The Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons are my two favorite in New York. Reasons? The Mandarin Oriental for it's service, spectacular views, amazing restaurants and terrific location right on Central Park South. The Four Seasons mainly for its service. Both have beautiful rooms that are a pleasure to stay in. I also am a big fan of the St. Regis when you want to be in the thick of things.

On the downside, all have astronomical rates.

I have stayed at the Jumeriah Essex House twice in the last year. It is a lovely property, although more classic / art-deco style than the two more modern venues first mentioned above. Both times I received my Amex platinum "automatic upgrade" from a king room to a very spacious king suite, with butler service, and was very pleased. While all rates in Manhattan are somewhat unreasonable, you can usually get by at about $500 per night at the Essex House, and it is also on CPW. The restaurant is not good, but in NY you are never far from a wonderful culinary experience.

eh, the Essex House is on Central Park South. Not CPW.

You are in very good hands at the Lowel. It's beautiful. I've also tried both Ritz Carltons (CPW and downtown) and both are just as good as the Lowell.

For me, the Peninsula is definitely the best hotel in New York, the swimming pool is amazing, and the rooms are very well furnished.

The Mandarin Oriental does have amazing service, exceptional views and great restaurants... although one may require a divine inspiration to snatch a last minute reservation at Per Se. New York Palace also has great service and is at a great location. Its restaurant, Gilt, although not at the Per Se level, is recommended and reservation is not at all impossible.

thanks to all for your responses. really, no suprises in the selections as they are all the top rated hotels. though less enthusiasm for the ritz on park ave than i might have anticipated. we will stay put,for now, at the lowell as we do love the upper east side location. next job will be to secure a dinner reservation at per se. any suggestions on THE play of the season, or is it too early for that question????

btw, there's a lot of talk that The Mark is supposed to reopen later in the year with the goal of bringing back true luxury to New York Hotels. Rooms are expected to be priced around $1000 a night.

The article in this Sunday's Times suggested that the price tag will be supported by the level of service, design sense, and overall luxury that they will be providing guests. That price tag suggests that it would make it one of the best hotels in the city. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen.

Just returned from a lovely stay at the New York Palace, which is a lovely property very coveniently located for most NYC sightseeig. The rooms were ucharacteristically LARGE, ad beautifully appointed. The toiletries were somewhat disappointing, since the post referring to same is a big hit o this site, I thought it was worth a metion here. In any case, I would recommend a stay at this hotel, and thought it was worth mentioning.

www.broadwayworld.com has listings of practically every show you can find in New York- from the main stages to off-off-off broadway.

I'd recommend checking there. My two cents? If you want a musical, go big- see Young Frankenstein, Gypsy, or South Pacific.

If you want a play- Top Girls or Macbeth with Patrick Stewart would give you some star power, August: Osage County is one of the best reviewed shows of the season.

Passing Strange is somewhere between a play and a musical, more like a Broadway concert with a winding, fascinating story, and is like no kind of theatre you'd see anywhere else. I'd recommend it if you're willing to try something fun and nonconventional.

Just a few ideas, IMHO. Safe travels!

My favorite place in New York is the Waldorf Towers. The suites are amazingly large and its central location is perfect for me. Everything about it is pure elegance, and the staff treats me like royalty (and I enjoy the extra attention and personal service).

I really like The Hudson Hotel and The Maritime for summer socials with nice outdoor bar/ dining areas.

I agree with the Four Seasons, and this review: Every time we've stayed the staff has exceeded our expectations and the rooms are luxurious.

If you're looking for a romantic place for dinner, check out One If By Land: http://www.oneifbyland.com There are so many awesome restaurants in NYC that I haven't been in a couple of years, but the food has always been good and the ambiance, great.

I agree with forager and billw that The Four Seasons is the place to stay. However, MMMT has pointed out that The New York Palace could also be an option to consider and ever since this grand old hotel, which used to be the Helmsley Palace, was taken over by the Dorchester Group, it has been returned to its former glory. The Gilt restaurant in the New York Palace, which is located where the old Le Trianon restaurant used to be, is worth visiting.

Besides the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, there are so many other luxury hotels. It also depends if you prefer a boutique hotel or a larger luxury hotel. Here are my recommendations for both types.

Boutique Luxury: The Gramercy Park Hotel - this hotel is so opulent and chic. Also has great dining options and one of the hottest bars in the city.

Luxury Hotel: Hotel on Rivington - A stunning hotel made of glass and with the best views of Manhattan hands down. I stayed in the Studio Suite which I got an excellent deal on on Off & Away (http://www.offandaway.com/) and had the most unforgettable experience.

I definitely recommend checking out Off & Away's site. They offer amazing deals at luxury hotels in major cities in the U.S. and feature a luxury New York hotel every day!

http://www.offandaway.com/