We are going to New York in August and I am looking for a great hotel but one that isnt outrageously priced and I would like it to be in walking distance to everything and the rooms to be spacious alot of the reviews on some of the top hotels are they are tiny rooms. Also any top notch restaurants would also be wonderful!

we always stay at the Salisbury Hotel on W.57 th st between 6th Ave and Ave of Americas...1 block off 5th and 1 block off Central Park..

They have suites ( this is NOT a new fancy hotel -but a nice hotel in a GREAT area)...the suites can hold up to 6 people and there is one bath and also a tiny kitchenette-good for bkfsts...

Our favorite restaurant ( NOT cheap) is Le Bernardin- a french seafood restaurant off 58th st..you can walk it from this hotel..it is next to the Equitable Insurnance Bldg..FABULOUS food- we eat there everytime we are in NYC!!

In general no one hotel locations is walking distance to everything, unless you don't mind walking 4 or 5 miles. Just about all hotels are within walking distance a few main area or sites. Most of the midtown locations are goof, but I think the Times Sq/Theater area is a bit congested, and doesn't have the best selection of food and value. Areas near Central park (either west or south) are also very nice areas to stay in and there are tons of good restaurants on the upper west side. Also, Murray Hill/Grammercy, Soho, Unions Square and Greenwich Village are all great areas to be. As far as not outrageous, that can mean anwhere from ;ess than $200 to less than $500. What prucerange are you thinking about? ALso fine dining, there is great food to be had at less than $50pp, but as much as $200pp. Andy's suggestions are certainly fine ones. You may want to check out zagats or chowhound.com for dining idea.

i see a silly typo in my comment, it should say "midtown locations are good" not "goof"

1 more thing, Gourmet Magazine just put out a special New York City edition (I think March issue). It has lots of good info, you should check it out.

andy, The Salisbury is between Sixth (Avenue of the Americas) and Seventh Ave and it is an excellent choice.

Tara, read this board, buy a book, and do some research.

Where space is at a premium, hotel rooms will be tiny.

I agree with the Salisbury Hotel. Great location and you get a lot for your money. My father in law stays there 2 to 3 months every fall from Long Island. Central Park is right there.
If you book Salisbury , TRATTORIA DEL 'ARTE is right around the corner, on 7th between 56th/57th. EXCELLENT anti pasto bar, especially the eggplant capponata (awesome) best chocolate cannolis, great filet mignon with brunello /mushroom sauce. Thin crust pizzas and good pasta dishes.
ANYWAY, living on Long Island , I personally like to stay at the BEEKMAN TOWER on 1st and 49th(by the U.N), view of the river and midtown skyline. some rooms have a view of the EMpire State Bldg and the lipstick bldg. ALSO , the SHELBURNE HOTEL on Lexington and 37th, is another great location, close to Grand Central for subway.
Favorite restaurants:
# 1. IL MULINO best Italian in NYC for 19-20 yrs STRAIGHT !!!! ravioli with truffle sauce ; chicken and sausage, sabayon and sorbets for dessert.

#2 favorite...MR CHOW, 57th between 1st and 2nd avenues
best peking duck in the city and chicken satay with truffle sauce

# 3 Grand NY NOODLE TOWN, Bowery and Bayard , duck, chinese brocolli, roast pork , fried rice, clams in black bean sauce....SUPER CHEAP and delicious

Katz Deli
Carnegie Deli both for pastrame and matzoh ball soup!

Oyster Bar in Grand Central
oysters , chowder soup/dish , excellent

CIAO BELLA GELATO - Mott , corner of houston.

ENJOY, eat and walk a lot.....