The London Lounge

Hotels: The Pierre and the Mark are exquisite and attentive.

http://www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs/index.html
http://www.themarkhotel.com/

Cocktail: The most suitable stop for a civil cocktail is Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle. If Chris Gillespie's playing piano, ask him to play "Surrey with the Fringe on Top." Once he gets past the initial wince, it's an incredible rendition.

http://www.thecarlyle.com/entertainment.cfm

However if you're downtown, The Brandy Library in Tribeca can't be beat

http://www.brandylibrary.com/sections/home.htm

I agree that it's very important to the enjoyment of wearing onc's clothes to be in the proper environment - whether restuarant, bar, etc - where the decor, style and people make you feel comfortable.

I'll second that recommendation for the Mark where I stayed for my first sojourn in NY last year. Currently I'm planning a return visit to spend Christmas in New York and will certainly stay at the Mark again. It's magnificently located.

To date, I’ve had nothing good to say about the Time Warner Center. When you are inside, it is Anywhere, USA.

However, the Lobby Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental is fantastic. The views of Central Park and the Upper East Side are some of the best in the city, especially at dusk when sunlight hits the Indiana limestone on pre-war buildings and things turn light shade of “officer’s pink.” You can also see Pale Male and his progeny soaring above the park.



http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/532000040.asp

I have a friend that has a apartment just above the Madarin's floors at the TW bldg. The corner view is incredible. I haven't dined at Per Se yet but find it hard to believe that it wouldn't make up for the calamity down below.

I would also like to suggest a visit to the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Station

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/pages/details/9747.htm