When the lights go down in the city…. New York in winter is the best time to go.  Rates are lower, restaurant reservations are easier & stores are still on sale. Dress warm in your Burberry Brit coat and ear muff. Check out new hotels or better yet stay in a true classic.  The secret value tip? Shop consignment!  Don’t even think the stores are small, cramped spaces w/tattered clothing. Expect them clean, well lit w/fabulous designer names but without the designer price tag.

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))?  Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).

The Venerable Classics – Timeless Elegance

Waldorf Astoria The name says it all. “Experience the Legend” of this grand hotel.  Seeped in history this iconic Park Avenue location will create unforgettable moments . Be sure to reserve the Towers, a hotel within a hotel for classic art deco rooms & suites, private check in and lounge. Have cocktails and jazz in Peacock Alley.  You’re guaranteed to be seen by everyone in your Bodycon dress. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or place to meet that first date. (MS)

Palace Hotel  A hotel fit for a queen. Combining the historic & gorgeous Villard mansion w/ a 55 floor modern tower this newly remodeled hotel ($140 million) will take your breath away. Rooms luxurious, location is perfect. Dark seductive Trouble’s Trust is the bar to travel single and get into trouble in those Stuart Weitzman Booties. (MS

New, Hot and Edgy

Viceroy New York – Most highly anticipated opening. Happening rooftop lounge courtesy of the Gerber group. Travel w/ your single friends (S)

Hotel Americano -this brand new ultra modern, downtown hotel near hip Chelsea will blow you away. Building designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norton, interior by Arnaud Montigny (of Collette Paris fame); his first American project. Yes, a bit of form over function but with Japanese inspired rooms (think beds on platforms), chic restaurants (wear your printed leggings) and the High-line outside your door do we really care? A perfect travel trip for singles. (S)

Where2Dine – The Classic is reborn

Dine at Villard Michel Richard in the Palace Hotel.  This Michelin star chef offers fine dining (stunning glass inclosed wine cube) or the more casual but equally exquisite Bistro. At the Bistro we ate the best crab cakes, chicken and splurged on the mind blowing banana split. Might make the RVN dress a bit tight but it was worth it!

New Kid on the Block – Meat is Back Head to Tribeca to Mark Forgione’s new American Cut for cool decor, steak, thick fries and great martinis.  Warning…Every New York trip must include Minetta Tavern. Always buzzy, best hamburger in town, hidden behind red velvet drapes. Tip:Don’t miss new hot spots Charlie Bird and La Esquina

Where2Shop – Consignment

Stroll Madison Avenue to our favorite store Michael’s, in business for 60 years. At 79th st climb to the second floor where you’ll find Prada, Channel, Louis Vuitton & more all in perfect condition.  We can tell you firsthand our special fur coats, (dresses, (find that perfect one for you’re first date) and fur bags are from here. Jaw dropping prices! Michel’s daughter Laura now runs the store.  Tell her Wear2Where sent you. Absolute value!

Madison Ave is a treasure trove of consignment shops. Try Roundabout on 72nd off Madison, Encore on 84th and Colette on 92nd st.

Where2Play at night

Head to Goldbar the most sophisticated bar in town.  Behind velvet ropes you enter a room dripping in gold from ceiling to walls. Immense crystal chandeliers & if you look closely, you’ll see 2500 gold skulls on the wall  Two other finds- the new Tao in the Maritime w/ its huge Buddha & immense dining room &  Fat Black Pussycat Bar on 3rd St.  Don’t let the name fool you. Descend the dark staircase into an underground bar and nightclub.  Excellent music.

Like cigars? Like dark smoky rooms? Head to Lexington & 73rd for Bars and Books

 SHOP NOW FOR THESE ITEMS TO COMPLETE YOUR TRIP!