Help wanted for New York hotels

[Bryan/BC]

While planning our east coast/cruise trip next October, we have been overwhelmed arranging our hotel in the Big Apple . I have no idea of the geography and it makes it difficult to make a decision.. Looking for a medium priced, centrally located hotel. Dont want to spend a fortune on cabs , so somewhere central would work.

Any recommendations of hotels of areas to try (or avoid)

PM or email so we dont waste the boards bandwidth.

Thanks Guys