Hi,

I am plan to visit NYC this month (Oct.) for the first time.

It is intended to be a romantic vacation for the two of us.

So...

Looking for recommendations on hotels, restaurants, things to do. I am willing to go first-class. Well, maybe not "Bill Gates" style, but am not looking to cut corners on the hotel or meals.

I say sorry, because I am sure these questions have been asked a thousand times before.

Thanks, Greg

Among the best restaurants in the city are Il Mulino on 3rd street for Italian (not much on decor, exceptional on food-try the lamb chops), Le Bernadin for seafood, Nobu for Japanese, Union Square Cafe for American. It will be difficult to get reservations at this late date, so call and give them a range of evenings that work for you and you may come up with something. Also, with tourism down you may try walking in and getting seated. If you do that have a couple of backup restaurants if you can't get in. For example, if you can't get in walking in to USC try Coffee Shop or Blue Water Grill on 16th and Union Square. The three restaurants I mention are expensive, probably in the range of $100 per person with drinks. At Nobu order the chef special for 80 per person and mention which foods you like and don't like. Enjoy.

A walk in Central Park through the autumn leaves (sorry it's "fall" out there isn't it?). Even Bill Gates must do it sometimes!!!

we like luna's restaurant on mulberry street in ny. from there we walk mulberry street and go across the street to chinatown. then we come back to la bella ferrara's bakery right next door to luna's and have cappucino and cake. wonderful day. hope you enjoy your stay.

There is an intimate little townhouse style "B & B" called The Box Tree. They also have an excellent restaurant. I have never stayed there, so maybe some other fodorites could offer an opinion. It is supposed to be beautiful. For romantic restaurants: One if By Land, Erminia, Chez Es Saada. or

It might be worth your time to visit www.tripres.com, a web site that I use to book all of our company trips to Vegas. They have some fantastic deals on hotels in NYC... yesterday I booked us for two weekend nights at the Carlton on Madison Avenue.. a 4 star property.. for $110.00 per night.

II Mulina has the highest rated Italian in the city

If you are here on the 11th, eat out.

Many restaurants will be donating 10% to Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. [windowsofhope.org] This fund was set up to help food service families (like Windows on the World and others that worked in the towers).

Participating restaruants can be found on the web.

The most romantic dinner I had was a a smal restraunt called "one if by land 2 if by sea" I think it is in the village,it is an old carriage house and it was cozy and the food was wonderful.

Tavern on the Green is a great restaurant. I loved it, followed by a carriage ride through the park. Catch a broadway (or off-broadway) show - you just HAVE too! The Met is just great as far as museums go. Empire State Building has a wonderful view at night. The NY public library's lobby is just amazing. They just don't build them like that any more. I was there in June, and although it was a little hot, I had a great time. Enjoy!

The problem in NY is not what to do. The problem is there is so much to do, what can you not miss. We lived there for three years. A few favorites: Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty - very moving; Bobby Short - romantic evening of music and style; The Cloisters - contemplative.