I am planning a surprise weekend trip to New York for my husband for our 4th wedding anniversary. Three hotels have caught my eye (especially with their surprisingly low rates): The Drake (Swissotel), The Regency, and The Plaza. Could anyone help me narrow it down to one?

Haven't been to NYC in about 10 years, but when I think of it I always picture the Plaza as the epitome of the city.

I am not familiar with the other hotels you mentioned, but I've stayed a few times for special events at the Plaza, and have never been disappointed. Each time I stayed, I mentioned ahead of time that it was a special occasion, and we were upgraded. For my daughter's first anniv., I got the cheapest rate, said it was their first anniv. and they were given a suite facing Central Park! There may be other hotels in the city with better rates, or that are more 'posh', but everyone we know who stayed there was happy. My brother-in-law just surprised his wife with a weekend there for a special bd, and they loved it. No, they didn't get a room facing Central Park, but they did get a nice size room. Having tea in the Palm Court there is a pretty nice experience also.

Thank you for your help. The Plaza it is!

I love the PLAZA! Other hotel ideas could be the Peninsula, the new Ritz Carlton, the Pierre. The Plaza is just very classy and right on central Park.

Just got back, stayed at The Drake (Swissotel). It was a wonderful and ending up being a great location too. The rooms was very large and comfy. The staff was very friednly and went out of thier way to help us. More than worth the $170 a night for 4 of us.

Kam is becoming like Rex on the European forum. Is there anyplace that this poster won't throw in her $0.02? She admits that she hasn't been in NYC for a decade, but has an opinion on lodging. Kam, a lots changed in NYC since the last time you were here.

The Plaza was a wonderful hotel. Thank you for your advice. We would certainly return (pending that their rates don't increase too much!!)