This spring my daughter is graduating from high school and we're taking a week-long mom / daughter trip to NYC to celebrate. She wants to mainly see shows and shop (surprise). Where would be a good place to stay for great location, views, service, rooms, etc.($150-300 per night) and what should we not miss?
Also: fly into JFK or La Guardia?
Appreciate any help, you guys have never let me down!

The Marriott in the theatre district fits your needs. It's a great hotel, right in the heart of the district. I'd recommend to anyone. Even my friends who are from NYC and live upstate stay there when they go to visit. Don't forget the 2 for 1 ticket booth if you are planning to see lots of shows.

Plot a compass at 57th and Fifth and go out about 10 blocks in all directions for hotels. You are then in the heart of tourist New York. 57th and Fifth Avenue is ground zero for shopping.

As I write this I am thinking of my nieces who would strongly disagree with me and send you over to the lower eastside...around 8th...St Marks Place. More youthful, more edgey, more punk.

I just read my reply and, well, you don't want to go into the middle of a river, , but I still like that centralized location...

I think everyone should go to the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and meander across Central Park for either lunch or a visit to another museum as part of their New York Experience.

I've always preferred to fly into LGA taking a cab across the 59th street bridge to keep the fare down. Last trip I took Jet Blue to JFK. It couldn't have been easier and I will do so again. LMF

I second the suggestion about the Marriot Marquis in Times Square. LaGuardia is closer to Manhatan and more convenient than JFK. However, I would just pick the airport which has the better fare.

Go to Playbill.com and sign up on the site. It is free and every so often they will send you an offer code to buy Broadway and Off-Broadway show tickets for a discount.

Another way to find a good deal on a hotel is to go to quikbook or priceline.com If you check out biddingfortravel.com it will tell you what hotel you may get in a given star level. I would suggest bidding for either Midtown east or Midtown west.

Have a nice trip.

Don't forget Newark Airport as a possibility. I would probably pick the airport with the lowest fare.

Don't rule out the upper west side!
There is a very nice hotel on W.81, opp. the Planetarium where you can catch the Sonics show--my teenager loves it--its been discussed on this board. The West side is very interesting and residential. You are right near the park and you can easily get to the shows.

When we go to NYC, it's for a theater weekend, so we like to stay in Times Square. Our favorite is the Doubletree Suites at 47th and 7th. We find it beautiful and elegant, and love the location, and the special feeling of a suite.

All great ideas, thanks - keep 'em coming!

While I normally steer people clear of hotels in Times Square, I think your daughter would be thrilled to stay in the middle of things.

Avoid the Marriott, huge impersonal convention hotel with insane elevators.

Look at the W Hotel, The Renaissance, and The Doubletree.

Unless you are willing to shell out really big bucks, forget the view.

The W Hotel in Union Square is very chic. Beds are unbelievably comfortable too. Don't know if they offer specials in your price range but the area is great, walkable to the Village, and you'll be near great shopping and great food!
Oh, and if you want to do something different, the Metropolitan Opera has backstage tours.