anyone have some opinions on which hotel in the central park area would be the "best" in the $200-$250/nite range: essex house, helmsley park lane, le parker meridien? thank you.

I travel to NY quite a bit and have stayed at the Essex, which is a hotel with a 40's era flair. The hotel has a great view of the park, but make sure you ask for it or your window will be facing a wall or another building. Some of the rooms are showing their wear. Le Meridien has just been remodeled and is more art deco. Personally, I like Le Meridien much better. I suggest going to their websites for a view of the rooms.

dawn, what do you think of the rihga royal marriott - have you stayed there?

I am sorry, I have not stayed there. I have stayed at the Swissotel Drake on Park Avenue and this is also a very nice hotel with shopping all around and a short walk to the Park, but I believe that it is a bit more expensive than the others. I also heard that they have opened a W Hotel in NY, not quite sure where it is located, but it looks very relaxing.

There are at least three W hotels in NYC; Union Square, Tuscany and Court. None are very close to Central Park. I also believe there is a fourth on Lexington Avenue somewhere around 50th Street.