Going to NY?

My co-worker and cube-neighbor Mark asked me this morning if I had any suggestions on where to stay and what to do when visiting New York. My list of old haunts and must-dos is below, but I would love comments and suggestions from others to broaden even my narrow list of locations (especially hotels, I rarely stay downtown and instead take the LIRR into the city when visiting my family). Please leave comments with further suggestions.

Where to Stay:

• Marriott Marquis (Midtown)
  Not only a good place to stay, but also has "The View", the only revolving restaurant in NY. Hit the bar and get a drink (expensive, but the one drink minimum is worth the view).
• Abingdon House (Greenwich Village)
  I've never been, but I've heard it is a really nice B&B like setting.
• Grand Hyatt (midtown)
  I've stayed a few times... it’s a nice hotel, good location, a little pricey but if you are a Hyatt Gold Passport points whore like I am, you’re willing to pay a few extra bucks to get those points.
• Milford Plaza (midtown)
  The lullaby of old Broadway.

Where to Eat:

• Becco (Midtown)
  Love, Love, Love this restaurant. For those who watch PBS, the owner of this restaurant is Lidia of Lidia’s Kitchen. Make reservations!
  Caesar Salad
  Becco's version of the classic Caesar salad
  ~ or ~
  Antipasto Misto
  An assortment of marinated & grilled
  vegetables with assorted seafood
  
  ~ followed by ~
  Our renowned unlimited table side service of
  our Chef's three daily pasta preparations
  $21.95
• Carnegie Deli (midtown)
  Some people will tell you to go to the Stage Deli, I'm more about Carnegie. The location, the kitsch factor and the pastrami are quintessentially New York.
• Trailer Park (Chelsea- downtown)
  This has become one of our favorite bars/cheap eateries in Manhattan. You can settle down in the bowling alley seats section and people watch everyone walking by. The theme of the food is comfort; mac and cheese and tater tots are very good. Very kitschy.
• Waters Edge (In Queens, but there is a complimentary Water Shuttle from midtown (34th)
  I've never been, but if you are looking for a romantic view, this is your place.
• ESPN Zone (Midtown)
  If you are lucky, you might catch a show being taped.
• Mariella Pizza (Midtown)
  Very good pizza, although most little pizza joints in the city are going to give you a good slice at reasonable prices. This place is actually recommended by Oprah, for those who want a connection to fame.

What to Do:

• TKTS Booth(midtown- Times Square)
  Same day play/musical tickets at 50% off face price. Worth waiting in line
  Visit Playbill Online to see what is playing right now.
• Yankee Game (Bronx)
  If you are fortunate enough to visit while the Yankees are in town, you must take a subway up to the Bronx and take in a game. Be prepared to pay top dollar for scalped tickets.
• Empire State Building (midtown)
  Worth the view (get there early!
• Golf at Chelsea Piers (Chelsea- downtown)
  What better way to fight off stress then driving golf balls over the East River.
• David Letterman (Midtown)
  You must request tickets in advance or wait on line the day of to see if you can get in. Very fun to see a taping. Bring a coat; he keeps the theatre very cold.
• St. Patricks Cathedral or St. John's the Devine
  St. John the Devine is the world's largest cathedral and is never expected to be fully completed due to its size.
• Red Rocks West(Chelsea-downtown)
  Might not be your thing, but it is coyote ugly without all the tourists. If you've ever want to see the lady in your life dance on a bar, this is your place.
• Culture Club (West Village, SoHo)
  Want to dance like it's 1989? This is the place. It has great people watching, bachelorette parties. No cover on Fridays ($25 on Saturdays).
• Live Music
  It is all about who is playing, but places my (very hip) sister swears by are The Continental, The Bowary Ballroom and Roseland. (I know nothing of the Luna Lounge, but it certainly has a great name!) (O'Neill's Irish Bar is also known as Brady's (and Aidan's) Bar on Sex and the City)

Getting Around:

• Handsome Cab Ride (midtown)
  Take a horse cab ride through Central Park. Very romantic.
• PATH Train
  Just in case you happen to want to visit New Jersey you can get there via the PATH.
• Circle Line Sightseeing tours
  What better way to take in Manhattan then to sail around it.
• Double Decker Bus
  It is worth doing a tour once to get some of the history and background stories of the city.
• JFK Airtrain
  It is a pain in the butt to get luggage through subway turnstiles once you get into the city, but the airtrain is much cheaper then taking a cab.

Where to Shop:

• Fifth Avenue (Mid to Uptown)
  While you are our shopping, stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral to repent.
• Century 21 Department Store (downtown)
  Designer labels at discount prices.
• Macy*s Herald Square
  The original!