[NewYorkGuy]

As a Manhattan resident, I will tell you New York City is Manhattan. Don't believe the travel books about the other boroughs (brooklyn, queens, bronx, Staten Island), if it is not in Manhattan, it ain't worth going (unless it is Yankee Stadium or Statue of Liberty).

If you want the NY NYE experience, I'd suggest stay at the Marriott at Times Sq. The hotel faces the 'ball' drop. Marriott hosts one of the big ticket NYE parties.

Also, checkout the Hilton, mid-town; it's near Radio City, MOMA.

I would not stay at any hotel above 126th street; there ain't nothing to do up there.

Look for hotels with known reputations. The reason I'd recommend a chain hotel is u know what u getting. W, Ritz, Hilton are known brands; they have a standard and NYC has its own standards:

U can't be cheap in NYC. it's expensive city for everything- hotels, dining, drinking, entertainment. Also, have CASH for tipping. The bigger your tip, the better u will be treated

Bring winter coats and snow boots. It's cold in Dec/January!
Leave the fancy jewelry home! Trust me on this. New York criminals can spot easy marks.

With that, u and your family will have an awesome time in NYC! It's the best city any time u visit (except Feb, March, August).