I am surprising my husband for his 60th birthday, and taking him for four days to NYC in September (either second to the last or last weekend of September). Yes, I know I am really planning ahead here.

My family and I spent a week last Thanksgiving in NYC and had a fabulous time. We stayed at the Grand Central Hyatt and got a great rate for a suite, especially during that time. The hotel was fine, and the location was great.

This time it is just my husband and I celebrating his 60th. We want to take in a few plays (we didn't do that on our prior trip), head back to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MOMA, eat at great restaurants and shop.

1). Where to stay? Yes, I could look at the unbelievable volume of hotels in this forum; however, it always seems so specific. Here's what we would like: good location to what we want to do, smaller hotel that feels more intimate, a hotel that has a bar area so that we can stop for a drink coming home/going out or at least one nearby, and a hotel that is close to good restaurants. I have read about the Algonquin, and it seems like something we would like. I prefer a more contempory hotel, but so many are traditional and that's okay. Comfortable is key. My price range can be up to $400/night. Also, what is the best timing to book a hotel?

2). Where to shop? I have many of the same major department stores where I live. Plus, we don't pay taxes on clothing in my state, so I prefer to find the unique and unusual that I can't get here. I am looking for smaller shops that cater to women who prefer a classic, yet contemporary look. I am 47. How do I find out about the different types of shops in New York? Is there a website? With only 4 days, I want to be focused on where to shop.

3). As for the theatre, I will send another post requesting information as it gets closer to when we are going. My husband expressed a desire to come back and hit the theatres on our next trip. What is the best timing for buying tickets?

4). Restaurants...we prefer a local chef. We don't need to go to the hottest restaurant in NYC nor do we want to pay the price. We do; however, want to go to some great restaurants that locals recommend to their friends. We prefer simple preparations with high quality, fresh ingredients.

Thank you all for your expert advice. I am so grateful for the help I have received in planning my trips. Our Thanksgiving trip was largely planned with the help of Fodor experts. Thank you!

A hotel you might want to look at is the Michelangelo - good location but quiet in hotel and they have a nice bar/seating area where you can have a drink or light food late afternoon or at end of night and often a piano player. We have booked on web with them and had good prices.
www.michelangelohotel.com

Shopping, so much! You might consider buying the zagats guide to new york shopping - on zagat.com and they also have them for theater, nightlife, etc
as well as ny magazines at your library

Tickets: if there is somthing you really want to see that will be playing in Sept, and you absolutely wnat to be sure you have them, I'd buy as soon as you decide - otherwise you can go to the ticket booth (the one at seaport usually has little to no line vs. the one in time sq, and that area is lovely in sept to spend some time in too)

if you put "nyc theater', 'nyc shopping' etc into the search bar, you will find lots of threads on both topics too.

The website of New York Magazine is a great resource for your trip planning.

Tell us more about your shopping tastes and your budget. Do you want Italian designer clothes such as Max Mara (one of my favorites)? Paul Stuart is a good shopping resource for women. What kind of food? Some names to think about might be: Wallse; Barbuto; Urena; Spiga: Falai; Devi; The Orchard and Apizz (same owner). Higher end: Danube or Telepan or Sushi Yasuda. Hard to get into but possible if you go early: Lupa.

The best time for getting hotels and theater tickets is now - assuming you want to see hit plays. (If you want to see some things that have been running a while you can often find discounts on broadwaybox.com - about 60 to 90 days out.)

Agree with suggestion for New York Magazine - also Timeout New York - for shopping and dining/nightlife both.

For restaurants - let us know what your budget is/and if you're including drinks or wine - and what cuisines you prefer - and people can make specific recos.

Thank you all for your helpful information.

As for restaurants, we really like all kinds of food, French, Italian, Mexican, American, Asian (all kinds including Sushi). Budget for dinner - including wine/drinks - $150.

I was surprised to hear book the hotel and buy the theatre tickets now for the end of September. I will have to get my act together since I haven't determined the exact date, and child sitter arrangements. How far can I really push it?

Michelangelo looks very nice! Thank you for the suggestion. Would you recommend it over the Algonquin? Prices are better at Michelangelo.

As for shopping, we stopped into Paul Stuart for 15 minutes before needing to get a taxi and get to our plane. My husband was looking to replace his beret that he had lost, and we would pop into stores constantly all week with no luck. As we were speedily walking back to our hotel to catch a cab for the airport, we passed Paul Stuart and went in and sure enough they had one! I didn't get a chance to look at the women's clothing, but I liked the men's side of the store. I will go back there. I'll check out New York Magazine and Timeout New York for other ideas.

Thanks!

An Italian restaurant that fits the description of what you'd like is Il Nido. It's Uppper East side, sophisticated, simple, DELICIOUS, northern Italian. You won't see a tourist and will have an amazing meal with classic service. Ask for the tri-pasta 1st course (not on menu), homemade angel air, tortellini w/ cream sauce, and ravioli w/truffle oil - just perfect!

http://travel2.nytimes.com/top/featu...=1002207987991

We really liked the Flatotel--it's on 53nd St betwen 6th & 7th, quite close to MOMA and an easy walk to the theater district. Very contemporary, very large rooms, classy bar, breakfast included, great staff.

1. Hotels The Sofitel is perfect for you. It's newish, more contemporary and on the same block as the Algonquin (and some other hotels like the Royalton and City Club) so you have a large choice of bars/restaurants (DB Bistro Moderne in the City Club is very good). The only downside to the Sofitel is their bar is very quiet if you really don't want to have to go outside. I think the Algonquin oozes charm, but more in the public spaces than the somewhat smallish rooms.

The Michelangelo is another option that's well located and surrounded by good restaurants including top rated Le Bernardin. I think the rooms (and bathrooms) at the Michelangelo are much nicer than the Algonquin).

The last choice I'll mention is the Essex House, with new ownership. It's not so close to theaters (but not far) and sits across from Central Park. Book as soon as you see a price at a hotel you like. In fact, if you book something cancellable, if you see a better deal or prices go down, you can always take advantage of it.


2. For shopping, you might check Henri Bendel, a small women's dept store on Fifth Ave. & 55-56 st. While it tends to cater to younger women, many of their things are classic styles (like their cashmere sweaters). The only caveat is, you're best if you're size 10 or less.
dailycandy.com is a website with trends in styles and shopping
NY Magazine's website (nymetro.com) has a decent search engine for shopping. They also have some shopping maps for different areas of the city.

3)For theater, it really depends on what you want to see. If you want a blockbuster like Spamalot or even Wicked, the sooner you buy tickets the better. If you're looking for bargains, just keep on eye on broadwaybox.com but know you won't find the most popular shows.

4) I'd suggest you look on menupages.com for rest. info. Chowhound.com and egullet.com are other good websites for rest. info.