Weekend Manhattan Getaway...without Kids
 

My husband and I are finally able to get away for a weekend in June....WITHOUT THE KIDS. I need to find a place to stay in Manhattan. We are willing to pay to stay at a nice hotel since this is our first getaway without the kids. We've done the touristy things before so this time we want to just shop and eat. We are only staying 2 nights in Manhattan. We have tickets for Wicked. Any suggestions for a nice hotel and good places to eat? We are not picky eaters and enjoy good places to eat. Thanks for any suggestions to make our weekend memorable and fun.

If you want to be near the theater, the London hotel is very nice, well located and all suites. The Gordon Ramsay restaurant is inside. Nearby is Le Bernardin (outstanding french seafood), ViceVersa, a popular Italian and lots of other things.

If you want something a bit trendy, maybe the Gansevoort Hotel in the meatpacking district with a dunking pool on the roof. If the scene is not your scene, The Giraffe hotel is a smaller place known for good service in a nice area for restaurants. The Gramcercy Tavern and Eleven Madison Park are nearby and considered very fine.

If you're more casual folks, none of these may appeal to you in which case we need more direction.

How about staying on the beautiful, residential Upper East Side?

Amazing Hotels:

http://www.themarkhotel.com/

http://www.thecarlyle.com/

Several fantastic, well-reviewed restaurants have opened on the UES, including Sfoglia, Spigolo, and Cafe d'Alsace.

Or, if you just want to soak up some atmosphere, walk along 2nd Avenue from the 70's to 86th. It's an incredibly vibrant area, with dozens of restaurants with sidewalk seating.

Gekko, the Mark opens in the fall. This poster is coming in JUNE.

Oops, I missed the timing.

We'll add the Melrose on East 63rd to the list, although I prefer the 70's and 80's.