I looked into NY hotels for Easter, but my wife and I opted for a few days in New Orleans for Mardi Gras instead.
However, I still have some prices for a few NY hotels written down on my calendar. Because I made the inquiries a few weeks ago, I don't know anything about current availability.
As for the Mark, my wife and I stayed there before and enjoyed it. It's a block or so from MOMA which of course means that it's a block or so from Central Park. There's a restaurant close by, Cafe Boulud, that is definitely worth trying out. I'd recommend going to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel website and checking into the special offers. They have these "fantastic" rates that are good deals, with rooms starting at $299 and suites starting in the low $400's. (All my prices in this e-mail are American dollars.)
Other hotels to consider in that Central Park area include The Pierre, which is a Four Seasons property. The Pierre is right across the street from Central Park (east side). If you click around enough on the website (it can be a maze at times) you can find rates for regular rooms for about $380-$435. I've also found lower rates their in the past by calling the hotel direct. I stayed at the Pierre a few years ago and enjoyed it. Some rooms can be a bit small though for the price. Even if you don't stay at the Pierre, I recommend having a drink in their bar.
The Ritz Carlton has opened up a new central park location (central park south). My wife and I stayed there a few years ago. The standard rooms are spacious for Manhattan (450 sq. feet) and the bathrooms include both a sunken tub and a separate shower. One word of warning. Don't pay for the "deluxe room" instead of the "quality room." They are identical rooms that look into the interior. The only difference is that in the deluxe room you get to look into the interior from a higher floor! Quality rooms at the Ritz were going for $395 for Easter a few weeks ago.
I can't remember what the price of rooms was for The Lowell, a smaller hotel property a few blocks off central park on the upper east side. I always find the best rates for the Lowell by calling the hotel direct: 212-838-1400. You have to let them know you want their special rates or they will quote you their standard rates. The less expensive rooms can be small though. The service at the Lowell is excellent and they have one of the best steak restaurants in town.
Do NOT stay at The Plaza. It is a dump.
If you love fine cheese, DO eat at Picholine on the upper west side.
