New York has been through a lot in the past year, but as things are opening up, the city is starting to, slowly but surely, feel energetic again. It's not going to happen overnight and it's going to take some time for the "for rent" store signs to, well, not be for rent. But, if we don't have hope or optimism, what do we have?

This post isn't about what the city has been through, but rather, to share some recommendations of what hotels to stay at and where to dine in the city.

A couple of my girlfriends and I (all moms so all especially tired) are planning a night out. We brainstormed and figured that just going to dinner and coming home wasn't enough. We wanted a nice hotel so we could have a few drinks, dance in our room, get ready and then head to a fun dinner.

My Top Recommendations

Williamsburg

Stay at the William Vale (Williamsburg) and dine at Leuca or Lilia. For a spa day, go to Bathhouse.

Stay at the Wythe (Williamsburg) for amazing views, dine at Lilia followed by drinks at Le Croc. For breakfast, walk up to Chez Mante for amazing pancakes.

West Village & Downtown

Stay at the Greenwich Hotel, drinks at Bar Pisellino and dine at Locanda Verde. Greenwich has an amazing spa, but AIRE spa is also nearby and open. You can also uber to any of the incredible restaurants in the West Village, like two personal favorites: American Bar (great martinis) or L'Artusi.

Hudson Yards

Stay at the Equinox in Hudson Yards and dine at either Estiatorio Milos, The Edge or Electric Lemon.

Brooklyn

Stay and dine at the One Brooklyn Bridge, especially as it gets warmer. The views are spectacular!

Soho & Luxury Options

You can stay at the brand new ModernHaus Soho where they have a rooftop restaurant and bar.

Stay and dine at the Baccarat Hotel for an amazing luxury experience. They're also known to have an out of this world spa.

If you feel like I'm missing a hotel/restaurant combo, please let me know in the comments and I'll add it in!