New York offers a lot to those with fat egos and an even fatter bank account. But even by New York’s decadent standards of luxury, Above 60 (A60), the rooftop lounge at the 60 Thompson hotel in SoHo (I still don’t get the fascination that NYC hoteliers have with numbers and streets…), is more than just an evening spent at an upscale lounge. It’s a place of quiet luxury for the discreetly rich, where you’ll find people who have everything and yet find no reason to flaunt it, if that makes any sense.

In fact, even if you can afford it, you still won’t be able to get into A60, because its a members only lounge, with hotel guests being allowed in for the duration of their stay. Thus, what I mean is that if you can get into A60, they’ll treat you like royalty, and the service is fantastic and the view glorious - Wouldn’t you like to spend the evening on a rooftop bar gazing out at the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building in all its glory?

Ever since it’s opening in 2001, the 60 Thompson, a 100 room boutique hotel designed by Thomas O’Brien, has become the hallmark of sophistication, along with an understated but ‘real’ luxury. I’m not one for splitting hairs, but as an example, compare Jennifer Connelly against Lindsay Lohan and you should be able to understand the difference between the 60 Thompson and the Times Square hotels offering posh rooms for over 300 dollars.

The 100 rooms at the 60 Thompson are quite spacious by New York standards, with a simple and comfortable decor, deep beds you can sink right into with leather headboards and pristine white sheets, flat screen television, full marble bathrooms, complimentary wi-fi and fresh amenities. Room rates start at $329 plus taxes, which comes to about $376.50 and the upwards upto $1420.69 (including taxes) for an 850 sq ft ’Thompson Suite’ with a King bed, sleeper sofa, two marble bathrooms, a seperate living room, smoked glass French windows, a balcony and seperate flat screen televisions.

Dining options at the 60 Thompson include the Kittichai restaurant, from Chef Ian Chalermkittichai, who serves up a modern and distinctly New Yorkish blend of Thai cuisine, and is well frequented by both visitors and New York residents.

While the colors and decor here at the Kittichai are vastly more psydelic than the hotel, it still reflects a quiet sense of taste and elegance with the bright yellow and orange shades tinted with dark tones and slightly somber lighting. Gorgeous hostesses who could as well be models greet you as you walk in, and the well-heeled clientele, the quiet hum and chatter, the exotic teak cabanas with Ottoman seats, the goldfish in the aquarium, and the exquisite delicacies cooked up by the chefs all combine to make this one of New York’s signature Thai restaurants.

Info: Sixty Thompson Hotel - 60 Thompson St New York NY 10012; (877) 431-0400; www.60thompson.com  

Introduction: Post 9/11, New York, as a city and as the cultural and artistic center of the nation, was in a collective funk. It seemed rather tasteless to talk about art or films or entertainment when our way of life was in danger. But, life goes on, and as the days and months went by, people were searching for a way to get past the WTC attacks and get back on track.

Into this breach stepped Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, who founded the Tribeca Film Festival (henceforth referred to in this guide as TFF) in late 2001 (the first event was held in 2002) as a means of reinvigorating lower Manhattan’s culture using the power of the silver screen to draw a large audience and to promote New York to filmmakers as a resurgent filmmaking center. Considering the 2 million+ attendees who have attended the annual film fest since its inception and the over $425 million that TFF has generated in revenue for New York, it’s quite safe to say that it was, and remains, a resounding success. The film screenings are held at the Tribeca Cinemas, run by Tribeca Enterprises, a multi-platform media company run by the same founders, who also run the Tribeca Film Center and The Tribeca Film Institute, in addition to organizing the Film Festival.

Tribeca Film Festival 2008 Event Guide: Scheduled to be held from April 23rd to the 4th May, TFF this year will feature a drive-in outdoor screening, a sports festival and a family festival street fair (3rd May, from 10 am to 6 pm, Greenwich Street from Hubert to Duane Street), and panel discussions about the business of entertainment which includes the usual ‘Tribeca Talks’, ‘Behind the Scenes’ which features Q & A’s with eminent personalities such as Sissy Spacek, Amy Tan, and Melvin Van Peeble, and moderated discussions lasting an hour each with leading writers, actors and directors at the Apple Store, SoHo. In addition, there will also be an art exhibition showcasing local artists and music shows, also supporting local talent. More information here.

There will be some gala premieres and special screenings which include ‘Baby Mama’, ‘Redbelt’, ’Speed Racer’, ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ and ‘Empire II’.

TFF 08 Film Guide: There are over 200 films to choose from, not to mention the myriad activities and events outlined above. Naturally, it would be a bit of a stretch to be able to comprehensively cover everything, including all the great films being screened. Best way to do it is to browse the TFF website (www.tribecafilmfestival.org) and note down all the events and films you’re interested in (use their film guide), with date and time and venue.

Tickets: Once you have it all planned out, and you know exactly what films you want to see at which show and what events you want to attend at what time, you can go on a ticket buying spree, since the website allows you to add tickets to your shopping cart and pay for it all at the end, when you checkout. Well, that’s how they get you to spend all that money, so…It’s pretty smart on their part. But what the heck, Tribeca just comes along once a year, so have fun and splurge. Remember, it’s for New York.

Another option is get one of their passes. In addition to the all-access Hudson Pass ($1,100) and the pre-ticket selection Harrison($200) and Franklin($450) Packages, this year, TFF will also offer six new package options which offer discounts on ticket prices and allow you to indulge in films which fall under your preferred category, or theme.

American Express has created exclusive packages for cardholders which includes three unique screening packages, along with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and catered food and beverage service. More information and details here.

Main Box Office: 15 Laight Street (between Varick St. and Ave of the Americas, one block below Canal St.) 11:00am - 7:00pm, 7 days a week; AMC 19^th Street East: 890 Broadway (between East 19^th St. and East 20^th St.) 3:00pm - 8:00pm, 7 days a week; Tel: (646) 502-5296, (866) 941-FEST (3378)

Tribeca Film Festival for Visitors: If you’re new, you’re gonna need directions, transportation, a restaurant guide and list of decent hotels in Tribeca, near the venues.  so, for starters, here’s the Tribeca Film Festival 2008 interactive map, which includesa list of venues, subway information and listings of NYC hotels sorted according to distance from each venue, all of which should help you get your bearings. Well known restaurants near the Tribeca Film Festival include Robert DeNiro’s own restaurant Tribeca Grill, Nobu Tribeca, Katz’s Deli and Lombardi’s.

A word of advice - print out this page and whatever else you think is important. You don’t want to get lost because you need to be at screenings around 30 minutes in advance if you don’t want to waste your ticket money. Another last word of advice. Keep an unbrella and/or raincoat handy, cause the weather this time of the year is very iffy and while it’ll be warm and pleasant, you could end up drenched if you’re not prepared. Wear comfortable walking shoes which will allow you to wander around between screenings and keep your cellphone camera handy to take pictures and videos of the film stars and celebrities you’re likely to bump into.

Tribeca Film Festival: 375 Greenwich Street New York NY 10013; (212) 941-2400; festival@tribecafilmfestival.org

Oh, so you just got totally sloshed at a Times Square party, you’re dead tired and now you think about where you’re going to sleep? Well, if you have 3 C notes and a box will do, select your choice - Red, Blue or Yellow. That, in a nutshell, is the Time NY hotel, located in the Theatre District a couple of blocks from times Square, and which supposedly offers refuge from the craziness of Times Square, with a near empty bar lounge and dinky boxes called rooms, which come in three colors - Red, blue and yellow - Take your pick, pay $300, head up to your room, sleep it off, get up and walk out. Worth it? Maybe….Let’s see what else they have to offer.

Well, for starters, it does look kinda trendy and chic. Especially the huge flat screen TV. And the lampshades tacked to the headboard above the beds. The half-windows which make it seem like you’re sleeping in a first class carriage in a train (which would likely be bigger than a room in the Time NY).

The workdesk set against the mirror is another good trick which a lot of designers are using nowadays. Makes the room look twice as big, with the bed and everything reflected right back at you, instead of a blank wall. the shower is like, really tiny, and if you’re a bit ‘healthy’, you might have a hard time turning around in there. But the bath products and the showerheads are neat. The overall effect, like I said, is a very trendy, very chic upscale hotel, and were it not for the size, or lack of it, this could have been a great hotel.

One word of advice - Stay away from the red rooms. Depending upon your state of mind, it’ll look like a B-grade horror film or a Bordello. Either way, you’re screwed. The yellow ones aren’t bad, but I’d rather not have bright yellow walls blinding me. Blues are good, neat and cool. But then, my favorite color is blue, so I might be biased, but still - Avoid the red rooms.

As it is, the rooms have a lot stuffed into the tiny space, with the flat screen TV and on-demand movies, a Bose music system, high speed internet, a mini bar, safe, iron & ironing board, and the workdesk. In terms of amenities, there’s not much to write home about other than the concierge and laundry services, a free copy of the New York Times and a complimentary overnight shoeshine. And the service is well…New York. Don’t expect too much, and you won’t be dissappointed. The Time Lounge, as the bar is called, is virtually deserted, and if you really want to get away from Times Square, and you have to duck into this hotel, then maybe you should first try to spend some time nursing a drink at the lounge, and then see if you still want a room.

As far as booking a room is concerned - Check-in, bath, sleep, bath, check-out. Less $300. Simple and uncomplicated. That’s the Time NY hotel for you. If you want a decent hotel actually located in times Square, which actually has decent sized rooms and baths, and where you actually can expect some service, then you might want to go through this list of New York family hotels.

Info: 224 West 49th Street New York Ny 10019; (212) 246-5252; Photos & Copyrights - Time NY hotel/Vikram Chatwal Hotels - www.thetimeny.com

We’d all love to have mountains of free pizza and burgers, and bathtubs overflowing with beer (the kind of dark water you’d love to be saddled with), but…You can’t have everything you want, and you got to live with the New York you have. Which basically means happy hour, cheap drinks and free food. Why is free pub-grub so important? Ahhh…ever been broke in New York? If you’d ever had to decide between a pizza and a drink, with loose change jingling in your pockets and nothing much else, you’d know very well how sweet a cold beer tastes, and how your stomach rumbles and you twist and turn at night, but somehow the sleep just won’t come. 

Well, broke or not, you no longer need to make that Devil’s choice.  For a dollar plus drink, you can gorge for free on pizza slices and buffett spreads, trays full of burgers, dogs and sausages and lots of free snacks. Below is a master list of NYC bars and pubs offering free food with cheap drinks. Have fun.

Alligator Lounge: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is ground zero for free bar food, and the bar which got the ball rolling on this free food fest in NYC is the Alligator Lounge, where you can grab a brick oven pizza if you buy a drink all night long. Regulars play pool and watch games at the bar, groups keep coming in and going out, downing truckloads of pizas and washing it down with pitchers of Guiness. Photo credit - Garrett Murray/Flickr

Time was when all you saw were chicks in tight jeans and some of the guys from the neighbourhood just hanging around in the evenings. Of late though, its getting too crowded by half, probably because word of the free pizza has gotten around, and there’s all kinds of folks, and gangs of teenagers streaming in and out. And you have to pay an extra $2 for toppings. Besides, with other bars and lounges being spruced up and new ones coming up everywhere, the Alligator looks even more seedy now, and if it weren’t for the free pizza, they’d probably be out of business. But it’s still the Alligator, where people live off the darn pizza, and enjoy it too.  Info: 600 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 (near Lorimer St.); (718) 599-4440; www.alligatorlounge.com

Crocodile Lounge: Let’s just say that the Crocodile is the rich Manhattan cousin to the Alligator’s down home Brooklyn seediness, if you can excuse saying rich and free food in the same sentence. Drinks are costlier, it’s less crowded and the clientele is slightly less diverse and more ‘dignified’, but not by much. Otherwise, it’s about the same. Info: 325 E 14th St (1st & 2nd Ave) East Village New York NY; (212) 477-7747

The Watering Hole: Formerly Tracy J’s Watering Hole, it’s now known simply as the Watering Hole. While it’s lost of bit of the atmosphere with the name change, there’s still weird music belting out from the karoake, mostly drunk chicks and plenty of regulars downing rounds of beers make this more of a regular bar than a free food joint, so you can actually hope to have a fun time and get drunk yourself. Plenty of screens to watch the games, the staff is pretty good at their work and friendly, so you don’t get riled up with botched orders or being ignored. The pub offers a free food buffett during happy hour on weekdays from 5.30-6.30 p.m. The buffett keeps changing so not much point in trying to pin it down to specifics, but hey…It’s free. Info: 106 E 19th St (Irving Pl. & Park Ave. South) Gramercy New York NY; (212) 674-5783

Hank’s Saloon: A Brooklyn institution, and one of the few bars which remains just the same, Hank’s Saloon offers $2 beer with free BBQ sponsored by Soul! Sausage. It’s not just about the food - It’s the live Country music, the cheap drinks, the shows, the vibe, the $2 beer, the free burgers, all kinds of people, young and old, black, white, brown, you name it - Everyone gets drunk and there’s country music blaring out and punks breakdancing with lovely young chicks. Generally speaking, its a wild scene and you’re sure to have a good time, along with the free food . It’s the quintessential New York experience which has been lost somewhere in the glitter of the high-rises and big hotels and the political correctness of the elites of downtown Manhattan, which sad to say, has spread like a virus into Brooklyn. Thankfully, Hank’s Saloon is one of the last known such refuges left in Brooklyn. Info: 46 3rd Ave ( Atlantic Ave ) Brooklyn New York; (718) 625-8003

There are a heck of a lot more bars and pubs and lounges who offer free food, including the Rodeo Bar on 3rd Ave which serves nachos and wings, rocking Horse cafe on 8th Ave with baskets of tortilla chips and salsa bowls at the bar, Trash Bar in Williamsburg which dishes out tater tots along with drinks, Lost & Found on Franklin St. which piles up bagels and hot dogs, and Rudy’s in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood which offers free hot dogs.

Remains to be said that most of these joints serve out free snacks just to maintain the liquor intake, which would be cut down a lot without the food. I mean, it’s quite easy to have a couple more drinks when you have free food on the table. So, the bars which offer ‘real’ food, as opposed to nibblers which will just keep you on the edge and away from getting soused or throwing up, are the ones you want to end up at, if you’re looking for free grub with a drink. And if you have any more bars you know of, feel free to add them to the list in the comments. 

Usually, when somebody says France, the word snobby blowhard immediately comes to mind. In the case of the Sofitel Hotel, this is literally true as all the Sofitels in North America are now wind powered. The Sofitel Hotels chain recently tied up with Community Energy, Inc., a supplier of renewable wind energy, who will supply a total of 1,527,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of renewable energy to all 9 Sofitel Hotels in North America, including the one in New York. This offsets approximately two million pounds of carbon dioxide per year, the impact of which is equivalent to planting more than 800 acres of trees each year or not driving 2.36 million miles. Or all the French tourists in NYC not farting for a couple of days after eating lamb chops with artichokes and garlic sauce. What? The dollar is down and there’s a lot of European tourists wandering about NYC. That’s all I’m saying.

The Hotel Sofitel New York is a classic in every sense of the word - Elegant ambience, stylish and chic, fabulous dining, chok-a-bloc with amenities, spacious rooms and sexy bathrooms which make you want to take a bath, a central location on 44th between Fifth & Sixth Ave - You name it, the Sofitel’s got it. For a hotel which just came into existence last year, the Sofitel oozes old-world European charm and a sense of decorum, not to mention decor, while catering to the modernistic, technological and designer crazy hangups of the Big Apple. Photo Credit - Wired New York

But in spite of fitting right into the New York landscape, the hotel still has a deep Gallic streak running right through it, from the Bon jour you get at the reception to the Gaby restaurant’s French fares and the gift shop packed to the rafters with French products and cosmetics - Kinda like the duty free shops at the Charles de Gaulle airport. It’s almost like the hotel is making a statement - ‘Yes, we love New York. But France - C’est Magnifique. And here at the Sofitel, we give you a taste of how to eat and live like the French.’  Or maybe the designer was someone with an identity crisis, stuck between Paris and New York…

The 398 Art Deco rooms at the Sofitel spread over 30 floors are stuffed with European style furnishings like the heavy red velvet chairs and the dinky table, pictures of old Paris, and large drapes covering the floor-to-ceiling windows, along with the latest in gizmos and gadgets and amenities, including high speed internet, a stocked minibar, pay-per-view movies, cable, iron, and hairdryers inside the marble baths with seperate showers. Rooms are built to accomodate upto three people and rates start at about $455, which includes taxes. For families and couples, the Sofitel offers rooms with connecting doors and special packages like the honeymooon romance package which offers complete privacy with in-room breakfast along with a glass of champagne.

If you want to dine at the hotel, the Art Deco inspired Gaby restaurant, with ceiling mural and artworks covering the walls, serves up original French cuisine along with fusion dishes from around the world, with over twenty entrees that you could lift straight out of an upscale Paris brassierie. The Gaby bar offers a New York experience with snacks and drinks and a relaxed atmosphere for after dinner drinks. For such a highly priced and upscale hotel, the food at the Gaby is remarkably reasonable and filling, unlike the diners at other star luxury hotels. Worth trying at least once, if you’re staying at the Sofitel. 

If you’re torn between the merits of New York and Paris, then you need to take a look at the Sofitel New York. I assure you, the hotel and its staff will do their best to add fuel to your confusion. Simply put, not unlike the Statue of Liberty, the Sofitel offers the best of both worlds - New York and France.

Info: 45 West 44th St, between 5th & 6th Ave, New york NY 10036; (212) 354-8844; (212) 354-2480