he luxurious Raleigh Hotel has been restored to move in sync with modern times, but it still retains the 1940’s grand feel. When you lay the first step into their lobby of polished wood, terrazzo floors and the intimate martini bar, it’s like a warp back in time. A favorite location for fashion photographers, models, New Yorkers and collegiate types, the Raleigh exudes hip. Their famous fleur-de-lis pool is a signature attraction and you can just picture water aquatic stars in their bob-caps and frilly bathing suits to do some leg spinning action for you.

The lobby restaurant is also a place to be seen with NYC chefs at the helm, you are guaranteed a great meal. Eric Ripert of NYC's Le Bernardin fame whose title is "directeur de cuisine" and whose on-site chef, Keith Harry of NYC's Butter, will be providing hearty, fattening fare like chicken stuffed with chorizo and truffle fries. Grab yourself a drink and just pish the night away with lots of drinks and all-star cuisine. –A.C