Going to NY in FEB. Where to stay?

I'm going to New York at the end of February.  I have a few business meetings in Manhattan.  I haven't been since 2008.  I'm 28 and single.  Looking for an area w/ some good bars and food and decent night life.  What general area would you suggest staying in?

Night life is anywhere from 50th St Manhattan to the lower parts. I suggest you stay around midtown if you don't mind paying for expensive lodging. Lower East Side is always nice. Lots of bars, music, etc. 
I'm not sure what type of person you are but there are strip clubs or clubs as well. 
Food is all around the city. I can recommend different places for different cuisine.  

Yeah not too into big clubs or strip clubs.  I prefer something a little more mellow.  Just a simple bar where I can grab a drink comfortably without being shoulder to shoulder.  Company is offering me rooms at a Marriot in SoHo or across from Central Park.  Which do you think is best?  As far as food I'm open to anything.   I'm not picky.  I do wanna try that filipino spot Maharlika.  Plan on going to a Knicks game while i'm out there too.

ekinria said:

Yeah not too into big clubs or strip clubs.  I prefer something a little more mellow.  Just a simple bar where I can grab a drink comfortably without being shoulder to shoulder.  Company is offering me rooms at a Marriot in SoHo or across from Central Park.  Which do you think is best?  As far as food I'm open to anything.   I'm not picky.  I do wanna try that filipino spot Maharlika.  Plan on going to a Knicks game while i'm out there too.

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Soho is where everything's at. There's 21m,340Canal, a few mom and pops. Kith. Blades. Soho has all the trains that can take you to other stores uptown(10-30min train ride). Soho does have a nice night life. its around lower east side. Chinatown and little Italy is close by. Central Park is more north than Soho.

ekinria said:

Yeah not too into big clubs or strip clubs.  I prefer something a little more mellow.  Just a simple bar where I can grab a drink comfortably without being shoulder to shoulder.  Company is offering me rooms at a Marriot in SoHo or across from Central Park.  Which do you think is best?  As far as food I'm open to anything.   I'm not picky.  I do wanna try that filipino spot Maharlika.  Plan on going to a Knicks game while i'm out there too.

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Soho used to be a good look, but if you're not really looking to get caught up in all the hustle and foot traffic, then soho isn't for you. Staying at the marriot near central park is a better look. Tons of nice lowkey bars and eateries in the area at decent prices. There's also the mall at Columbus circle for a variety of shopping needs. There are many high end stores in the mall however. If you are looking for kicks the selection isn't that of soho, however there's niketown a quick 5 min bus ride away and West which is two train stops away on 72nd st. You mentioned a knicks game, the trains that stop by central park will drop you walking distance from the garden quickly. You're also a quick 15 min bus ride from soho if you do want to check all those sneaker boutiques downtown