The prospect of planning a trip to New York City can be daunting; with so much to see and do, it takes dedicated research to create an itinerary that will equally satisfy both you and your travel partner. Now add in the element of traveling with kids; a feat that can be amazingly enjoyable if mapped out with all the necessary logistics in mind ahead of your arrival.
One of the inevitable arrangement details is lodging. Answering the question: “how do I choose where to stay in NYC?” can be a difficult enough decision with a pair of adults; answering this question with children added to the equation can introduce a whole new twist. Believe it or not, the Big Apple offers a plethora of family friendly accommodations. Here’s our quick guide on how to find exactly what you need in order to deliver an incredible experience to all family members:
Location: 57 East 57th Street between Madison Avenue & Park Avenue
Spoil yourselves AND your kids in the lap of luxury at the New York Downtown by Four Seasons. From indoor amenities and luxuries to proximity to iconic outdoor action, this location is ideal for active families seeking a little something extra on their vacation. Before you arrive, be sure to provide the hotel with the names and ages of your children for a tailored treatment experience. Enjoy complimentary amenities like child-sized bathrobes, children’s toiletries, and children’s menus in both restaurants and in-room dining. Opting outdoors? Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge or a bike ride along the scenic Hudson River Park. Up for activities? Head to Chelsea Piers to hit some golf balls, roll some bowling balls or pocket some billiard balls. The concierge can gladly provide complimentary games, coloring books, video games, baby products and accessories, and more upon request. Babysitting services can also be arranged with sufficient notice.
Location: Meatpacking District – 18 9th Avenue
Touted as a hip commercial neighborhood on the far west side, the Meatpacking District is synonymous with the Whitney Museum of American Art, a stretch of the High Line, trendy restaurants, designer clothing stores and notorious clubs. BUT, there is a family friendly element to this district, too. A stay at the Gansevoort promises a luxurious stay for adults as well as a fun-filled, safe adventure for children. The boutique hotel offers complimentary cribs, protective bumpers, pack and play, disposable diapers, bath amenities including body wash, lotion, powder and diaper cream, and sofa beds to children under 13. Plus, there’s a rooftop pool, and even the option to order a customized cake to sweeten your family friendly vacation!
Location: Upper East Side – 540 Park Avenue & 51st Street
Located near the Central Park Carousel, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, The Museum of Modern Art and much more, the Loews Regency features something for people of all ages. Not only do kids under the age of 18 stay for free, but the Loews Regency also offers complimentary cribs and baby bath amenity kits as well as assorted board games and toys, crayons and coloring books, and PlayStation for loan.
Location: Midtown East – 455 Madison Avenue between East 50th & East 51st Streets
Whether you opt for the Family Values, Little Royals or American Girls Place package, you can’t go wrong. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each:
- Family Values: Enjoy luxurious Midtown Manhattan at a discounted price when you book 2 individual rooms (offer available for Thursday-Monday night stays). Take advantage of the 7,000 square foot fitness center that boasts stunning skyline views.
- Little Royals: Are tiaras and swords prevalent in your daily play space? If you opt for this package, you’ll surely reign supreme among your children. Look out for your confirmation email; when you receive it, you’ll notice a costume request form that enables you to select a Royal Knight or Princess costume to be placed in your room upon arrival. Your little royals can also look forward to Royal Palace-themed cookies and a beverage, as well as a 25% savings on a ‘Mommy and Me’ manicure and pedicure at the Palace Spa.
- American Girl Place: It just so happens that The American Girl Place is located a block away from the Palace. If your child has dreamt of visiting this iconic location, then he or she will also enjoy the complimentary American Girl doll-sized travel bed (available to take home) and sweet treat awaiting their arrival.
Millennium Times Square New York
Location: Times Square – 145 West 44th Street
Want to check out what Midtown West is all about? Consider the Millennium Broadway Hotel, which features some spectacular views of Times Square if you can score a room on that side of the building. The hotel also features family-friendly suites and comes with “Ask Alfred” children’s perks. These perks include: include a keepsake teddy bear, kid-friendly toiletries, jelly beans upon check in, and kid-friendly menus, plus some parent-friendly perks to help you plan your stay.
Location: 21 East 52nd Street at Madison Avenue
Close to some of New York City’s most iconic attractions, the Omni Berkshire will have you within steps of places like Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Broadway Theaters, Fifth Avenue Shopping, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and much more. Join the Omni Kids Crew and enjoy a unique experience at this Midtown East hotel. Once you check-in, your child will receive a complimentary backpack filled with items to enhance their Omni experience. What’s in the backpack? It comes with: an activity book with stickers, crayons, 2-in-1 card games, binoculars and a small tabletop game. What’s even better? On the first night of your stay, your children will receive cookies and milk delivered to the room!
Have you had an amazing family friendly vacation in New York City? If you’ve had a phenomenal experience at a Big Apple hotel that isn’t noted in our quick guide, please share it with the Go Airlink community in the comments below!