jumpinjess7

If you read my other post I decided to chose NYC to send my parents for their anniversary (surprise) June 21st weekend. Now I'm having trouble deciding which hotel. I was thinking either the Westin or the Trump. Does anyone have any opinions on which might be better, or if there is one you like even more than those? I would like something easy to get around from, not off the beaten path as they have only been to NYC a few times. A hotel that will be nice and comfortable, but not stuffy. Somewhere that cares for its guests but is still luxurious.

Also, I would love some restaurant recommendations. I read some of the other threads about the restaurants, but instead of having such a romantic atmosphere just plain old GREAT food will fit the bill here. They like ethnic foods and trying new things. We tend to like the restaurants that the locals frequent, not necessarily the fancy, expensive, "fru-fru" food. Just good, tasty, delicious meals. Any suggestions near those hotels?

Also, if you know of anything special going on that weekend off-hand that would be great!
Thanks!!
J

DebitNM

Sofitel is a wonderful hotel in a great location. It will fit your requirements without breaking the bank and leave $$ for other things.

Gaby Restaurant there is very good too.
Debi

mclaurie

I would not suggest the Westin. The Trump is in a whole other category and is very very good with lots of personal attention. It's at Columbus Circle. It's very easy to get around from there as there are about 7 subway lines there.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Sofitel (4*)is also very nice but not in the same league as Trump (5*)

Many of the best restaurants are tough to get a reservation at, so if this is a surprise, you're going to have to book them.

Telepan is new American cuisine and gets raves, not far from Trump. Picholine is also near there. Asiate in the Mandarin Oriental has great views and good Asian. People swoon over the Mario Batali Italians, Babbo, Lupa etc.

Here's the link to NY Magazine's "where to eat 2007"
http://nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2007/25995/

mclaurie

Btw, I know you said not nec. fancy etc. and most of these places are not. There are good Turkish, Spanish, etc. places but in a city of 1000s of restaurants, it's hard to pick just a handful. Chowhound.com might be helpful as would menupages.com

lizhm4sale

WE STAYED AT THE WALDORF AND FOUND THEY HAD EXCELLENT SERVICE NOT TO MENTION THEIR BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS. WE ATE BREAKFAST THERE MOST MORNINGS AND FOUND IT GOOD AND $$ VALUE.
THERE INTERNET RATES ARE GOOD, BUT I FOUND A PHONE CALL ON AARP DID BETTER.
GOOD LUCK. WHEN WE WERE THERE WE DID ALL THE TOURIST AND ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS. WE DID THE HARBOR DINNER CRUISE AND FOUND THAT GOOD AS WELL AS ENTERTAINING. A GREAT ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

TahitiTams

We just stayed in a wonderful suite across from the Waldorf in Midtown..
The Benjamin Hotel was luxurious and we really enjoyed it.
Love the pillow concierge service!
It is an Affinia Hotel.

www.affinia.com

jumpinjess7

Thanks guys, I think I meant the Waldorf Towers, not Trump. I've seen a few recommendations for the Sofitel. Is that the general consensus- Sofitel over Waldorf and Westin?

Thanks for all your help!!

mclaurie

The Sofitel is very nice and if they'll be going to the theater it's in a good location. Rooms on the higher floors have nice views.

You might also look at the new London NYC hotel. Poster here cindymal just stayed there and thought it was great and there are some awesom views there. The hotel houses Gordon Ramsey's first US restaurant.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34972681

The Giraffe is another hotel that's known for good service. It's a bit south of midtown, but in an area with lots of good restaurants including the ever popular Gramercy Tavern. It's sister hotel the Elysee is also very nice in midtown.

GoTravel

The Waldorf Towers is still far superior to the Westin. Great location also.

mclaurie

Poster escargot just got back from a weekend in NYC and stayed at the Giraffe Hotel. YOu might enjoy reading her description. It's not as big or as glamorous as the Waldorf Towers or the Sofitel, but if they like smaller places and personal service, might be nice for them.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34983070

jumpinjess7

Ok, so I chose the Sofitel, can anyone recommend really good restaurants in that area (Near Times Square)- same criteria as before: good food, not necessarily expensive, ethnic or "only in NY" preferred. If any of the other threads are helpful please let me know, I know a little about NY, but not a lot. for example, I saw someone asked about restaurants near Grand Central Station. I dont know if that is close to the Sofitel or not.... My parents like to walk, but I dont want them to need complicated directions or anything.

Thanks so much!

ps- I'm not too well versed on board etiquette, so I guess if I don't get responses on here then Ill start a new one...

nytraveler

Some good food choices - but not fou fou - within a reasonable walk:

Trattoria del Arte - great antipasto and a fun atmosphere

Sea Grill - great seafood right in Rock Center (but not as formal as Le Bardnardin)

Tintol for Spanish/tapas

(Grand Central is much further east - and the places to eat there are mostly casuale - not what I would call really good food)

mikilu

ok here is the best italian place i found while i was there, small cozy great food ,good service and romantic all at the same time... not very touristy at all....dolcinos i have the number if you need it.....dos caminos was good for mexican great guac and enchiladas

jumpinjess7

Thanks to everyone!! My parents had a Fabulous time! They can't stop talking about the trip and are planning to take another next year. They loved the Sofitel. Their first room was 6th floor with no view, but they talked to the front desk and ended up on the 26th floor in a suite. They walked the entire city pretty much, saw all the sights, loved Top of the Rock and ate at B. Smith's Restaurant Friday night. (My mom's a B. Smith fan). I'm not sure where else they ate, but they had "the time of their lives!" Thank you all!

mclaurie

Sounds just great. Glad it worked out. Out of curiousity, did they have to pay for the suite or were they just upgraded? Thanks for posting.

jumpinjess7

They were just upgraded for free. I had booked them a King bed originally because my 6 foot 7 inch dad loves the extra space. They said the hotel was super nice, very spacious, esp for a NYC room, and they loved the suite. They were hardly there to enjoy it because they walked all over the city, but they loved the hotel and had no complaints (except for the first room on the 6th floor with a view of the building across the street). The only thing that bugs me about that is when I booked the reservation they ask you if you have anything you'd like on your reservation and they'll try to accomodate and I specifically told them the best room they could get, a corner if possible on the highest floor available with the best view. The agent made the notes and said they would do their best... and they ended up on the 6th floor, hardly "their best" in my opinion. Overall they absolutely loved the hotel and the trip!

mclaurie

Thanks for posting back.