Suggestions for 30th Anniversary weekend in NYC
 

We hope to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in NYC this early November. We have not been in NYC before but have traveled several times to Paris, London and Rome. We live in a mid size town and are looking for a nice dinner but not too expensive (around $100 for two) and take in a Broadway show. We would like to stay in the area of the theater district or somewhere close (walking is a favorite city pastime for us). Any suggestions for hotels, restaurants and sights?

First of all, how early in November? The marathon is Sunday November 2 and packs the city. Hotels are expensive and availability can be difficult.

My favorite hotel in Times Square would be The Renaissance. Foleys Fish House is also excellent, romantic and has beautiful views of Times Square. Favorite restaurant is a toss up between Babbo and Gramercy Tavern.

Someone mentioned the Michelangelo which is close to Times Square and very nice is the Rhiga Royal.

Since there are hundreds of restaurants that would "qualify," how about letting us know that type(s) of food you prefer.
(PS: Both Babbo and Grammercy Tavern are indeed excellent choices, but it would be difficult if not impossible tto get out of either one paying $100 oor less for the two of you!)

I would second GoTravel's recommendation of the Renaissance Hotel, and Foley's Fish House is a great spot for first timers to NYC, since it is virtually floor to ceiling windows overlooking Times Square from either the second or third floor. The view from there is great, and if you let them know it's your anniv. they'll not only give you a great table, but probably offer to take a great picture as well. We celebrated our 30th there. Actually, we divided the time between there and the Rhiga Royal on 57th and 7th. Both are great locations. The Rhiga Royal is an all suite hotel with a posh bathroom and very spacious suite. Both stays were excellent.

If you don't purchase theater tickets in advance, you should still do fine purchasing them at the tickets booth in Times Square, as long as you're not especially particular. You won't get the kind of buys for tickets that you can get in London though [just back from London and Paris last week]

If you have a particular restaurant preference, I'll be happy to offer other suggestions.

Depending on how long you're in town, you might want to consider a museum. I'd definitely get to Central Park one afternoon.

Thank you everyone for your help! I did not realize the marathon was Nov. 2nd which is the date of our anniversary! I guess we may need to change the date or city. Foleys Fish House sounds good and the hotel suggestions are great. As to food, we like most any kind. And yes, Central Park is on my list since I love to visit parks in all the cities we visit. Thanks again for all the help! I am usually on the Europe board but it is nice to "meet" new travelers.

Happy Anniversary! We stayed at the Michelangelo for my hub's 40th b'day, and the staff bent over backwards to make it special. Our room was upgraded to a suite, the concierge arranged dinners and play tickets, and every staff member we met wished him a Happy Birthday...so I would recommend it for a special occasion. It's also within walking distance of the theater district, Time Square and Rock Center, but on a (relatively--it's NYC)quiet street--other details have been discussed here before. Have a wondeful trip!

Hi aj. Congrats on the anniversary. The Muse is also supposed to be a nice hotel in the theater district. I think Patrick posted about it a while ago as a pleasant surprise. You might try Patrick AND muse in the text search.

As to a dinner, if you're going to do it before a show I agree Foley's is a good option. I also like Barbetta on restaurant row (46th between 8th & 9th) in the theater district. It's Italian in an elegant townhouse setting. I believe they have a pre theater prix fixe. The Firebird on the same street also in a townhouse is Russian (caviar, vodka etc.)

Another option is to have the celebration dinner on a different night to the theater which is what I prefer. Somehow I always feel rushed for dinner before a show & then feel too full to enjoy the show. Two out of the way favorites for a romantic dinner are The Terrace Restaurant (Terrace in the Sky) all the way uptown near Columbia University. Excellent food & spectacular view. At the extreme other end of NY Capsouto Freres in Tribeca (downtown) is a lovely place with good french food. This is also a good place for brunch. It's a bit hard to find.

Aj,
You might consider having a really nice lunch at one of the cities better restaurants, as a way of celebrating your anniversary. Several have really good fixed price lunch specials that are an economical way to enjoy some of these places. Cafe Des Artistes on the Upper West Side might be appropriate. Really top places like Jean Georges, Gramercy Tavern, and Gotham Bar and Grill also have fixed price lunches. Per person, you're looking at less than $40, excluding drinks and tip.

I love the great ideas people! Thank you to one and all. I don't know what it is but I feel at home in Paris and London but NYC is a little daunting to me.