Message: Hi again,

I am having the hardest time deciding on a junior suite at Le Parker Meridien or a suite at The Blakely. The reviews are so bad for Le Parker and The Blakely just seems nice, but a bit boring. Any thoughts out there? Also, as mentioned before our almost 2 year old will be with us. I want to keep our hotel bill at £1000 for 5 nights (roughly $375 before all the taxes per night). Other hotel suggestions will be taken. I can stretch to £1,200 (about $2,200) for the right hotel.

Also, we will be seeing Wicked and Spamalot. Any not to miss restaurants near the theatres? We will see Spamalot on Valentine's Day so I would like something a bit romantic. Price wise I would like to stay under $200 per meal.

Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions!

I can't understand why the reviews for Le Parker Meridian are bad. I think it is a wonderful hotel and the upper floors have views of Central Park. Can't tell you anything about the Blakely.

I'd stay at Le Parker Meridian. The location is excellent just two blocks south of Central Park and a very short walk to Times Square down Seventh Avenue. You are 1/2 block from the subway station. 57th Street has fabulous shopping (Tiffany&Co, Chanel, Bergdorf Goodman, Prada to name a very few).

You could eat dinner next door at Shelly's New York and then walk to your theater.

Bring an umbrella stroller for your toddler.

With $375/night you have loads of options, have you looked into the Westin at Times Square, 8th &42nd street, only 1 year old. For dinner, are you seeing matinees or evening shows? If you're doing evening and wish to have a romantic dinner, you should make a reservation for no later than 6:00, Le Bernadin is one of the most romantic/top restaurants in the city, but I don't think I'd bring a 2 year old there. So, you need family friendly (what are you doing with the baby for the shows? Both of these shows are not for children. What kind of cuisine? There are tons of restaurants in this area, all different price ranges. BLT Steak just opened on 57th St. to fabulous reviews (just down the street from the Parker Meridien. Anyway, hope this helps a bit.

I agree Le Bernadin is fantastic, but I heard it recently closed. Westin would be great. How about Marriot Marquis? It's right in the theater district. As for restaurants in the theater district, most are very tourist-y. You'll have to move out of the T.D. a bit for more authentic NYC restaurants. Jean George is my favorite romantic restaurant. Just a few blocks up from T.D., but expensive.

Thanks for the responses! Our shows are in the evening and we are using the Babysitters Guild to look after our little one on show nights.

I will also look into the Westin ;-)

Anyone know why this message did not end up on the New York Board? I have tried twice to place it there and no such luck. What have I done wrong?

As I understand a "junior suite" it's one big room with a sitting area. I really think you'd be better with 2 separate rooms (with a door that can be closed) so the baby can nap or vice versa. I also think a kitchen would be a good idea. To my knowledge Parker Meridien won't have that. So while I agree the amenities and the location are good, I don't think it's a better option to the Blakely. I don't think the Westin has kitchens either nor do I think it's in a good location with a baby. Same for Marriott Marquis.

I sort of understand your lack of enthusiasm for the Blakely. It's not elegant/glamorous and it's not modern wow, although I think you would be satisfied there. I think you started with a fairly limited list of options. If you're willing to be on the east side, there are more all suite options. Check the Benjamin. It's part of the Affinia group, gets great reviews, kitchen the works.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

If you need to get to the theater and can't walk, you've got a crosstown bus right there.

The Affinia group also has the Surrey on the upper east side which is a terrific neighborhood (residential) with a baby IMO. Easier to maneuver a pram, family residential area and near Met Museum, art galleries and upscale boutiques.

There are few "not to miss" restaurants in the theater district IMO although I agree if you like seafood and really want a splashout, Le Bernardin is a good choice. I have no knowledge that it's closed. http://www.newyorkmetro.com/pages/details/2276.htm

Chez Josephine is fun French bistro with live music. Valentine's Day is on a Monday when most theaters are dark, so I'm a bit confused on that score.

The Firebird is a Russian rest. on restaurant row that's quite twinkly and romantic with crystal chandeliers etc.

If you just want romantic and it doesn't have to be in the theater district the sky's the limit. Post back. Cafe Boulud is in the lobby of the Surrey Hotel. mmmm

parisandelle, there's no New York board, just a US board that allows you to sort the threads by area of the US.

You've got some good suggestions here, have a great time in NYC!

Mclaurie, thanks for the tips. You hit the nail on the head about The Blakely. As for the show we are seeing on Valentine's Day, it is actually the first night of previews for Spamalot. Maybe that is why it is on a Monday night.

All the posts dump together on the US board. That's why people most often include the state or city as part of their title.

I can enthusiastically endorse the suggestion for The Surrey. It is catty corner from The Carlyle in the Upper East Side. Wonderful hotel, big, gorgeous suites.

What type of food is Cafe Boulud? We are not limited to staying in the Theatre District.

French. Owned by Daniel Boulud of Daniel and DB Bistro Moderne. Cafe Boulud I guess is the middle ground of the 3 restaurants. Among the best in NYC.