As to my previous post Rennaissance in New York Does anybody know about this hotel? Good restaurant in Chinatown in New York?

Haven't stayed there, just went inside and looked around and it appeared to be very nice.

For dim sum, try Lei Jing Restaurant on Bowery St. right across the bridge from the Manhattan Bridge.

For dim sum, try Lei Jing Restaurant on Bowery St. right across the bridge from the Manhattan Bridge.

Former Mayor Ed Koch says that most of the restaurants in Chinatown have his picture in the window but the way to tell if it's worth eating in one if if he's smiling in the picture.

Stayed at the Rennaissance (theater district) in May. Very nice hotel. Large rooms with two phones, comfortable chairs,table and desk, iron and board, coffee maker, large marble baths. As a woman alone, I felt very secure. You must show a room key to get beyond the first floor lobby late at night. Excellent location. Very quiet (soundproof) for a NY hotel. A rare thing.

Just got back from a week in NYC. Took the advice of Fodor Guide and this forum and went to Joe's Shanghai at 9 Pell Street. Food was excellent!! Be prepared to share a table. Don't miss the soup filled dumplings (pork or crab - ask the waiter for the "soup buns") Also had the shanghai fried flat noodles and the braised tofu with spinach - incredibly good!

FYI - Joe's Shanghai just opened uptown, 24 W. 56. Haven't been there yet - but it may be worth a try. (Now that I learned how to eat a soup dumpling!)