New York trip

I've been to New York several times but it was always with my parents who arranged everything, so I really don't know the layout of the city and prices. (I have travelled extensively, but it has always been arranged by my parents or with a travel agent). I'm sure it's quite easy, but I just don't know about prices.

Last time I went to NY was about 5 years ago, so I was about 14. I'm back now with some friends. We want to buy some stuff we can't find in Montreal. I'm mainly going because I want to shop in the Givenchy and Ferragamo boutiques. I like their clothes and you can't really get it here.

For hotel's I'm looking at about $500 a night.

My parents and I have stayed at the Waldorf which I liked, the Plaza - I threw up on my bed hahaha, the Ritz (there are two apparently... it was the one by central park), this very shady place in Queens that we quickly left when we discovered cigarette burns everywhere, and a place called The Pierre (that place tried too hard to look like Versaille).

I can't really ask my parents because they're not supposed to know that I'm going. I'm missing a family event to go (I really don't want to be there).

So basically I'd like a nice room, close to the boutiques and if possible not too far from Juilliard and Mannes. I'm going there to play for some people. I really have no idea about the layout of New York so that would be helpful.

Also, do you guys know how to get on talk show audiences? My friends and I have always wanted to go on Conan or something like that and yell a lot.

Finally, where are the nice clubs in NYC? Remember we're from Montreal so we're quite spoiled in that regard. If any Montrealers are on here, we're looking for places like Time, Buenna Notte, or Globe. O, and a really cool dive bar would be fun too... like $2 drinks and tons of "hoes".

Thanks for any help.

Two options for you. The Carlyle http://www.thecarlyle.com/ or The Pierre. Anything else, you're compromising.

What about the Trump International or the Mandarin Oriental?

What about the Trump International or the Mandarin Oriental?

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Gauche

I guess both of those are a bit more expensive than $500/night, looks like about $700 for the Mandarin Oriental and $500-700 for the Trump International.

I could give you tons of well established, very upscale hotel spots but it doesn't sound like you want anything to stuffy.

Look into the Hotel Gansevoort. It's in the Meatpacking District but since it sounds like you may want a trendy/happening/wannabe (no offense intended to you) spot (although meatpacking has peaked & can be extremely pretentious it still has its good nights and spots). There's a new Japanese restaurant, Ono in the hotel and it's across the street from Spice Market, which gets packed even at 7:00. There are tons of clubs in the area, but you are too young for most and some places have a very strict door even if you are of age, especially for men.

Juillard is a bit far (Lincoln Center area) but quite easy to get to via the express A train from 14th and 8th (one block away from the hotel). Of course you can always cab it.

The new Ferragamo flagship is on 5th avenue in Midtown (I think 53rd st). There's a Ferragamo store in Soho as well, no sure if it closed already....Givenchy is on Madison and 63rd....I'd suggest you check out the Co-op floor (5) at Barneys as well if that interests you.

I guess both of those are a bit more expensive than $500/night, looks like about $700 for the Mandarin Oriental and $500-700 for the Trump International.

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I don't at all mean to be rude, but staying at the Mandarin Oriental and Trump International would be social suicide for certain people (me not included - I am poor and can't afford to stay even in Red Roof Inn . If you like Mandarin Oriental but want more discretion, please consider its cousin, The Mark: http://www.themarkhotel.com/

I didn't think those recommendations were out of line considering he was mentioning the Waldorf and Plaza, what do you not like about the Mandarin, et al?

I didn't think those recommendations were out of line considering he was mentioning the Waldorf and Plaza, what do you not like about the Mandarin, et al?

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I do like the Plaza, Waldorf and Mandarin. But they are not my favorite.

But privacy, refinement, personalized service (measured by staff-to-guest ratio, which I would argue is the most important indicator of a hotel's level) and discretion can only come from places like The Carlyle, The Pierre (maybe not as much) and The Mark.

Even then, nothing beats being a guest of a 721 Fifth Avenue resident.

I'm most concerned about the quality of accomodations and location when it comes to hotels, it's nice to have a high level of service but I find myself not really needing to be catered to, to have a good experience. Personally I prefer to find the best possible combination of value, luxury, and location.

I have several friends that frequent NY and they all love the 4 Seasons, which is no surprise- best hotel chain in the world IMO.

I find myself staying at the Peninsula in cities where they have them, that actually may be a good choice for NY as well, it appears the rooms are in the $500 range there.

I really like the Roosevelt Hotel. It is a grand, old hotel located directly across Madison Ave from Paul Stuart and Brooks Brothers.

It has a very nice wood panelled bar and the lobby is stunning.

And, when we stayed there the weekend of 10/31, we were able to find a room for less than $200. Why pay $500 for a room? Use the $300 you are saving to buy more clothes.

How about the Sherry-Netherlands? or the The Stanhope Park Hyatt New York? Which is located around The Met / Guggenheim area. Last time I was in Manhattan I stayed at The Regency, and had a very good experience: http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/ne...source=adwords Jon.