[pegah]

Here I go again, discussing another girl's trip (I haven't taken even one of the dozens I've been talking about) BUT I am once again trying to plan a girl's weekend getaway, this time to NY!

I've been there several times but for business rather than pleasure. Any tips on shops not to miss and restaurants to try?

Any tips on hotels you've tried and loved?

I just need an oversized floral accent dress and a Prada tote and I'll be living the Sex and the City dream if just for a weekend

[ElleH]

I went on an NYC girls trip over Easter, had a FANTASTIC time. Our fav. restaurant was Il Bastardo. It had a great trendy atmosphere and excellent Italian food. Plus the price range was reasonable for a fancy place. We stayed in lower Manhattan and found everything a lot less expensive than being in mid Manhattan (near time square and the other big tourist sites). Definitely pay the premium to stay right on the subway line, it makes travel time very quick and you can get a lot of things done in a short amount of time.
ENJOY!

[stockaberry]

Originally Posted by ElleH

I went on an NYC girls trip over Easter, had a FANTASTIC time. Our fav. restaurant was Il Bastardo. It had a great trendy atmosphere and excellent Italian food. Plus the price range was reasonable for a fancy place. We stayed in lower Manhattan and found everything a lot less expensive than being in mid Manhattan (near time square and the other big tourist sites). Definitely pay the premium to stay right on the subway line, it makes travel time very quick and you can get a lot of things done in a short amount of time.
ENJOY!

I Highly recomend checking out Burgars and Cupcakes 458 9th Ave (between 35th St & 36th St)! Ive spent New years Eve in NYC for 2 years in a row with my girls and we always stop in. The staff is super nice. And the Chicken burgers are always tasty! Both times we were treateted to cupcakes for our desert free!

[tweetie]

For hotels, you'll probably get better reccs by going to a site like Trip Advisor.

For shopping, I love NYC shopping... all the big US stores are there! For a bt of a discount, I've picked up a few things at Century 21 and Filene's Basement - they carry nicer lines than Winners in general although check the condition carefully before you leave the store!

For restos, I am a huge foodie so the places might be a bit steep. These are some of my most memorable meals: Jean Georges is one of my absolute faves and a must eat place IMHO... he's since exapanded, but the original NYC one rocks. Per Se is also a must do if you have the $$. Nobu is one of best sushi places I have eaten at... I went there shortly after it opened and it's still amazing. Get the rock shrimp! Just FYI, some of them are hard to get a table so book early!

[pegah]

OMG I'm so excited now, thanks everyone! Keep the advice coming, I appreciate it .

[NinthStreetNYC]

My biased opinion is that there are the best boutiques, the best little restaurants, the best shopping experiences available on East 9th Street in Manhattan's East Village. There are a myriad of boutiques, each fairly small, but offering untold treasures -- sometimes at a bargain, and always worth every penny. If you're interested in getting something unique, having a personal, different experience, visit E. 9th Street and spend a few hours. It's well worth it!

Best!
/Mary Beth

[girlstar]

We like to stay at either the Sheraton New York Towers or Hilton on Avenue of Americas. They're the best locations and are well kept.

My favourite restaurant ever is Carmine's it's family style Italian food. Be prepared for line ups at this place.

[pegah]

Has anyone stayed at the Waldorf Astoria? I've heard it's very posh but reasonably priced (from what I can see on Expedia). I would love to have a 'luxury for less' getaway but am still lost in the planning .

[Deb S]

Originally Posted by pegah

Has anyone stayed at the Waldorf Astoria? I've heard it's very posh but reasonably priced (from what I can see on Expedia). I would love to have a 'luxury for less' getaway but am still lost in the planning .

I stayed at the Waldorf once--it was nice but very expensive so if you can get a good deal, go for it. I would stay away from The Plaza though--it's terrible. Soooo overrated.

In terms of restaurants, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Rosa Mexicano on 58th St & 1st Ave--the original location. They have these frozen pomegranite margaritas that just make you happy to be alive! It's a great place for a girls-night-out.

[pegah]

Okay so it's finally happening, I leave next week for NYC - except I'm leaving the girls and taking my hubby instead (I negotiated a spa weekend with the girls instead!). Any advice on sites to see (I plan to go to the Museum of Natural History because we're both geeks )?

And of course I'll be doing some shopping without him, is there a must-visit store? I've heard Macy's is good. Please keep the advice coming!