If you want midtown, you're hard pressed to find a place any better than the Sofitel. Its high tripadvisor ranking comes from a palpable commitment to exceptional service, rooms that are a decent size (and exceptionally well appointed) and a location that is handy to the action of Times Square as well as the finer escape of Bryant Park and a slightly less intense 'vibe' (that being a relative term in central manhattan).
I've stayed here a few times and always been impressed... The beds give the best in the business a run for the money.. and there's a decent gym if you want a winter workout

We stayed here for 3 nights in December 2012. Hotel located in between Times Square and 5th avenue on 44th street. Easy walking to 3 subway stations within 2 blocks. Hotel room itself was average with scratches on the wall and peeling wallpaper in a few spots. Bed was soft and clean with warm bedding. Bose Wave radio on the nightstand that our traveling partners could hear through the wall. Bathroom was comfortable and amazing with everything you could need. I like quiet and we didn't hear any other guests on the hall or doors slamming up and down the hall. Elevators were fast, never waited more than 20 seconds going up or down from the 14th floor. Staff at desk, concierge, and doormen were helpful and professional. The weekend we went was cold and rainy so the free umbrellas helped. Overall, would stay there again. It's midtown NYC so expect to pay $$$.

Chose this hotel based on the quality expected from the Sofitel brand and its location, which is excellent, being convenient for Times Square, Grand Central Station, Radio City, 5th Ave. Our room, on the 18th floor was a little oasis from the hustle and bustle of the New York streets being very quiet, even though close to the lift. The room was a good size and the bathroom had a separate bath and shower with. Wifi was complimentary and reliable.

I stayed here for 5 nights with my five year-old son in November. It was just after Sandy had hit, and I had booked another hotel in SoHo initially, but cancelled and booked the Sofitel kinda last minute.
The room was good, but still nothing special for that category of hotel. Everything was working, the bed was very very comfy, everything was clean. But still, we could hear the elevator from our room and TVs from adjoining rooms.
Breakfast was very good (beware! huge portions!), a la carte and the croissants very heavenly. They have a kids menu and some crayons etc in the restaurant.
We had room service once (dinner); was ok but wouldn't recommend it.
The staff in the restaurant was really nice and very very helpful.

I liked the hotel but wasn't that impressed. Great location though! Lots of stuff in walking distance! And the subway is really close.