I am trying to book a 3 night stay in NYC for the second week in Dec. I am completely and totally out of my element! I am not very familiar with NYC, having only had one day trip there about 5 years ago. There are so many hotels to choose from and I don't even know where to start!

Looking for something clean and safe, not too expensive (would love to stay at $300 a night if possible), close to subway for easy transportation. Any advice on where I should focus my search? Any hotels that are recommended?

Here are some things we would like to do: 9/11 memorial site, Times Square, possibly a broadway show, the Christmas window displays, radio city music hall Christmas show, central park, the big Christmas tree. Typical holiday tourist things!