If cost were not an issue, where would you stay in New York and why? I was looking at the St Regis, the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons. Do you prefer one over the other?

I would pick the St. Regis in a New York minute. If you want luxury, you can't do any better than that. From the butler to the crystal chandelier in the HUGE bathroom, nobody does it better than the Reg.

You might want to consider the new Mandarin Oriental - the latest luxe hotel in town in a trendoid site. I understand they hae some intro rates starting at around $500 for a double.

A lot depends on your personal style.
If you like clean, modern, upscale (I. M. Pei designer) with the best service in town, then the Four Seasons is your best bet.
If you like traditional luxury then the St. regis is tops IMO.
The Ritz Carlton adjacent to Central Park is also worth considering in the traditional luxury category.
I haven't visited the new Mandarin, but I'm a big fan of some of their overseas properties, and I'll be surprised if the Manhattan property isn't a hit. I do know that it's a more modern inerior scheme.
Places I'd cross off the list: Peninsula, Plaza, Waldorf, Trump, Stanhope, Mark.
Plaza Athenee has a great Euro boutique feel to it but isn't quite in the top category with the SR, FS, etc.

The reason to consider the Ritz (to me) would be the sensational park views!

The Oriental is the most inn (cute?) now.

The St. Regis no contest.

Second for me would be either The Pierre (also a Four Seasons) and The Carlyle.

All three of the above have park view rooms even though the Pierre is the only one on the park.

Now, I'm really confused. Am I understanding correctly that the St Regis has a view of Central Park(my husband is really into views). I was going to pick the Ritz Central Park but it seems that the St Regis is a notch above.

Yes, it is true and not Urban Legend that the St. Regis has some park view rooms.

The St. Regis is consistently rated one of the top hotels in the world.

I'm sure they'll charge an arm and a leg but I think the St. Regis is worth it.

I'm with GoTravel all the way. St. Regis, Pierre & Carlyle. I don't know too much about the Ritz Carlton. I've been in the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental. The decor is a bit spare for my taste & I don't love the location although with a great intro offer it could be an experience. Nice problem to have. There's also the Lowell-very European, all suites, some with terraces. Don't know about views.