New ways to see New York

Author: By Jerry Morris, Globe Staff

Date: SUNDAY, June 15, 1997

Page: M2

Section: Travel

Check out ``Show Me New York,'' a high-definition video that takes viewers on an almost lifelike tour of the city, capturing all the highlights in an hour. The attraction, at 58th Street and Madison Avenue, brings together live characters, historical replicas, and a giant-screen tour of the city. Shows are every half hour and cost $11.50 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under. Call (212) 888-5200.

And when it comes to touring, the newest way is by the New York Water Taxi. The service, which debuted in May and continues through Oct. 19, not only takes visitors out onto the water but also provides a new perspective of the city. The 48- passenger water taxis allow shuttle service between nine locations every 20 minutes. Among stops -- the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum and South Street Seaport. An all day hop on-hop off pass is $20 for adults, $12 for seniors and children. Other passes are available including combination land and sea and ``Fly and Float'' packages that include bus or helicopter tours. For information, call (212) 681-8111.

Dining out: On Friday, hundreds of restaurants -- including some of the best names -- will be serving tasting portions of their food for $3 to $5 just outside their entrance. The event, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., benefits hunger-relief charities. Rain date is June 23.

Then, from June 23 through 29, visitors can experience some of the best resstaurant dining at a fraction of the regular price. More than 100 top restaurants will feature a three-course prix-fixe lunch at just $19.97 (beverage, tax, and gratuity extra). Some restaurants will offer this deal through Labor Day.

If you are looking to dine out, the newest and easiest way to find the right restaurant is with the New York City ZagatDisc, available on computer disc or CD-ROM. The program can quickly find just what you are looking for: a place with tasting menu and a fireplace (Sign of the Dove), a steakhouse in the East 40s with a Zagat rating of over 22 (Smith & Wollensky). You name it and ZagatDisc will find it. The disc is available in New York City bookstores for $19.95 or from the Zagat Survey (call 800-333-3421; add $2.50 for postage). Sorry, no MacIntosh.

On the hotel scene: Among the city's newest landmark hotels is the Trump International Hotel & Tower at One Central Park West, with ``the city's most desirable address -- a site where the commerce of midtown converges with the culture of Lincoln Center and the beauty of Central Park,'' Donald Trump modestly notes. Famed architect Philip Johnson created the structure from the former Paramount Building. The hotel has everything, even a staff of attaches, to handle everything a guest could desire. For information, call (212) 765-6020.

After two years of closed doors and a $65 million renovation, the historic 1924 Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan has reopened. The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler says the hotel is ``sure to be New York's hottest.'' The hotel offers a Roosevelt Teddy Special rate of $169 per night per family that includes a complimentary stuffed Teddy Bear in honor of its namesake, President Theodore Roosevelt. This grand landmark is where Big Band leader Guy Lombardo began broadcasting ``Auld Lang Syne'' and New York Governor Thomas Dewey made the erroneous announcement that he won the 1944 presidential campaign over Franklin Delano Roosevelt. To experience the hotel's splendor, call (888) TEDDY NY.

For baseball, check out the Barbizon Hotel's package for Saturday afternoon Yankee games, just a 15-minute subway ride from the hotel. The $220-a-night deal for two includes game tickets, a room, a baseball cap, and even subway tokens. Call (800) 223-1020.

In the heart of the theater district, The renovated Millennium has a Broadway theater package at $219 a night that includes brunch for two and a reduction in the price of theater tickets to $35; those tickets can have a retail value of up to $75. For information on the hotel package, call (800) 622-5569.

Sheraton Hotels are back with their Bed and Breakfast Retreat, available at more than 150 hotels and resorts in the United States and Canada, providing rates up to 40 percent off regular prices and including breakfast for two, seven days a week. For information, call Sheraton at (800) 325-3535.

The UN Plaza Hotel, usually filled with diplomats and others during the week, is a great place on weekends for families and couples. Its Manhattan Weekend Package ($199 to $600 for a two-room suite) includes parking, limo service to the theater district, and a discount on food services. The hotel's enclosed rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city. For information, call Hyatt at (800) 233-1234.

Other ideas for New York hotel stays include Broadway Bed & Breakfast on West 46th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, with rates ranging from $75 for a single to $150 for a two-bedroom suite. You'll find all the amenities of a big hotel, along with a 20 percent discount on food. For information, call (800) 826-6300.

If you are looking for a hotel deal, check out the Hotel Reservation Service, which represents 80 properties with rates beginning at $79 a night. Call (800) 846-7666 for this free hotel booking service.

Festive idea: Performers from around the world will be joining this year's Lincoln Center Festival July 8-27. The festival includes more than 100 performances of music, dance, and theater. Last year's festival was hailed by The New York Times, and this year's promises even more. Among highlights will be the New York debut of England's Royal Opera and Kurt Masur directing the New York Philharmonic. For information, call (212) 875-5030.