Going in October - posted a message a few days ago - not many responses. Any advice for first timers? Restaurant recommendations?

Since the Westin is only a block from Times Square and is clearly in the theatre district, all the hundreds of detailed posts and threads about theatre restaurants or Times Square area restaurants will serve you well. Do searches here on those and you will get more suggestions that you will know what to do with.

There have also been a few posts in the past year on the Westin if you want to do a search (isn't that about how long it has been opened?)

Patrick, aren't you in New York City right now? Did you find any new great places to eat?

I will post more fully later with a daily rundown. And my favorites so far have pretty much been my old favorites. But the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center which I always thought was just a "tourist" place has been a shining star this trip. Had a spectacular dinner there, and then attended a Simi Wine dinner there with more amazing food. I was really impressed.

And not in the theatre district, but a real winner I've known about but never got to before is the French D'Artagnan on 46th near Third. Great foie gras (no comments please), perfect rotisserie chicken, great rack of lamb.

Also did a super "bargain" at Cite. While it is a pricey restaurant and three courses would almost certainly cost about $75 a person, they do a special after 8 PM for $63 a person. You choose any starter, any main course, and any dessert, and then they bring you unlimited champange, a white wine, and two reds. We opted for no white, other than a single glass each of the champagne, so they put a full bottle of both reds on our table for two. We finished one, not the other and they actually asked if we wanted a second bottle of our favored red! And huge wonderful aged steaks -- perhaps the best I've ever had in New York.

Also thanks to a Fodorite poster, and I'm sorry I forget who, we went to L'Ecole, the restaurant of the French Culinary School. It was indeed excellent and one of the best bargains in town. $ 29.95 for five great courses. Now if only they would turn the lights down a little.

On the cheaper level, we loved Delta Grill on 9th Ave. at 48th. Former chef with K-Paul.

Patrick, if you get a chance go to the East Village to try I Coppi. $15 price fix three course lunch. Amazing Italian at an outstanding price.

Mishottie, since you so kindly answered some of my La Jolla questions, I'll return the favor & provide you with this link to many highly detailed reviews of the Westin. I've never seen people take so much time to write reviews. They are mostly very positive with a few disappointments. Among them, evidently advertised in room internet access is an extra charge & quite steep. Advertised fancy shower heads are evidently only on the club floor. One poster suggests avoiding the club floor as the extras are not worth it & the club floor is low so views are not as good. Anyway, read the reviews & decide. If you could answer my follow up questions on La Jolla I'd appreciate it

Patrick it sounds like you're dining well! Glad you enjoyed the Sea Grill. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._New_York.html

mishottie, I will be there in two weeks. When are you going?

Thanks, Mclaurie - I will look at your La Jolla post. Also, Cerlaurie - I am going to be there on October 22 for 3 days.