Hi
The Giraffe is only a couple of blocks from the 30/30 and that was easily in walking distance of most places in midtown - it Times Square/Empire state building etc.
You would probably go to Central Park or down to the STaten Island Ferry on the tube, but we mostly walked everywhere. This also gives you a great flavour of New York too. We walked till maybe midnight and always felt safe (but same holiday rules apply here as everywhere else).
NY is THE MOST FABULOUS CITY ON THE PLANET - you'll love it. I've done it 3 times - 2 days, 6 days and 5 days and its my aim to do a 3 night trip every year (funds and DH willing


).
the trip adviser reviews (which we usually find pretty accurate, although you sometimes have to take the American reports with a pinch of salt) are really fab on this hotel - the Giraffe comes in at No8 - just compare the reviews/prices on the Giraffe to those rated 1-7 or 10-100 the Giraffe has much better reviews and is waaay better priced.
Granted its not the cheapest or the most central, but the cheese and wine reception will do it for me everytime!
I would use the tube system more than the buses (although the tourist ones are good). Depending on how long you are going for you can buy a weeks ticket for the price of 3 single days. The tubes are clean, safe and easy to use. Or just walk most places!
If you need anything else PM me and i'll reply.
Happy planning
