I stayed at the Upper East Side CY a week ago. That's the one on 92nd Street.

It's a bit off the beaten path - a long walk to the Lex. Ave subway line... and cabbies are hard to get during AM rush (doorman suggested I go to 2nd ave for better luck).

The hotel was nice, the staff was excellent, neighborhood is OK. It's a block from the FDR drive.

Cab fare to Midtown is $10-$15, depending on the time of day and whether the cabbie listens & follows your requests (I had one that didn't, resulting in a fare at the high end of the bracket and no tip from me - but that's another story). Cab fare in from LGA, including tip, is on the order of $25.

I paid $179/night, add the cab fares, and you might be better off if you can find a deal at a hotel near Times Square.

I'd stay at this CY again if I had business/engagements in that part of town. I'd look for other deals first if I were doing business/pleasure in midtown.

The killer, of course, is NYS/NYC taxes.