We are a professional group of women, upscale tastes heading to the big apple for a 4 day w/e of shopping, dining, theatre, dancing, spa treatments to celebrate the up-coming wedding of a dear friend who just got engaged on our sailing trip to Greece in August. We are from all over the country and have little know how of how to or where to have fun in NYC. Would love a suggested itinerary from an insiders view!

Hi Jill...here are some suggestions for day spas...Oasis at 108 East 16th Street (212)254-7722 is low key and soothing...Aveda at 233 Spring Street (212)807-1492 is a kind of California, earth friendly atmosphere...celebs are often spotted at Bliss Spa at 568 Broadway (212)219-8970...it sounds like you and your friends would like the Elizabeth Arden Salon on 5th Avenue (212)546-0200...try afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel, the Pierre Hotel, or Lady Mendl's Tea Salon at the Inn at Irving Place (212)533-4600...Sunday brunches are fabulous at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel, Cafe Botanica at the Essex Hotel, or the Righa Royal Hotel...shop at Barney's on Madison Avenue or Henri Bendel's on 5th Avenue...if you're interested in something a little different you can take a group cooking class at Peter Kump's New York Cooking School (212)847-0700 or try your hand at making pottery for the bride-to-be at Our Name is Mud, 42nd Street location number is (212)388-9559...on the other end of the scale...The Donkey Show at Club El Flamingo caters to "bachelorette" parties...it's a wild show and you can call (212)581-5700...Hogs and Heifers (of Coyote Ugly fame) is at 859 Washington Place (212)929-0655...La Nouvelle Justine bills itself as the world's first S&M themed restaurant...the waitstaff is dressed in "fetish" wear and they interact theatrically...you can order an "erotic" cake from Masturbakers (212)475-0476...as I said, these last suggestions are on the other end of the scale...if you want more info, post back.

Hi Merilee

This is great! you are not the same woman who helped me with my trip to Madrid by chance?

Hi again Jill...no I didn't help you with your trip to Madrid, but I hope it was great.

Thanks Merilee- the trip to Madrid was great for several reasons- It was my LAST week of MBA school, I was taking a 2 week bike trip thru spain and Portugal, and I met a dear couple who have become good friends and I saw them last week in Vail Colorado where they have a palatial home on the mountain! And finally, I had someone very nice on Fodors who spelled out Madrid for me as you have done with NYC. Thank you again! My friends and I are already digesting your list!

Merilee,
Your info so wonderful. In my group of friends, we all get together for a trip for each person's 40th birthday. Mine is this year and we're going to New York.

Your suggestions were great. I chose the Marriott Marquis however that a bit over the budget for some of the girls, do you have a suggestion that is still nice, in a good location but not quite as pricey.

Theresa

Jay, wouldn't you guess that the majority of Fodorites are educated and wealthy? Has anyone else broadcast their assets?

To Theresa,

You don't mention what your budget is, but if you are still interested in the Marquis, you can get a great deal through playbill.com. You need to register as a member (it's free) and then you get access to codes for discount shows, hotels, etc. They currently have specials on the Marriott Marquis for $139 & $189, depending on your dates. That's pretty cheap for NYC. Hope this helps.

On my birthday, I went to Soho Sanctuary. I took a yoga class and treated myself to a 2.5 hour massage, scalp treatment and foot massage. It was the best massage I've had. If you go, ask for Annie. The Soho Sanctuary is for women only, and is the most relaxing, comfortable and indulgent place i've been.

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7109957/

119 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012
Phone#160;  (212) 334-5550

thanks to all of you who offered your suggestions, very helpful!

Does anyone have a suggestion for a great hair salon in NYC who gives great short hair cuts?

Jill -- Mangia e Bevi seems to specialize in bachelorette parties. The food is good, not great, but the place is very fun. The handsome waiters hand out tambourines and everyone jumps up on the tables to sing and dance. The waiters will give special attention to the bride-to-be.

Lisa- do you know what part of nyc this place is in?

Merrilee - great info, girl! I'd add an idea - an incrediable foot massage at Angel Feet in the West village - soooo relaxing and sensual- you'll fall asleep drooling. (not a pretty image, though) I get great haircuts from tamara at the Damian west Salon right near there on West Tenth St. Add a completely delicious dinner at Annisa or a wild and wonderful "fusion" sushi & exotic drinks at Sushi Samba on 7th Ave -lots of fun!

Mangia e Bevi is a fun place for a group of women (and I agree with the good not great food comment). It's in Hell's Kitchen (Ninth Ave and 53rd St.)

Also, foe the bachelorette party, I've heard of alot of groups going to see "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change." It's an off-Broadway play that is supposed to be funny for women (all about relationships).

And finally, another sexy-themed restaurant is Lucky Cheng's - drag queens are your waitresses.

Have fun - good luck!

"Hogs and Heifers (of Coyote Ugly fame) is at 859 Washington Place (212)929-0655.."

No, Hogs and Heifers is NOT of Coyote Ugly fame. Coyote Ugly is based on a bar named Coyote Ugly in the East Village.

I was surprised to see this post pop up again so I checked it out and I'm glad I did...just wanted Hog to know that what I meant by my comment was that Hogs and Heifers is like the bar Coyote Ugly...I wasn't referring to the movie...as a matter of fact Coyote Ugly was what some people would refer to as a crazy and fun bar with alot of camaraderie (locals) until an article about the place appeared in GQ and then the tourists flocked and the lines were out the door...Tom McNeil (who owned other bars such as the Village Idiot) has been given credit for this successful formula, but the woman who owns it is a very savvy woman.

In truth, I read an article that the movie Coyote Ugly was in fact based on 3 bars (Hogs and Heifers, Red Rock West and Coyote Ugly) except that Coyote Ugly was the only place that allowed them to use the name for the movie. It was filmed in Hogs, and the water pitcher scene was stolen from Red Rock. Best night to go to any of these places is Tues - Thurs unless you want to deal with extreme crowds (although I admit that's when it's the most fun) I'll be at Red Rock tomorrow, so have a good weekend all!

I'm sure the bachelorette party has already taken place since the original post was on January 24th.