I've been a Manhattan resident for the past year, but due to business commitments, I will relocate to another city in two months. To say an "appropriate" goodbye to New York, I wanted to spend my last night at a hotel and relax before the long flight. Since I'll be traveling alone, a normal, non-suite guestroom would be fine. I have narrowed down to the following choices:

- Four Seasons (Superior Rm)
- St. Regis (Deluxe Rm)
- Ritz-Carlton Central Park (Deluxe Rm)
- Mandarin Oriental (Grand Deluxe Rm)
- Peninsula (Grand Deluxe Rm)
- Trump Int'l (Deluxe Rm)
- The Pierre (Superior Rm)

I left out Mark, Carlyle and Mercer b/c I want to be close to Central Park.

What would you choose?

I like St Regis as a personal favorite.

I too, L-O-V-E the St Regis.

Mandarin Oriental

St Regis or the Pierre
Congratulations on your move. My sympathies to your leaving NYC

Mandarin Oriental. Hope your move from NYC is not permanent.

I'd either take the St. Regis or the Pierre. They say "old new york" and luxury to me. Of course, the Mark and the Carlyle are probably closer to the Park than the St. Regis, but whatever.

What about the Waldorf or Plaza?

Gee Kensington, I think so much depends on personal taste and what you plan to do for the evening besides sleep in the room. If you like modern and are interested in eating in Asiate or one of the other Time Warner restaurants, stay at the Mandarin. If you prefer old world elegance, pick one of the more traditional hotels. Are you into swimming? There are only 2 on your list (I think) that have pools. (Mandarin & Peninsula).

In this order:

St. Regis
The Pierre (it is also Four Seasons)

I thought the Carlyle was right across from Central Park?????????

The Carlyle and the Mark are on the upper east side (77 st) and Madison ave., a block from the park.

Wow, such enthusiastic replies! Based on the comments thus far, I suppose I should choose between St. Regis and Mandarin. I have been to the public areas for both, but have heard that rooms at the Mandarin are quite small. How about rooms at the St. Regis? Thoughts?

I don't enjoy the Upper East Side as much as Central Park South... I stayed at the Stanhope once and felt that it was a bit inconvenient. That's why I ruled out Carlyle and Mark, two outstanding properties.

I had a smallish room at the St. Regis, but they are not all small. Just ask....

For a gorgeous view of Central Park, I'd recommend the Manadrin Oriental in the Time Warner center as your best bet.

Pierre starts renovations in July 2006