Going to New York - Need Some Advice Please

I will be travelling to NYC, for the first time, in mid March.

I always do my own travel planning but I must admit I am bewildered by the
variety of options for finding accommodation in New York.

Most websites break down the locations into 10 or more sub-areas, with at
least 5 in Manhattan alone. I dunno; is the Upper East side a better place
to be than Midtown, Soho, etc..? If you could advise a first timer, where
would you suggest that they situate themselves?

We will get all over Manhattan in the 4 days, I'm sure, so being really
close to a couple of the major sites (museums, etc.) is not critical. But we
would like the location of the hotel to afford some local ambience (and I'm
not into "edgy" ambience) that we can enjoy every day. No car, obviously, we
will cab it or use the subway.

3 or 4 star (4 if it is a good deal) accommodation, with some character is
our style.

Any specific hotel, or activity recommendations would also be appreciated. 4
days will leave so much undone, I think I'm already committed to a return
trip.

Thanks,