Please give me your opinion on the best hotel pool/spa facilities in New York. I am planning a winter "get-a-way" and am looking for a relaxing pool/spa area at a high-end, luxury hotel. Thanks!

How high end? $765 a night? more?

That would work. I'm splurging for a surprise birthday weekend for my husband.

For a winter getway, check out the view from the lap pool at the Mandarin Oriental (go to their website to see an amazing photo). Great spa. If I were to splurge in the winter, that is where I would go.

While there are many hotels with good spas, there are very few that also have a pool. I'd guess the Mandarin Oriental would be "it" for both, but haven't seen the pool or spa myself. The Peninsula is another that has both.

I have the Mandarin booked now. I was just wondering if people prefer The Four Seasons, Ritz or somewhere I haven't researched yet.
Also, how's the St. Regis. I know they don't have a pool, but I have enough starpoints for one night. Is it worth it compared to the Mandarin?

What's "worth it"? Free is a great price! St. Regis isn't a bad runner-up!

St Regis is very traditional and much more in the center of the Fifth AVenue shopping area. Mandarin Oriental is almost new, very modern and overlooking Cenral Park (from many rooms and baths). ther is some shopping in the hotel mall/immediate area but a 10 minute walk to Fifth Ave shops.

Apples and oranges.

Parker Meridian has pool on the roof.....very cool!

That is kind of how I feel. I'm not that crazy about the MO location, but I believe it offers the ammenities we like. However, I am huge St. Regis fan. We stayed 5 nightd last summer at the St. Regis in Dana Point and I was in love!!! The hotel and service was wonderful.
I am now planning a 30th birthday surpise weekend for my husband and having a really hard time deciding between the two. I would usually choose the St. Regis hands down, but during the winter I know we love a good pool and spa. Thanks for your help!

The St. Regis is my favorite hotel in Manhattan; regal, very New York, and a class act; think Blythe Danner.

I LOVE the Mandarin Oriental but it is more like Pam Anderson, great to look at and built like a brick $hithouse, the views to die for.

Good one, GoTravel, but I didn't think that the facade of the Mandarin Oriental was all fake.

I have not been, but for something different and cutting edge, the newer Hotel Gansevoort in the meatpacking district is supposed to have a really cool 45 foot heated, outdoor glass-surrounded rooftop pool with underwater music. Check it out at hotelgansevoort.com.

I thought about that pool. It was gorgeous on Sex and the City. It has a glass surround, but is not enclosed. I just checked the website - and it IS open 365 days a year. But, given some of my winter visits in NYC...I think I'll wait for warmer days!