fitzpatrick on 57th and lex. irish hotel. huge 1 bed suites at v reasonable price.
no matter where you pick, you’ll be fine- cabs are cheap and it’s a tiny island! have fun!

I've just booked the Sofitel New York for myself and 2 kids. Wouldn't be my choice by a long shot if I was going sans-kids but they are great for families and we've stayed in loads of them. Well positioned, scrupulously clean, excellent breakfasts and good price if you need more than the usual 1 double bed. Our room is 2 queen beds with guaranteed skyscraper views so the kids are pretty chuffed with that. If you sign up with Accor you get a discount. I disagree that mid-town isn't a good location. I worked and lived in mid-town for a little while and found it really handy, close to grand central and walking distance to central park, museums and quick taxi or train to Greenwich village etc. 

Thanks everyone! Will take a look at the Upper West Side dudette - thanks!

Avoid anything one or two blocks away from Times Square!

I recommend the Intercontinental Barclay (not the Tes Square one). Really classy, quite new, midtown but quiet ish area. Pricey though.

Also recommend Arlo Hotel, if after something more hip and cheaper. Rooms are tiny, choose carefully. It's also out of the center of the action, but in a quieter part of town.

I wouldn’t stay in mid town if I were you. It’s like staying in Leicester Square. Have a look at the Upper West Side (where I lived many moons ago). It’s a lovely neighbourhood and you’re right by Central Park which is probably the loveliest urban park in the whole world. It’s also on the express subway lines that will take you downtown in a jiffy. If you can find somewhere near Columbus Circle (eg the Empire although I’ve not stayed there so can’t recommend it) then you’re by pretty much all the subway lines you need, right by the park, you can walk to 5th Avenue and Broadway, there’s a great shopping centre in the Time Warner building. Some good local restaurants. We go back to New York most years and almost always stay up there (in a hotel that shall remain nameless for reasons that would be apparent if I were to name it!). One time we stayed in SoHo and didn’t like it - nice to visit but we missed the park.

Try the Affinia hotels. They’re all suite hotels with loads of space and comparable pricing to non-suite hotels. I’ve stayed at two different ones, in the Affinia Gardens with my 6 year old and it was brilliant. Very friendly. Close to the central park zoo, close to the subway. Affinia.com

I stayed lastcyear at the Grand Hyatt which is linked to Grand Central Station, Great hotel, great location.

It’s not midtown but meatpacking district is good and the Standard is a good spot.

I've always had a good experience at The Library Hotel - a small boutique hotel on 41st Street.  
https://libraryhotel.com/en/

The Hyatt at Union Square is lovely.

Archer.

Crowne Plaza

Le Meridien is family friendly and only 2 blocks away from Central Park. 
 

I am taking my dd to NY soon and I wondered if anyone had any hotel suggestions? Thinking midtown and 4 star if possible. It is a minefield out there in terms of hotels and would welcome suggestions rather than randomly picking one out on the internet! Thanks!!