Why it works as a base
The 1/2/3 and B/C subway lines run straight down the Upper West Side into Midtown and beyond, so you're rarely more than 15–20 minutes from the major landmarks despite being in a residential, less tourist-dense neighborhood. Central Park is a direct walk from most Upper West Side hotels — genuinely closer than from most Midtown ones.
What's around you
The American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and a strong, unpretentious food scene along Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues that's priced for residents, not tourists. Zabar's, the neighborhood's famous food shop, is worth a visit even if you're not buying groceries.
The trade-off
You're a subway ride, not a walk, from Times Square, the Theater District, and Lower Manhattan — fine for most itineraries, but worth planning around if you want to walk back from a late Broadway show rather than take the train.
The neighbourhood you're actually staying in
The Upper West Side runs from 59th Street at its southern tip to around 110th Street at the edge of Morningside Heights and Columbia University — a stretch of roughly fifty blocks with a distinctly residential, somewhat literary character. Broadway runs its full length and is the main commercial artery; Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues are quieter and arguably better for neighbourhood restaurants. Fairway and Zabar's are genuine food institutions, not tourist-oriented — Zabar's in particular for smoked fish, coffee beans, and kitchen equipment at honest New York prices.
The Natural History Museum as a day anchor
The American Museum of Natural History is at the south end of the neighbourhood at 79th Street, and it's large enough — and has enough to do — that a stay on the Upper West Side makes particular sense if it's a priority for you or for travelling children. The Hall of Ocean Life (blue whale suspended from the ceiling) and the Hayden Planetarium are the highlights; the Rose Center for Earth and Space is a separate show worth booking in advance.
Typical rates and what to expect
Upper West Side hotels generally run slightly below equivalent Midtown properties for the same star-rating, reflecting the slightly longer travel time to major landmarks. Standard rooms in mid-range hotels run $250–$400 in peak season; the neighbourhood has fewer ultra-luxury options than the Upper East Side or Midtown, but solid mid-range inventory.