First trip to NYC mid October - confused which disctrict is best to stay in Manhattan - midtown/Upper West side/East side etc ?
Plan to visit Guggenheim, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Cntr, Central Park, a Broadway show and Bloomingdales/Macys etc.
Don't care for Times Square area - too noisy/touristy. Any suggestions/advice?

Midtown East is very cenrally located to mist of what you plan to see. The Guggenheim however, is on the Upper East side.

Try Central Park South. It's away from Times Square but close to all the sights you want to see.

yes to central park south!!!!central, yet far from the throngs of people!

The Hilton on 6th (Avenue of the Americas) is very convenient for what you say you'd like to do. I have gotten quite reasonable rates there via the Hilton website (www.hilton.com). Have also scored rooms there via hotwire - only drawback is that you don't know what hotel you're getting until after you've paid! www.hotwire.com Good luck!

We were there in October of last year and stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel across from Grand Central Station. Very nice upscale hotel. It's within walking distance to just about everything and a lot quieter than staying in Times Square which we've done before. They also had some great deals on the internet.

This is a constant question, Nicola, and everyone has their own view/favorites. Unless you're bidding on Priceline or Hotwire where you have to select a neighborhood, I would suggest picking a hotel based on your budget, likes (big vs small, residential neighborhood vs near sights etc.) and needs (ie are you a family needing more space etc.)

Many people like the Gorham hotel in the west 50's. Generally good prices, walkable to the theater but not IN the theater district hubbub. Also walkable to Rock Ctr., Central Park. The Warwick is also in this area as is the Hilton (big) & the Sheraton. Le Parker Meridien is also good a few blocks north.

Other people like the east 40's (near Grand central Station).

Look on quikbooks.com for good rates.