne Plaza,Hotel Mela, The Muse, The Beacon, The Hampton Inn (by Macy's), The President, The Millenium Broadway,The Algonquin, The Renaissance, The Doubletree Guest Suites, The Paramount, The Milford(which has a new name), The Intercontinental Times Square, The Affinia Dumont, Hotel Americano, The W NY, and The Westin off the top of my head. I can honestly say the only one I refuse to return to is The President. They all have pros and cons and it depends who is traveling with me. My husband and I prefer the boutique hotels like Hotel Mela but when we have the boys we go with the Crowne Plaza or The Doubletree if we can get a good price. I avoid staying on the East Side because transportation just isn't as great as the West Side, IMO. If I can give you any specific information, I'd be happy to.
And make sure to walk The High Line. It's one of my favorite new things to do in the city.