1st timers to NYC and am wondering if there is a nice hotel near Bloomingdales or St. Patrick's? We like to stay near the places we want to visit and shopping and going to church are what we would like to do. Upper price brackets OK. Thanks!

The Plaza, 59th and 5th. Bloomingdales is at 59th and Lexington - 3 blocks away. St. Patrick's is at 5th and 50th. Sherry Netherland also at 59th and 5th. Peninsula, 55th and 5th.
St. Regis - 55th and 5th
New York Palace, Madison and 5th

Delmonico Hotel is at 59th & Park, one crosstoen block (=3 regular blocks) from Bloomingdale's. It is all suites and quite lovely. You'll have a kitchen. I have found discount prices there many times.

If price is not an issue, the Four Seasons on 57th Street between Madison and Park is less than 4 blocks from Bloomingdales and about 8 blocks to St. Patrick's. It's one of the top hotels in NYC. The Saint Regis on 5th Avenue and 55th Street is almost equi-distant (about 5 or 6 blocks) between Bloomies and St. Pat's and another of the best hotels in the city. You won't go wrong with either.

If price is a factor, consider the Metropolitan on Lexington at 51st St. Formerly the Loew's, I've heard that the hotel has been refurbished and is quite nice for the price. Great location, too, right on top of a subway stop.