New York: from family to fabulous

Stay

Fabulous: The Marcel at Gramercy

Any woman worth her salt will know that New York means one thing - shopping. With the chic boutiques of Chelsea and SoHo on the doorstep and Fifth Avenue within easy reach, The Marcel at Gramercy (www.hotelmarcelnewyork.com) is perfectly placed for hitting the shops, as well as taking in the sights and heading out for a night on New York tiles. Rooms are stylishly kitted out and are affordably priced, leaving more money to spend on those Manolos.

Family: Warwick New York Hotel,www.Utell.com or www.warwickhotelny.com

Ideally situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, your kiddies won't have far to walk to discover many of the city's most famous sights. It's a short stroll to the beautiful central park, where you can ice skate in winter; check out the small but perfectly formed zoo or treat the family to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the trees.

If you have tiny little ones the hotel strikes the right balance between relaxing luxury for you and services to make life with the little ones easier. Cots are available at no additional charge and children under 12 stay for free with an accompanying adult. The restaurant also provides special children's meals on request and high chairs too. But best of all, babysitting services are available on request so you can still enjoy an evening out knowing the children are safe and sound.

Be warned however, the hotel is just a short walk from the amazing F.A.O Schwartz toy store, complete with the floor piano keys, as featured in the film 'Big'. Once your children have found this gem you might never get out! Take heart though, as turn left out of the hotel and you'll stumble upon the hallowed store that is Manolo Blahnik, and quite frankly, it would be rude not to pop in... every time you walk past.

Day trips

Fabulous: The 'Sex and the City' tour

It doesn't get more girly than a good trip down Fifth Avenue on the 'Sex and the City' bus tour of Manhattan with On Location Tours (www.screentours.com). After hopping on board a luxury coach you are whisked around the city, retracing the footsteps of Carrie and her chums. The city becomes a real-life set as scenes are played out on board as you drive past the actual locations. Highlights include a stop-off at Magnolia Bakery for a delicious cupcake and a Cosmopolitan in Steve's bar, Scout. We also got the chance to have a stroll around some off-the-beaten-tracks streets and found some fab shops like the Marc Jacobs discount store and little boutiques with clothing gems.

Family: Coney Island in Brooklyn (www.coneyisland.com) is the city's most famous boardwalk and the place to catch a ride on a vintage bumper car. The area includes over 35 rides and attractions and claims to be the birthplace of the hot dog, indeed holding an annual hot-dog eating contest that really draws the crowds. With the New York Aquarium, Circus and Mermaid Parade come June, there really is tons to see and do, and will keep both adults and children happy.

We also highly recommend the American Museum of Natural History (www.amnh.org) which is simply enormous. Grab yourselves a map of the rooms and plan your trip around it as there is simply so much to see. The butterfly conservatory and animal and sea life sections are jaw-droppingly good and children will look on in wonder at the life-sized exhibits of seals, whales and every creature walking the earth.

Shopping:

Fabulous: Well, where do we start? New York has so much choice from chic boutiques and sprawling department stores to thrift stores and markets. You're bound to find something you can afford and more importantly, that you love. You and the girls should not leave without stalking the shops on Fifth Avenue. You may bnot find bargains here, but it's all about the experience, ladies. Macy's and Bloomingdales are well worth a visit, and don't miss Macy's deli counter as you can put together your own choice of lunch and cakes that will see you through even more shopping.

Try Filene's Basement and Century 21 for discount clothes and head down to Greenwich Village for a more laid-back shopping experience. And finally, if you're feeling a wee bit homesick TopShop has opened a flagship store in Manhattan, get shopping!

Family: There is no shortage of opportunities for the little uns' to have you dig deep into those pockets. The Rockefeller Centre (www.rockefellercentre.com) has the Nintendo World Store, where kids (and big kids) can hang-out and try the latest video games. Beware, husbands have been lost to this place. Smaller tots will love toy store FAO Schwartz on Fifth Avenue, and the World of Disney (58th St), where soft toys and branded goods reign supreme.

Eating out:

Fabulous: Quality Meats, www.qualitymeatsnyc.com

OK, so a steak joint may not be the typical eatery for ladies that lunch but Quality Meats injects the glamour into the usual meat-fest. While you can still order Neanderthal man-sized portions of great hunks of meat on the bone, cut at your table, ladies will also find the more delicate servings such as the seared three fillets in various sauces which are beautifully presented or how about the Pan Roasted Cod, don't forget your greens either, the Creamed Spinach served in a huge Yorkshire pudding was beyond yummy. Plus, red wine might be the expected accompaniment to a steak dinner but the cocktails are not be missed in this chicly decked out restaurant.

Family: Big Daddy's Diner, www.bigdaddysnyc.com

Children will love the bright and funky décor and amusingly named foods, like the Hoolie Cooile Banana Split and the Cookie Monster Shake. Plus, they might have cutesy names but there is nothing cute about the monster burgers and breakfasts on the menu. Stop off here for a late breakfast and keep the kids going all day long with platefuls of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and cookie dough pancakes. Mmm, cookie dough.

Getting there

Fabulous: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, www.virgin-atlantic.com

Flying upper class really is one life's great luxuries and if you're saving for a super trip to the States why not go the whole hog and book luxury flights? No more cramped legs and someone snoring on your shoulder. The Upper Class Suite allows you to relax, chat and sleep in complete comfort. Plus, there is the personal TV screen showing a huge choice of films, TV programmes and games. So you arrive in the Big Apple refreshed and ready to go!

Family: Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) obviously appreciates the hazards of flying with nippers and has equipped planes to combat kiddy boredom. As well as the new infant/child seats on board the Seatback TVs have dedicated kids channels - V.Tots (for pre-school), V.KiD (for five- to 11-year-olds) and V.T (for teens). The V.Kid channel also includes a blockbuster movie and there are 35 computer games from which your little angels can choose. The K-iD pack is packed full of things to keep them entertained and there is even a special food menu with kids' favourites.

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