I've been loads of times and aways use Urban Living vacational rentals. It is worth checking them out if there are 3 or more in your party. Believe me you will not spend much time in your room. The good thing about renting is you don't have to tip the doorman every timeyou pass through the hotel lobby.
It does not matter where you stay in Manhattan as long as you are only a short walk to a subway. I'd steer clear of China town lower east. We always stay upper west between 46 and 55 streets are busy until late evening you don't feel threatened out late and walking distance to Broadway.
I'd better stop or I'll be typing all night. Enjoy your trip.