FEATURED LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS New York

Luxé City Guide: New York City

It is likely that you will need more than one visit to even dent the list of must-sees and must-dos this town has to offer. Here are a few suggestions for luxury hotels, the best of restaurants, and what to do in New York City.

Luxury Hotels in New York City

Since opening in 1930, the Carlyle has been called home by leaders in world affairs, business, society, entertainment, and the arts since opening in 1930. It is a showcase of refined tastes. The artwork rivals museum exhibits, as many pieces actually have been in galleries and museums. From dining to entertainment to patron service, guests are accommodated lavishly. This is a hard act to follow. However, the Pierre is not exactly a Motel 6 either. The richly decorated hotel overlooks Fifth Avenue, offering a picturesque view of Central Park and the city. Its proximity to Fifth and Madison puts guests within walking distance to many of NY's finest museums, cultural centers, upscale shopping venues, and fine restaurants. The boutiques of Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and 57th Avenue are less than two miles from the hotel's lobby. Many consider the New York Palace to be the first luxury hotel of Manhattan. Eighty-six of the 893 guestrooms are spacious luxury suites. The Executive Lounge on the 39th floor is reserved only for guest staying on the 30th to the 39th floor- which is the Executive Level of the hotel. Private rooms also are available for business meetings or gatherings.

Best Restaurants in New York City

Plataforma Churrascaria Rodiza is, essentially, a Brazilian steakhouse. The menu is a meat lover's dream with entrees consisting of various grilled meats. The restaurant is three-time Golden Apple Award winner. The award is issued by the NYC Health Department. CitySearch named Churrascaria Plataforma the Best Steak in NY 2006. Japonais serves Japanese cuisine and sushi in a contemporary setting designed by the acclaimed Jeffrey Beers International. The NYC location is in Union Square. Japonais also has restaurants in Las Vegas and Chicago. Head for Midtown West and take in the Russian Tea Room. This is an iconic eatery where intellectuals have been known to catch a bite and wax over the arts and cultures circuits while sipping rare vodkas not widely available in the U.S. The fine dining cuisine in this 80-year young NYC landmark is Russian continental, fusion, and eclectic. It is located in the Midtown West neighborhood.

To Do in New York City

For a wonderfully pastoral cultural experience, check out the New York Botanical Garden. Trek to the Bronx- which is an experience in and of itself- and view 50 beautiful gardens spread out over 250 acres. The International Plant Science Center maintains a section of the garden, displaying bleeding edge horticultural technology with its vegetation. Attend an event by the New York Ballet Company at the New York State Theater. The theater is part of Lincoln Center's Complex for the Performing Arts. It also is home to the New York City Opera -much like Madison Square Garden is home to the Knicks and host to numerous sports and entertainment events. How about a Broadway musical or a play? There are new shows as well as ongoing productions such as A Chorus Line, Grease, A Bronx Tale, or The Fawnsworth Invention.

If you are looking for a nightclub with an eclectic-erotic twist, try Duvet. The club/restaurant's main dining room features 30 customized "dining beds" that are larger than a standard king size. It's ideal for couples and groups.

Don't forget that there is always the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. But you already knew that!

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