I am planning a moms getway weekend for my
friends and I,and would love recommendations on hotels to stay in N.Y.C. Cleanliness,
fairly new or renovated with a pool and style - that's what we are looking for. Thanks!

Hotels with pools are pretty scarce in NYC, besides there's too much to do there to hang out by a pool! For stylish, updated hotels that are not outrageously priced I like the Unique Hotels group which includes the Wales, Franklin, Shoreham, Mansfield and Roger Williams. They have well decorated but usually small rooms and free continental breakfast. The Roger Smith is an older hotel that has a pleasant, somewhat European ambiance. The Iroquois was recently renovated and is supposed to be nice. The Time is another recently renovated hotel that is getting a lot of press. A bit more expensive would be W hotel or the Royalton. For something lavish there's the Four Seasons. Or for old New York style try the Carlyle or the Pierre. One more option for a group would be a suite hotel Manhattan East group has several to choose from or there's the Doubletree or Rhiga Royal.

Ruthie; My favorite "girls out" hotels in NY are: The Renaissance near Times Square - its quiet, newly renovated and well maintained, and very safe. You must show a room key to get into the hotel lobby afterhours. The Doubletree near Times Square - you can spread out with a living space (sofa makes into a bed) and a kitchenette for breakfast or coffee. I find that to be a big savings. The Kimberly or Plaza Fifty on 50th & Lexington (East Side) are really apartments. They are available in one-two-or three bedroom configurations. Again with a dining and kitchen area. This would be a good share. Another wonderful property is the Casablanca Hotel at 43rd & Broadway. It is a small (48 rooms) boutique hotel with a great commons area for free breakfasts, coffee & snacks or drinks and appetizers. Elegantly decorated in a Morracan style with great baths. They have a web site with pictures. All of these hotels can be booked through the NY consolidators at good prices (depending on the time of year you go). Try QuikBook or Express Reservations. Their res. agents have all toured each hotel and are quite knowledgable. Good luck.

My friends and I go to NYC annually, and we've stayed at several of the Manhattan East properties; we get two two-bedroom suites, on the same floor, hopefully right next to each other. The suites have small kitchens where we make coffee and keep the wine cold (or room temp); we have a blast, and all the properties we've stayed in have been clean and friendly.

I agree with those who mentioned the Manhattan East properties. I haven't stayed in a 2-bedroom, but have stayed in a very large 1-bedroom at the Shelbourne Murray Hill. I think the extra space, kitchen, and large living room would be nice to have when traveling in a group. Don't know if there's a pool though...