WEEKEND SHOPPING/SIGHTSEEING IN DECEMBER
 

We are coming to New York in December for a long weekend of shopping and sightseeing. We are staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Can anyone give me recommendations on what shops to visit (we are really into labels), which restaurants/bars not to miss, what sightseeing not to miss and any other information which will make our weekend complete would be very much appreciated.<BR><BR>Thanks a lot

If you are really into labels, than visit your favorite label's shops. Also try Barneys, Saks, Bloomingdales. You can buy fake name brand goods, like sunglasses and purses, on Canal street. Go up the Empire state building and take the Staten Island ferry. Check out a guidebook--there are so many things to do I could never list them all. Check out www.zagats.com for restaurant info. If I knew your price range, I could be more help.

Thanks Jess - any help is appreciated. I stay in Scotland and bought a guide book on the net for new york and it was not much help. Our price range for restaurants is not too expensive dinner with wine say at $40 (if possible).<BR><BR>I have heard about Woodbury Common for designer labels and low cost - have you been??

Hi Kerry -<BR><BR>I'm topping a message for you entitled "Shopping Weekend" which has lots of info you may find helpful.<BR>

Woodbury Commons is no where near NYC, and not a place you should waste time on a long weekend to NYC. Century 21, right at Ground Zero in the financial District, is a great place for designer labels at discount prices. In the same area, you will find Syms discount store too, also a good place.<BR>

Yes - Century 21 Department Store would be PERFECT for you guys! All labels, all discounted. Canal Street has lots of labels too - all fake stuff, some which is obviously fake, some which isn't. Lots of cute Kate Spade bags!<BR><BR>It's too difficult to recommend a bar/restaurant w/o more information on the type of place you like & location. There are 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan (literally).

Kerry,<BR><BR>Hope you don't mind me asking, but about how much ar eyou paying at the Waldorf for that time of year? We are hoping to go in December as well...<BR>Kim

Kim - there are 3 of us coming over and we are paying &pound;77 per night each for a Standard King Room(???)

if you want to go to restaurants that are not to be missed, you should at least consider springing for a meal (above your price range) at a top place. check out the most popular list and the best food list for ny at zagat.com - it will give you an idea of what places there are. keep in mind, however, that for a restaurant (or even a store) in nyc from april to december is a lifetime - you might want to check back in november before you go. the only store i think is especially worth specifically going to is the prada store in soho. woodbury commons is at least 1 hour north of city - it is a huge outlet mall (which is NOT enclosed - i.e. it will be COLD in december) and will also be packed on a december weekend - not worth the cold, time and crowds in my opinion.

Yikes, Kerry! &pound;77 x 3 x $1.42 = $328 per night. That's no bargain, even in NYC and even for the Waldorf in December. It sounds like the rack rate. Have you looked into any of the online booking sites?<BR><BR>A King room usually means a room with one king-size bed in it. Unless this room also has a sofabed, you might want to switch for a room with two double beds in it?

Syms has opened a branch on Park Avenue in the 50's, a few blocks from your hotel on the opposite side of the street. Couldn't be more convenient.

Actually, xxx3, that is the rate that I have found for the Wldorf in Decmeber as well, and I have checked every discount website I know of. The rack rate is in the $500s. December is a high month apparently!<BR><BR>Thanks for the info Kerry - just checking to see if there were any better deals available! Have a great trip!