The Best For...

• By Yael Kohen
• Published Winter 2006

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Mandarin Oriental
(80 Columbus Circle; 212-805-8915)
Designed in subtle brown and plum hues so as not to upstage the view, this 6,000-square-foot ballroom on the 36th floor of the Time Warner Center has 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and Midtown, which, when seen from such spectacular heights, looks like a shimmering sea of lights.

BRILLIANT SERVICE

The St. Regis
(2 E. 55th St.; 212-753-4500)
When it comes to refined service, the St. Regis sets the standard. They have Tiffany china and silver, a ratio of 10 waiters to every guest, and the director of catering, Gary Merjian, who will hold your hand through booking a block of guest rooms to customizing a menu. Each room comes with its very own butler.

CULINARY EXPERTISE

Four Seasons
(57 E. 57th St.; 212-350-6501)
This I.M. Pei-designed modernist shrine is one of the most elegant hotels around. But the true draw is Executive Chef Brooke Vosika due to his American fare and willingness to customize a menu to clients' tastes (vegetarians included).

OF-THE-MOMENT CHIC

Gramercy Park Hotel
(2 Lexington Ave.; 212-920-3300)
Starting in November, the newly refurbished hotel's private rooftop club will open its doors to wedding receptions (non-members welcome). The service resembles a gentleman's lounge in London, with Austrian-inspired décor. During post-ceremony photos, guests can have drinks at the Julian Schnabel-designed Rose and Jade Bars.