I will visiting NYC this month for the first time. I want to do a Broadway show, have some great dinners, see "the sights" a first-time might see.

What would be a good location and specific hotels to stay at? I am looking for a great luxury hotel. Any other suggestions (restaurants, etc.) would be welcome, but I really need hotel advice. Thanks!

I love old hotels so my choices are the Plaza and St Regis. We loved the small size and location of the St. Regis. It has been completly remodeled and is lovely. Be sure to stop in the bar even if you do not stay there. The Plaza is much larger and older and has a great afternoon tea. My family always stayed at the Waldorf Towers which also has a good location and service. The main part of the Waldorf has many different types of rooms some good some very old.

The Four Seasons on E. 57th Street is tops. High floors have spectacular views of the city and Central Park.

My favorite hotel to stay at in NY is the Swisshotel Drake on 57th? I think but definitely between Madison adn Park Avenue. You could not get a better location for upscale shopping as it is jsut around the corner from Berdorf Goodman's and by the Chanel and Ralph Lauren design stores. Its also an area with a million nice restaurants around and very near the museums. The theater would be a short cab ride away to the Times Square area which really is not a deluxe or luxury area to stay in. I was lucky enough only once to be upgraded to a suite at the Drake due to a reservation mix up. The suite was heaven but out of my normal price range. The regular rooms are not that bad as they have many specials right now so they are MUCH more affordable and still very upscale.

The lounge area and bar is marble and dark cherry wiood very old anad established feeling! Check out Fodor's rants and raves section I remember seeing some really good reviewws on this hotel.

Beth I'm so glad you mentioned the Drake. I'm coming over to NY for the 1st time on Friday for a week's stay and will be staying at the Swissotel Drake. It was good to read your thoughts about the hotel. We have opted for deluxe rooms (one step up from the standard ones) as the extra cost wasn't much. We booked through quikbook.