Mandarin Oriental Hotel OR Setai Fifth Avenue in New York?

Mandarin. Oh to be able to swim in that pool! <dreaming>

Thank you starrs!

Also take a look at The Four Seasons, The Penninsula, Trump International, etc. However, between the two you've mentioned I would choose the Mandarin, hands down.

It depends on where you want to be located and what you plan to do while you are here.

I doubt if there are many people on this forum who can make a comparison based on first-hand experience. I can't remember reading many/any reports, or even reading any comments, from people here who have mentioned staying at either property. We can comment on location, but the pros and cons of their respective locations will vary depending on the individual.

Are you a swimmer?

eb, take a look at the pool -
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/leisure/

"(Would like good service, nice view, etc"

Talk about "nice view"

eks: There is no need to write a review of a 5* hotel, is there? It would be rather boring: "Oh, it was just divine! Exactly what you'd expect!" Whatever. If I haven't stayed, but are simply making a suggestion, I will state that. There are very few calls for recommendations between 4* and 5* hotels; most people posting here are looking for a huge amount of space and/or a huge bargain.

Starrs is right. The hotel pool is wonderful and when we used it we were the only people enjoying the atmosphere.

Our son and daughter-in-law live in an apartment - 400 w. 55th St. and I understand the Mandarin would be very convenient to them.
Thanks for all the input! Loving it!

And no....we're not really big swimmers but love the water and usually go to warm destinations (beaches and pools) for our vacations, but the view from that pool looks awesome! Might have to take a nighttime dip!

eb: Plan on that; you won't regret it.

Thank you Bowsprit!

Don't know about Setai. Mandarin Oriental is excellent in terms of decor and service (I was doing a meeting with a couple of very fussy atendees). But - a room with a view is more expensive - I don;t recall the prices since we were charging back to a client - but I think my deluxe with a view was about $900 - not in high season.

thank you nytraveler!!!

My guess is that there's a better chance of getting a "view" room at the Mandarin than the Setai - based on location.

Thank you too starrs!!
Will try to book it!
And now...any suggestions for bars, plays, etc.? Will definitely want to go to the are museum! And sightseeing!
Love this forum! Everyone has always been so helpful! e

The Frick is my favorite museum. If you are looking for discounts on plays or musicals, check broadwaybox.com.

Will check it out starrs.....

I'm sure your son and daughter in law will also be able to offer up some ideas. Enjoy your visit.

Bowspirit: My point was that there are probably only few people here, if any, who have stayed at both hotels. All I know of the Setai is that they have an excellent restaurant inside!

eks: I know. But I HAVE stayed there and felt very comfortable commenting. Which I did.

B: Please do not take any of my comments here as a criticism of your own comments. I did not mean them as such and I am sorry if it appeared that way!!

NY does not have an art museum.

There is the Met, which is the greatest cultural institution in the western hemisphere.

MoMA is you like modern.

The Guggenheim for a great building and iffy shows.

Then there are the Whitney, the Frick, the Asia Society and many dozens of other museums and galleries.

Never mind other types of museums - Ellis Island Immigration, NY Hostorical Society, Museum of the City of NY, Natural History and others on every possible topic. You'll need to do some research to decide which has the most you want to see.

NY does not have an art museum.

There is the Met

_____________________________________________________-

The 'Met' is also sometimes referred to as The Metropolitan Museum of ART.

Trump International is across from the Mandarin Oriental and while it's not as great a hotel, it does have apartment like suites which it sounds like you would prefer for a week's stay. http://www.oyster.com/new-york-city/hotels/trump-international-hotel-and-tower/

The Phillip's Club might be another option. http://www.phillipsclub.com/short-stay/overview

AKA Central Park is yet another. http://www.stayaka.com/locations/central_park/default.aspx

Sorry - I meant that NY does not have AN - as in ONE - art museum. It has many art museums, starting with the Met but including many others - MoMA, Frick, Whitney, Guggenehiam and I don;t know how many others.

Wow! Thanks everyone for the great input!!!!!

mclaurie, thank you for the link to www.oyster.com

Trump International looks very nice!!!!!

Trump International is very nice, indeed! Our kids enjoyed using the telescopes in the room.

You can also get park views ther and it's been recently redone.

Thank you to Everyone!!!!
I booked the Trump tonight for an Executive city view suite, and requested a high floor (hopefully for better view). Could have requested a park view, but smaller kitchen and probably a lower floor! Did I do ok, or should I change? not too late!!!!!

In April the Park view might not be that great - so cit view is probably OK. Starting in end April/early May with the park gree I would definitely go for a park view for preference.

Central Park at night, at anytime of the year,is basically a dark area that's dimly lit. If you're planning to be out and about during the day you won't be spending much time in the room to enjoy the park view.

A park view is nice if you Live in the City but is simply a view of treetops. Central Park is best enjoyed while walking Through the Park during the day.

I think you'll enjoy all the pretty lights at night. Can you not request a view that would allow both lights and lawn?

Any view from a reasonable hight will show you lights. But typically park veiw room are much pricier.

I say don't bother with the extra expense of a park view room.

Thank you everyone!
Will keep our city view and hope for a room on high level (from further reading, might keep some of the noise out!)
Have booked Nice Work if You Can Get it w/Matthew Broderick and plan on seeing Chicago matinee on Sunday if we can. Any other suggestions?
Can't wait for our trip!

Do you know about Wit?

What is Wit?