Having lived in New York City our entire lives, we have always loved tiny cafes, small movie houses, and those more intimate places to go. Although we prefer some of NYC's smaller hotels to the larger ones, in fairness to families who come for excitement and a Big City experience, we have included some favorites in all size and style categories, grouped according to location, then price.
This may seem like a very long list of choices, but there's a reason. New York City has become the nation's #1 tourist destination for foreign visitors as the value of the U.S. dollar declines, and higher occupancy rates mean higher hotel prices for all visitors. Be sure to check hotel websites for the most up-to-date information about each property, and for any special promotions.
Downtown Hotels
Ritz Carlton Battery Park
2 West Street off Battery Place, New York NY 10004
800/241-3333 or 212/344-0800
This 298 room (including 43 suites) luxury hotel has all the bathrobes and featherbed perks of your typical Ritz Carlton, plus an amazing waterfront location. Ferries to Ellis and Liberty Islands leave from directly across the street and Wall Street and South Street Seaport are closeby. Telescopes in harbor view rooms enhance the view of the islands and are great entertainment for kids. The Ritz Kids program provides teddy bears, a toy menu, turn down service, and even a "Bath Butler" to make the end-of-day ritual more fun. Babysitting and a children's menu are available. In addition, the Ritz features three dining facilities and a fitness center with spa.
$$$$$
Embassy Suites Hotel New York
102 North End Avenue at Vesey Street, New York NY 10282
212/945-0100 or 800/EMBASSY
This 463 all-suite property where all accommodations offer a bedroom, a living room with pull-out sofabed and a TV in each, boasts a Lower Manhattan waterfront location. Guests receive complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast, evening drinks, and dramatic views of the Hudson River from the 14-story atrium. A children's menu, cribs, high chairs, and playpens help accommodate kids.
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Exchange Hotel
129 Front Street, New York NY 10005
212/742-0003
The modern styling of the lobby, its comfortable seating and floral touches attract many guests to the Exchange located in city’s financial district. While it's smaller than others downtown, guests will still find this 52-room, luxurious, one-of-a-kind boutique hotel to be warm and friendly. The rooms are newly renovated with a unique design and upgraded amenities including a flat screen TV, microwave and mini-fridge, Sony dream machine/CD player, and WiFi access through out the hotel and lounge. Right at the entry are a lovely bar and social area; there's a business center and a loaner boardroom; and the professional staff is always willing to assist you. The hotel is located within walking distance of the South Street Seaport and the subway so your family has access to a variety of attractions.
$$$
Howard Johnson Express Hotel
135 East Houston Street, New York NY 10002
212/358-8844
The Howard Johnson Express Hotel is located right next door the historic Sunshine theater on Houston Street. Aside from being close to the SoHo and Lower East Side neighborhoods, this Howard Johnson, which will remind you of every other one, offers families a clean place to relax after a busy day in the city. With complimentary wireless internet in every room, and continental breakfast, this hotel could be perfect for a family on a budget.
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Midtown West Hotels
Le Parker Meridien
118 West 57th Street off 6th Avenue, New York NY 10019
800/543-4300 or 212/245-5000
Located in the heart of midtown, "The Parker" is in the center of shopping, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, museums, theme restaurants, and theaters. For a temporary luxury residence, try the attractive, modern, fully-equipped rooms (everything from kitchenettes and minibars to call-waiting and fax machines) ranging from standard to large suites. There are two restaurants (Norma's is great for breakfast and the Burger Joint is off the lobby) plus room service and a bar. The fabulous, glass-enclosed roof-deck swimming pool has a great view of nearby Central Park (where the kids will enjoy the antique carousel) and Gravity fitness center offers guests complimentary use of a sauna, whirlpools, and aerobics classes; excellent massages are available for a fee. For visitors looking for activity ideas, "newyorksmartaleck" is a complimentary, web-based idea source for guests; babysitting is available through the New York Babysitting Guild for little ones. Kids 18 and under stay free, receive a NYC Fun Book with crayons, and can participate in age-appropriate fitness classes at the spa. Discounted weekend rates are offered.
$$$$$
Hotel London
151 West 54th Street, New York NY 10019
212/468-8856
This high-end Midtown hotel is an enormous, all-suite hotel, with 591 suites to choose from. Located close to both Central Park and Times Square, the London (formerly the Rihga Royal) is truly luxurious, with its expansive rooms containing great views, big couches, high-tech amenities such as flat screen TVs and iHome docking stations for iPods, and separate living and bedrooms. Some rooms have connecting options to smaller ‘London Flats,’ offering a good option for families that need a little more room. A good value --when they have specials -- if your upscale family needs two rooms.
$$$$
Buckingham Hotel
101 West 57th Street, New York NY 10019
212/246-1500
This hotel, conveniently located on 57th and 6th Avenue close to Carnegie Hall, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art, makes a great home away from home for those staying in New York. Since 1929, the 100-room Buckingham Hotel has served travelers, including many famous musicians who followed the mantra "Practice, Practice, Practice" and played their way into its converted apartments. The Buckingham's deluxe suites have a separate living room (with a pull-out bed) and bedroom, along with a kitchenette. Rooms are well priced, and the Buckingham frequently offers family-oriented, added-perk packages that include tickets to attractions like the Museum of Natural History or the Central Park Zoo.
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The Shoreham
33 West 55th Street off 5th Avenue, New York NY 10019
800/553-3347 or 212/247-6700
This modern, impeccably-decorated, midtown hotel has friendly staff, a great atmosphere and a quiet presence. It offers the same home-like amenities and services as Hotel Wales (both are owned by the same company). All rooms are decorated in a gray and black motif, with Oriental glass doors separating the living room from the bedroom in each suite (suites sleep 4 to 5 and children under 14 stay free with their parents.) Complimentary coffee, cappuccino, and espresso are available in the lobby. A stylish hotel within walking distance of the Museum of Modern Art, Tiffany's, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
$$$
The Blakely New York
136 West 56th Street, New York NY 10019
212/245-1800
Located just west of Sixth Avenue, The Blakely has the advantage of proximity to Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park, and is directly across the street from City Center. The hotel has a club-like feeling, as would a cozy study or library, with woodsy and forest green tones. Its 120 rooms are made up of 44 one-bedroom suites, 11 studio suites and 58 rooms. In the suites, the living area has two oversized armchairs and a day bed rather than a couch, which serves as an extra place to sleep (great for teens, who like a bit of privacy); bedrooms have either a king-size bed or two queens. Connecting rooms (a one-bedroom suite and a room) have 1 king bed, 2 queen beds and a day bed, so they easily fit larger families. Every room has complimentary WiFi access, and a flat-screen TV hangs on the wall in both the bedroom and living areas, so kids can watch their own shows. Stay here in the winter, spring, or summer on non-holiday weekends for the best deals. Children under 17-years stay free. Discounted overnight parking is available.
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Midtown East Hotels
The Regency
540 Park Avenue between 61st and 62nd Streets, New York NY 10021
212/759-4100 or 800/23-LOEWS
Madison Avenue shopping and a Park Avenue ambiance are this hotel's forte. As a Loews hotel, it also has some unique perks like a TV in the bathroom and great dining at 540 Park for breakfast/lunch or The Library for dinner. The Regency proves that "Loews Loves Kids" with welcome gifts for visitors under 10-years-old, babyproofing kits for those under 4, free roll-away beds, and a variety of toys and games. There are special amenities for teens, loaner entertainment systems, occasional specials for grandparents and new healthy menu options. Also, for those looking to include everyone in the family on vacation, the hotel welcomes pets with special room service, walkings, toys, and treats. Children 18-years and under stay free in parents' room.
$$$$$
70 Park Avenue Hotel
70 Park Avenue, New York NY 10016
212/973-2400
Understated elegance and a youthful, relaxed atmosphere make 70 Park an ideal temporary home while visiting New York City. Named for its address (70 Park Ave. at 38th Street), this hotel from the trendy Kimpton group has 205 guestrooms, 30 of which are connecting. Rooms have either two queen beds, two double beds, or one king bed with a sitting area. Sophisticated entertainment features include flat-screen HDTVs, CD/DVD players, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and Soundmatters MAINstage music and sound systems in each room. Unique touches will make your stay memorable like the “Forgot it?” list, from which you can order up items you forgot to pack by calling the front desk. Those who have to work can request an “Office in a Bag,” which has basic office supplies. Families with pets can bring them along, as the hotel is pet-friendly and convenient to Bryant Park, also close to Grand Central Station and within walking distance of the United Nations, Rockefeller Center and Broadway theatres.
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Affinia Hotels
866/AFFINIA or 212/465-3700
These nine all-suite hotels (many of them converted from apartment buildings in wonderful, residential neighborhoods) offer "Only in New York" weekend packages seasonally. These are ideal settings for long-stay families because of their homey feel. Frequent packages include studio suite accommodation with 2 for 1 admission to the Guggenheim Museum and to skating at Rockefeller Center. Properties include the art deco Beekman Tower near the United Nations, the Plaza Fifty in Midtown, and the Shelbourne Murray Hill, with European style and a rooftop garden.
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The Metropolitan Hotel
569 Lexington Avenue at 51st Street, New York NY 10022
212/752-7000 or 800/836-6471
The stylish Metropolitan, a Hilton property that's been restored to its hip mid-century modern archictectural style, boasts a "Metrokids" program that allows children under 18 to stay free and play games from the "I Forgot Closet." Rollaways are available at no extra charge. The restaurant features a children's menu and the kids receive a welcome package upon arrival. You can even bring the family pet along and enroll him or her in the MetroPets program of special perks for Fido or Fluffy. The Metropolitan's savvy concierge is available to help with sightseeing suggestions, information, and maps.
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Times Square & Chelsea Hotels
Doubletree Guest Suites
1568 Broadway, New York NY 10036-8201
800/222-TREE or 212/719-1600
This 460-room hotel (including 12 conference suites and 2 two-bedroom suites) is located right behind the billboards in Times Square, part of the famous Broadway theater district, and is just a short walk from the city’s well-known attractions including Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The Double Tree suites are great for families as each suite features a living room with a sofa bed, bedroom, and bathroom. The suite also includes a microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator and refreshment center. While parents are working at the large work-friendly desk with wireless Internet access, the kids can enjoy two televisions with movie channels and gaming systems. The multi-lingual staff makes it easier for families traveling from outside of the US. As if going around the city isn’t enough of a workout, a complimentary fitness center is available to all guests. The lobby areas are spacious and secure; unlike many hotels, this Doubletree’s lobby is located on the 2nd floor while security guards the 1st floor.
$$$$
The Muse Hotel
130 West 46th Street, New York NY 10036
212/486-2400
On quieter 46th Street near 6th Avenue, the Muse Hotel’s location puts it right near Times Square and Rockefeller Center, in other words, right in the middle of all the excitement of the city. Yet its inner atmosphere is very different from its hectic surroundings. The lobby illustrates this effectively enough, with its warm, brown hues and large number of seats and pillows for the weary traveler. Also a hip Kimpton hotel, it has 200 rooms --19 of them being suites -- that come in a variety of flavors, with king beds or two double beds. Since the Muse is owned by the same company as the 70 Park (reviewed above), it shares a number of the same amenities, like the “Forgot it?” list and the hotel’s acceptance of pets. There is also an in-room spa service, and a 24-hour fitness center. As an added bonus, we found the hotel staff very helpful in answering and aiding us with our questions about the hotel and the city as a whole.
[FTF Note: This hotel is in the midst of a renovation project updating every room in the hotel with new amenities such as flat-screen televisions, complimentary wireless internet, and an iHome iPod adapter. Going floor by floor, many of the renovated rooms are already being used, and the project should be completed by the beginning of November 2007.]
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Millennium Broadway Hotel
145 West 44th Street, New York NY 10036-4012
212/768-4400
Whether you’re staying for business or leisure, the Millennium Broadway sets the stage for fast-action social events, family reunions and even romantic weekend getaways. This newly renovated hotel inspired by Asia's cool style is located in the heart of Manhattan’s Times Square. Standing among two towers (the premier and the millennium), with 750 beautifully renovated suites and guest rooms, the staff give everyone the star treatment and provide everything at your doorstep. The premier tower is especially for guests who want a more private setting, but it’ll cost a little more for its upscale rooms. The friendly, multi-lingual staff is always ready to assist in making your stay more productive, as the hotel seems more suitable for business travelers, but family packages are available and they're usually a great deal.
$$$
Crowne Plaza Times Square
1605 Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets, New York NY 10019
800/243-6969 or 212/977-4000
This straightforward, cookie-cutter chain property features 770 guestrooms and 10 suites, the Samplings restaurant, an indoor pool (a rare commodity in NYC) and sauna, a babysitting service, and cityscape views. Even small pets are welcome. Location is key; guests stay in the heart of New York City with easy access to Broadway shows but beware the hordes of conventioneers.
$$$
Hampton Inn Chelsea
108 West 24th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, New York NY 10011
212/414-1000
This relatively new, high-rise property transports the traditionally highway/suburban Hampton Inn chain into so-hip-it-hurts Chelsea. Kids under 18 stay free in these 144 rooms with high-speed internet access and complimentary breakfast daily. When there's a special, it's a good value for the gallery crowd.
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Uptown & Local Hotels
The Lucerne
201 West 79th Street at Amsterdam Avenue, New York NY 10024
212/875-1000 or 800/492-8122
This Upper Westside architectural landmark next to the former Tattinger's bar (remember that TV show?) and once a college dorm, has been renovated with unexpected flair into a stylish, great value hotel with its own fitness room and restaurant. Its upscale marble lobby is more impressive than the simple spotless rooms, but amenities in the suites (separate BR with sofabed in parlor) such as minifridges, coffeemakers and microwaves come in very handy for families. Can't beat its location one block from the Museum of Natural History, with its renowned dinosaur collection, unless you're trying to get a cab to the theatre district. But, great breakfasts are served in the off-the-lobby bistro, Nice Matin.
$$$$
Excelsior Hotel
45 West 81st Street, New York NY 10024
212/362-9200
Sitting across the street from the Museum of Natural History, and within spitting distance of Central Park, the Excelsior has a great location. But that’s not all it has going for it. This 200-room hotel’s décor evokes a more classical style, with the elegant wood of the lobby and the intricately patterned wallpaper. It also provides spacious suites, with doors separating the bedroom from the living space’s pull-out couch, privacy you don't find often in Manhattan.
$$$
Hotel Wales
1295 Madison Avenue at 93rd Street, New York NY 10128
800/428-5252 or 212/876-6000
This European-style hotel is everything a small Euro hotel should be -- friendly, exquisitely decorated and quiet. Well furnished rooms range in size from standard double to deluxe suite, and larger ones (sleeping 4) also have pull-out couches and a more spacious bathroom. Most don't have separate bedrooms, but all come with CD players, a CD collection, and a full video library for the kids. Other than its elegant Upper Eastside Carnegie Hill location, the hotel's most charming aspect is its tastefully decorated dining room where live harp music accompanies the breakfast buffet every morning. The Wales provides complimentary cribs and arranges for outside babysitting. Although this hotel seems more suitable for a honeymoon than for a family trip to the Big Apple, many choose the hotel for exactly that reason.
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Insider Tips on How to Get the Best Rates
(Shhhh... this is what we do when relatives come to town!) Even when dealing with the more expensive hotels, call each directly and ask for the best price. Most chain hotel reservation agents quote only the "rack rate," but you can usually do much better with specials and themed package deals offered by the front desk staff. Alternatively, travel in the low season (high season is November-December; low is February -- weekends are cheapest). So, try to get the best value accommodations for your family, then ignore the cost and enjoy your trip!
And you can click here to read about FTF's pick of the Big Apples' Best Budget Hotels. For the latest general tourist information, visit VisitNYC online.
