We stayed at the Hemsley Park Lane across from Central Park, 4 years ago. It was really nice. Here is the site.
http://www.helmsleyparklane.com/

Ron, we stayed there in May for our son's graduation. It was a real treat. We ate breakfast in the coffee shop and watched the horse drawn carriages with our grandson. The place was very, very nice.

Midtown is a good start!

You will want to get a good, detailed map of midtown. They have them (laminated) in Barnes & Nobel. You will be able to identify many, many sites that may interest you. If the weather is OK, don't be afraid to walk!

EXAMPLE for a day:
Start at Central Park at 59th Street and work your way down 5th Avenue. There are many, many stores with wonderful window dressings that you must see.

Stop at Rockefeller Center to see the tree, ice skate, or have hot chocolate and watch the crowds.

Make your way down to Empire State Building and go to the top!

Depending upon your stamina, this could take a day or half a day.

Broadway....look for tickets now or stand in line when you get here for sales if you are not fussy about what you want to see.

Christmas Dinner....search the internet for places that have specials that day, as they may fill reservations quickly.

Those who live in the city will be more helpful, I'm sure.

I love the city during the holidays, but there is gridlock everywhere, so don't count on driving in midtown if you're in a hurry!

Have fun!

I live 30 minutes out of NYC. Even though I do not know of any particular places to stay, I do have some suggestions on what to see.
Obviously, the tree at Rockefeller Plaza..
St. Patrick's Cathedral...
Ground Zero...
Instead of going up to the top of the Empire State Bldg., go to the "Top of the Rock" which is where the tree is at Rockefeller Plaza. There is a phenomenal view (better than at the Empire State Bldg).
If possible, a ferry ride around Manhattan showing Statue of Liberty and many other interesting sites.
If you are travelling with children, they will love FAO Schwartz.
Hope this helps. Have a GREAT time!

Try to get tickets right away for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. I saw it last year in Des Moines. It really was spectacular.

I live 50 minutes east of Manhattan.

I like the Westin New York at Times Square.
http://www.westinny.com/

Declansmom has really great ideas..I would definitely do some of her suggestions, and...

Take a tour of NYC on the Gray Line double-decker sightseeing bus. (Google "Gray Line New York")

See Macy's department store in Herald Square ~ intersection of Broadway and 6th Avenue @ 34th Street.

I went in two weeks ago to be in the audience of the Martha Stewart show. Tickets are free.

NYC is great during the holidays. Have fun!

~Carol~

Can't get much better than the Marriot Marquis in Times square, I mean "IN THE CENTER OF TIME SQUARE"!! Great hotel and can't beat the location. I felt safe at all times. Close to 1/2 price show ticket booth, subway, bus's, McDonalds, shopping, lights and action!! Oh I want to go back right now!
Judy

I think that Christmas in New York would be very magical. I hope to go next spring for the first time.

I like the NY Marriott Eastside. Been staying there for years for both personal and business. It's off 49th st, within easy walking distance of St Pat's cathedral, Rockefeller center, Broadway, Times Sq.

It's an older, smallish hotel, but far from seedy... that has a lot of old NY charm.

One of my very favorite hotels.

Here is a link that might be useful: NY Marriott eastside

CB - how old are your children?

She is 13. Keep the ideas coming.

CB

Mine were 16 and 13 when last in NY... about a year ago...day trip.

We saw Wicked, walked around Times Square, ate dinner.

I google searched "NYC with teens" and lots of informative links came up. I especially like Tripadvisor or Yahoo travel since it is full of member reviews/suggestions.

We are going on Wed. before Thanksgiving - we will go to Radio City, then stay overnight (Hyatt at Grand Central Station) then watch the parade in the morning.

Here is a link that might be useful: NYC with Teens

Good 36 mentioned the Marriott Marquis in Time Square - you can't beat the location. I've stayed there twice with my adult children and they really loved it. It also has a Broadway Theater right inside - so check to see what's playing there. We saw Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun and it was a great venue.

My favorite place to stay is the Essex House on Central Park. If you splurge you can get a room facing the park and watch the skaters on the ice rink.

Well it is official. We are staying at the Westin in Times Square for 6 days. Now we just have to plan what we are going to do.

Back when my kids were that age-I took them into the city. Definitely go see the Xmas show at Radio City! They also loved the Museum of Natural History-especially the planitarium! We also took the United Nations tour-it was great!
You'll have a grand time-wish I was going!!

A tip for Broadway shows is to check out Travelzoo.com, on the main page there is a link for NYC Shows/events. I bought 4 tickets to Mamma Mia recently and paid nearly $600 to find the same exact seats for about 1/3 less. It isn't as cheap as standing in line for 1/2 price, but you aren't wasting all that time either. The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City is amazing. If you are into the ballet, the NYC Ballet should be doing Nutcracker that time of year. You can spend an entire day at the Museum of Natural History. I have stayed at Hotel W in Times Square - it was very nice, but as with all hotels in NYC on the small side and very expensive. If it is clear you should do the Empire State Building. Check out Central Park and take a carriage ride. No matter what you will have fun.