Calling all New Yorkers for ideas!

Ok all you NYers or those even in the know about NY...HELP!

Hubby (Laurie) and I are thinking of going to NYC for my upcoming 40th  birthday in October. He should FINALLY be joining me here in San Diego for good in Sept, so we decided to take a few days off and have a lovely holiday to do the 2-in-1 celebration!

I love love love NYC and decided that's where I would really like to go. I've stayed there many times, but Laurie's never been so we'd like to make this extra-special for many reasons! Even though I know of some places I always like to go to when I'm there, I would LOVE some new ideas!

Can any of you suggest your tips for the following:

1. Hotels

We are big resort-y, huge spa, big pamper-y hotel kind of people, if that helps. Laurie actually wants to stay at some insanely expensive places (The Plaza, Four Seasons etc)...if this gives you any indication of what we like...not that I plan to spend $600 a night though!  My husband's taste often far exceeds our bank account! But I love him for that! 

Also, we plan to go to the theatre quite a bit, so I'd like Midtown if at all possible, but I'm open to ideas!

2. Restaurants

We're vegetarians but Laurie eats fish, and honestly we're not that fussy and can often find a veggie option anywhere! We love Italian, Mexican, oh pretty much you name it! 

And anything romantic? 

3. You tell me!

Any other ideas, sightseeing, shopping...we'd love to hear 'em all!

THANK YOU for any help you could give us!
Brooke and Laurie 

Absolutely.  Just give me some time to feel human again... . Food poisoning gotta love it..

Oh KCG is also from NYC as well.  So I'm sure she'll give some ideas as well... 

I'm on it!!!! 

OK, so for a hotel, The Le Parker Meridien is Fab!  http://www.lemeridien.com/usa/new_york/hotel_us1623.shtml
Richard and I were there a few nights after our 2nd wedding.  It's in a great location, very close to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.  (Where I used to work, I could try and get you tickets to the NY Philharmonic that is where I was working.  Let me know and I can talk to my peeps, see if they are around at the time)

The Hotel has a brunch you can't miss at Norma's best I've ever had!!!!

There is a great place called Cilantro for Mexican, That is at 1321 1st Ave 71st Street, 1712 2nd Avenue at 89th Street and 244 E 79th Street  Also Maryann’s is good authentic Mexican and I know they have Veggie menus. 1503 2nd Ave btwn 78th and 79th.  Most places are bound to have options.  Tell me a location and I can tell you.  Little Italy downtown next to Chinatown is a sure bet anywhere you go really!!!!

Go to Central Park, my favorite place in NYC!!!  I used to go read there all the time.  I need to get back home now for a visit, I miss it so!
 
Check out this site as well!  http://newyork.citysearch.com/?cslink=change_www_browse

Thanks guys! 

Stacey...you gave us some great options and I would LOVE to see the Philharmonic if you're able to get us tix...thank you so much! Just PM me and I can give you any info you might need to secure them in our name. You rock! 

NYSOM...I hope you're feeling better soon (been there, believe me...no fun!) and no hurry, but we can't wait to hear your ideas! Get lots of rest and plenty of fluids in the meantime! 

Oh and for anyone who may still have some NYC restaurant info for us, even though we're veggies, we're not vegans, so we do eat dairy (in case that seems like it may be difficult to find us options). Cheese enchiladas ... mmmmmmm....

Keep 'em coming Gothamites! And thank you thank you thank you...we're so excited! 

Since I've been away from NYC for 6 years, I'm hesitant to give very detailed info on restaurants: they might be vanished. But here's a few things.

I think that the best overall guide is Time Out's, since they run a weekly mag for NYC: the staff is very up-to-date. Another guide that you might find useful to buy now and plan things to do is StyleCity New York (click on name for link). This is a pretty good guide to areas and places to eat, shop, and stay. If you're willing to spend money for a hotel, then I'd also recommend staying at one of the boutique hotels, like the Mercer, West Broadway, etc. Often they're slightly cheaper than a Mid-town one.

For food, you'll be swamped for choices. Generally, if you go to the 8th Avenue corridor between 16 and 23rd, there'll be a number of very nice, not overly priced places to eat (though this is the heart of Chelsea, so it's a mainly gay male area). The meat packing district has a lot of places, but the real one to go to is Florent on Little Gansvoort. If you eat fish and are in Midtown, go to Grand Central, sub-level for the Oyster Bar and have some chowder. For a nice veg meal, try Zen Palate (several locations, but one is off Union Square on the east side). Because of the special populations in NYC, you'll be able to find a veg option that is v. good in almost every restaurant.

Shopping: The one indispensible place to visit is Century 21, a NYC institution. It's the absolute cheapest place to buy label clothing for men and women. It's in an old bank directly across from the former World Trade Center. Close by is J and R row of shops for cheap electronics. (In the area is the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, which is free, and located in Herman Melville's old place of work). The lower Broadway section between Houston and Canal is also chock a block with stores - a Bloomingdales, the Prada store seen in Sex and the City (when Carrie tried to buy Berger a shirt) etc. Otherwise, the familiar places. It's always worth stopping by Barney's on Madison, but it's very, very expensive. 8th st. west of Broadway has many shoe stores if your a Carrie Bradshaw type of gal.

For things to see, buy Time Out to see what's on offer. Keep in mind that all the major art museums have a free night, which is worth going to because that's when you'll see NYC's art crowd en masse.

Keep in mind that there's a lot more to NYC than Manhattan. Visit Brooklyn - Williamsburg if you want to see the latest round of sort-of bohemia (just one stop on the L train), and Jackson Heights in Queens is full of excellent, very cheap ethnic eating of the world over. They've just re-opened the Statue of liberty, but lines can be very long. An alternative is to take the Staten Island ferry for a dollar or two, which has a glorious view past of the old lady. When you get to SI, simply turn around  and take the ferry ride back: it won't take more than an hour and it's a great ride.

A little known fact is that you can buy the ticket to the top of the Empire State building, but can go any time. Buy the ticket and then go near sun-down - that's a romantic view!

There's too much to see,, too little time. Be sure to give yourself moments to do the one thing that absolutely defines NY - walk around on the streets. October is one of the most ideal months to go to the city - there's a buzz in the place as it's a new school year, art season etc. The place pulses then. Enjoy.

Ok that 24-hour bug was ruthless man!  I tell you..  Off the top of my head here are a couple of suggestions that are "off the beaten path".  I'm not gonna go into the "usual tourist sites" as I'm sure you know which ones to check out.  I will edit my post to include restaurants (although I will be honest since I haven't lived in NY for the past three years I don't know what's "really hot and chic" there now as it changes like the weather) places not to miss, hotel recommendations, etc...    Hope this helps you out..

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

FRAUNCES TAVERN & Museum
54 Pearl Street (downtown)
(212) 425-1778
http://www.in-newyorkmag.com/frame/set.htm?site=http%3A//www.frauncestavern.com

Go and have at least get a drink there.  A lot of people do not know that’s where our Founding Father, George Washington made his farewell speech from.  It’s a very cool place and I believe one of the oldest (if not oldest) taverns in New York City. 

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
One of my favourite places in NYC! This little villiage style peice of Brooklyn is a great place to spend a day. Start by Taking the L train to Brooklyn and getting off at the first stop after the river 'Bedford Ave'. Explore Bedford Ave and Berry street with all the cool shops and even cooler hidden galleries after that head on over to the Brooklyn Ale House (not the brooklyn brewery) on Berry street and have a few checker cab ales untill you think its time to slowly slide back on the L train back into the city.

DINNER CRUISES:
Do a dinner cruise.  I personally found World Yacht much better than Spirit Cruises but either way it’s a great way to see NYC by night.
http://www.worldyacht.com/
http://www.spiritcitycruises.com/corporate/index.html

The INTREPID
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
Another cool place with a lot of history.

CENTRAL PARK ZOO
The Central Park Zoo allows you to get closer to Wildlife - probably much closer than you thought you would on your trip to Manhattan!  If you can't get to the Bronx Zoo
http://nyzoosandaquarium.com/142123

Inside GRAND CENTRAL STATION & Outside
42nd St & Park Ave.
A lot of tourists take for granted that Grand Central Station is just a station and don't bother.  It's one the most beautiful buildings in the city.  The ceiling is decorated with constellations and the floor and stairs a marble effect.  The outside is just as spectular.  Be sure to exit the station, walking a couple of blocks south, to about 40th Street, before you turn around to admire Jules-Alexis Coutan's neoclassical sculpture Transportation hovering over the south entrance, with a majestically buff Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and travel, as its central figure.

CHRYSLER BUILDING:
To me personally - I love htis building and find it absolutely fantastic.  Such a sharp and  cool looking building.  It's on Lexington Avenue.  I passed that building everyday when I went to work.

BATTERY PARK
Downtown.  Very easy to get to.  Take the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green Station or the N/R to South Ferry Station.  And of course while you're there you have Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.  That's a day in itself.  Go have lunch at the Fraunces Tavern then make your way there.  Don't forget to visit the Bull on Wall Street too.

FIFTH AVENUE:
Shopping!!!!  Need I say more.  Oh by the way our jewellers is located there.  That's where I had my engagement ring made and our wedding bands as well.  Go to Chalano's and ask for Joe.  PM me if you want mpre details about it for a nice piece of jewerly 

SOUTHSTREET SEAPORT
Ok, while many people may agree that the area around South Street Seaport is a bit smelly and crumby, I happen to like it. The seaport itself is bustling with people and attractions, as well as food and shopping for less cost. There are many major retailers at the seaport, as well as specialty stores.
Part of Fulton Street near the seaport has been converted to a pedestrian mall, and has many stores on it. 
Subway :A,C,2,3,4,5 to Fulton St

FLATIRON BUILDING:
175 5th Avenue.  Take the R/N to 23rd Street.

Then you have all the unique sections of the city: Little Italy, Chinatown, Chelsea, Soho, Greenwich Village, Upper West Side, Tribeca, etc.

The House that Ruth Built - YANKEE STADIUM
Subway Stop on the B,D, and 4 lines at 161st St
The season will be hot by the time you go!!  Check out the schedule.  You probably can scalp a few down in the Bronx just make sure it's not an undercover and they're legit.  You can also go to Yankee Stadium and most likely buy some tics in the bleecher creature section - and party with some real new yawkers. 
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=nyy


RESTAURANTS
I know you mentioned that you're a vegetarian so I don't know if there's anything on the menu/restaurants that would suit you but here are a couple:

LUCKY CHENGS:
This place is a good laugh.    My bachelorette party dinner was held here (although you don't go there for the food) more so for the ambiance and entertainment.  It was a blast.
http://www.planetluckychengs.com/indu.2-enter.html

BELLINI'S
Awesome Italian restaurant.  Pricey but worth every penny.  I ALWAYS MAKE A POINT TO GO whenever I'm in town.  Very chic and sophisticated
208 East 52nd Street (between 2nd & 3rd)
(212) 308-0830
http://www.bellinirestaurantnyc.com/

DEL FRISCO'S
Awesome, awesome steak and lobster house.  (The steaks are mouthwatering for those who like meat)  I don't know what kind of veggie you are if you eat fish or not.  But if you do, this is a great restaurant.  Very hip, young professional crowd (at least it use to be about three years ago).  But from what my friends tell me it's still a cool place to go.  It's right in midtown.  Definitely make reservations it you're planning on going on Thursday, Fri, or Sat.
http://delfriscosorlando.com/index.html

FIREBIRD RESTAURANT
365 W. 46th St. (Eighth-Ninth Aves.)
212-586-0244.
http://www.cityguidemagazine.biz/newyorkcity/firebirdrestaurant.htm

NOTE:  Don't even waste your time or money to eat at Tavern on the Green.  It's sucks.  Overpriced and the food was ---- well sucked    Ok so I'll tell you how I really feel.  Not like it use to be way back when.  I was there recently and well there was a little critter with a skinny tail that went past our table.  Now I'm not saying no restaurant in NYC have mice.  We all know the truth.  BUT....for a hauty-tauty restaurant you do not expect it actually see the little monster.

GRAND CENTRAL OYSTER BAR
Grand Central Terminal Lower Level at 42nd St.
212-490-6650

Don't see any other in my palmpilot.  Will check my husbands maybe he has some in there. 

HOTELS

hMMM, well when I stayed there (because husband was there for business meetings at the time we were dating and working together) we always stayed midtown.  Even if I were a tourist there and everyone is different (depends what you're looking for).  I always suggest staying midtown.  But that's my opinion.  I've stayed in Time Square at the Hyatt and wasn't impressed. 

HOTEL GIRAFFE:
It's on the cusp of downtown.  I've stayed there and thought it was wonderful.  Very chic.  It's a little boutique hotel
http://www.hotelgiraffe.com/

THE BENJAMIN HOTEL
Very swanky hotel right in midtown.  Great location.  Actually directly across where I use to work and near the UK Consultate as a matter of fact.  Get this -- they have a menu for pillows!!  I had a different pillow each night.  It was so cool.  Service is impeccable, food is good there.  Pricey but worth it.
http://www.thebenjamin.com/

gotta run... will post some more soon.  That should hold you for a while.

Again....WOW!! What amazing people we have on this board! 

Thank you so much you guys...we have a LOT of planning to do I can see...

B&L 

Absolutely!

Thank you so much. There is some great info here 

i can only comment on 3 hotels from personal experience....

The Benjamin - fine, but we didn't think it was outstanding. rooms and service were very good, but the whole experience felt a bit more like a convention center. not the best for the money. that was 2 years ago though.

NY Palace - excellent. small rooms. great service. insanely padded phone call charges.

The Plaza..... ahhhhh.... This is it for old-world, stately, elegant luxury. the oak room is excellent for cocktails and jazz.  check hotels.com for good deals. also some site express-res or similar. google discount ny hotel . 

hi all,

May 25th were coming for our spousal visa and was wondering if there are some good decent and halfway economic hotels in walking distance of where ever it is were sposed to be and if someone could tell us what part of the city we will actually be in and is it close enough to kill time before or after walking around looking at the sites without breaking our pockets for expensive taxi's.. I dont mean to sound cheap but this process has became rather expensive lol... hope to hear from someone soon before i book a motel... and i am also assuming i should come into leguardia instead of jfk?

The Plaza is no longer a hotel.  It is being converted into private apartments.  Very sad!  The Oak Room is being restored and should be open by the fall.

The Mandarin Oriental is in Columbus circle - VERY NICE!!!!!!  Views of Central Park and FANTANSTIC SERVICE.  A bit pricey.
http://www.mandarin-oriental.com/hotel/532000001.asp