We brought our 11 year old daughter to NYC to see Aladdin. The LUMA was about a block away and I had read all the great reviews so I booked it. If you're on the fence, just book it and here is why ...
They are about a half a block from Bryant Park, and a few blocks from Times Square right in the heart of Broadway. Just close enough to all the fun stuff but not STUCK in the middle of it. The nice thing is they are on a street not as busy so the noise is reduced. I had read lots of reviews about the "chain" hotels nearby that some were cheaper but they also came with crowds, over-crowded and slow elevators and rooms that looked used. We chose the LUMA because it had none of that. It didn't have a giant lobby but who cares. The staff were all great, they held the door for us every time we walked up, they stored our bags the day of our departure until 6pm so we could walk around the city and were very friendly. The room was quiet, clean and well appointed. We needed sheets and a blanket for the pull out couch for my daughter and they ran them right up and even offered to make up the sleeper sofa for us.
If you're coming to Broadway, or just seeing the city, stay at the LUMA even if it costs a little extra. The price is worth it!