18. The Mandarin Oriental

Stepping off the elevator on the thirty-fifth floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, you will find yourself in the Sky Lobby reception area facing a very impressive Dale Chihuly sculpture rising out of an oriental moss garden.  Beyond the sculpture is the Lobby Lounge, where Afternoon Tea is served from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm daily, with an impressive view of Central Park.  They are located at 80 Columbus Circle and reservations are required.