GREAT Experience WITH BREAKFAST!!!!!
I have stayed at many hotels in New York City, some good, some not so good, but the Hampton Inn was exceptional!!! We visited the city on January 8 for an overnight trip to see the Anderson Cooper show (I highly recommend you get tickets to see him -- and they are free, and you get to see the "silver fox")! 
The hotel is on 8th Avenue between 51st and 52nd Street. Close enough to walk to Times Square, or Central Park/Columbus Circle area. I never got on the subway, so I am not sure if there is one close, but I’m sure there is one nearby so that you can travel all over the city. 
What I liked:
Friendly staff, welcomed me right in when we got there
Nice waiting area
Free Wi-Fi (yes, free)
Free Continental Breakfast (over the top choices and a large room for seating)!!! 
Clean Rooms and they were roomy!
Comfortable beds
Nice clean bathroom
Quiet (we were in Room 903 facing the back overlooking 51st street)
When we check out Jan 9, they held our luggage for FREE!!! Yes, some hotels charge!
What I didn't like:
I liked everything!
Now, the elevators were kind of small and there were only 2, but we never had any problems with having to wait (we were visiting during off season as well).
I can't get over the choices on the breakfast bar. The food and the dining area were just wonderful! It was watched over very carefully and you had so many choices!!! Some of the choices were fruit, yogurt, bagels, muffins, pastries, eggs, ham, coffee, all types of choices, etc., etc., etc.,
I'm not sure of the cost of this hotel during high traveled seasons, but in January, the cost of the room was $197.00 (TOTAL w/taxes). I used my AAA discount as well.
I would highly recommend this hotel, you will not be disappointed.