by Tracy Kaler, The Telegraph, January 18, 2018
An insider's guide to the best hotels in New York for families in varying price ranges, featuring properties with suites, kitchenettes, children's amenities and activities, and special family-friendly packages in areas including Midtown, Central Park, SoHo and the Meatpacking District.
The Lowell New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Flawlessly decorated and child-friendly, this luxury hotel assumes the qualities of an upscale city apartment. Suites come with kitchens, and some have fireplaces too. Babysitting services are an excellent perk for parents, who sometimes yearn for a grown-up night at the theatre or an evening of fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Majorelle. Situated on the Upper East Side only two minutes from the park, The Lowell puts families minutes from the Central Park Zoo and other park attractions, as well as a walk from Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue that’s home to seven of the city’s most notable museums, including The Met. Read expert review. From £543per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Iroquois New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Expect large rooms and sprawling suites in this family-owned hotel that welcomes children with open arms. Upon arrival, younger guests receive a gift bag with a custom colouring book, crayons and a rubber duck for bath time. The tykes can test their artistic ability as they colour New York sights and attractions such as the Bronx Zoo and Ellis Island, learn a few fun facts about NYC. While Triomphe, the on-site French bistro, caters to adult diners, the chef is happy to whip up something child-friendly in the kitchen. Just ask. Read expert review. From £137per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Benjamin New York, United States
9Telegraph expert rating
This suite-centric hotel boasts 209 rooms, and 107 are one-bedroom apartments complete with kitchens. The American Girl “pyjama sleepover” package ($20/£15) caters to children and their dolls, granting little ones their own personal shopper at the store (only four blocks away), a welcome letter and gift bag with an American Girl doll-sized travel bed, pillow and blanket. The Benjamin takes sleep seriously (pillow menus in every room) and children catching their Zs is as important as parents. For ages two to 10, the Winks’ Kidzzz Club provides a child-sized pillow and bathrobe, bedtime books and at check-out, a Wink’s sleep certificate. Parents can purchase Winks the Owl dolls, which make for excellent take-home souvenirs. Read expert review. From £155per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Young travellers who love the outdoors couldn’t ask for a better place to hang their hat than The Ritz-Carlton. Located on Central Park, this hotel gives families a plethora of options for an active holiday just by crossing the street. It accepts up to three children in one room at no extra charge (one crib is permitted). Children should anticipate cookies at turndown, a dedicated kids’ menu that includes a breakfast taco, gluten-free ravioli and meatballs, and fun family movies to boot. The concierge will gladly curate a custom itinerary to be sure that guests with children make the most of their time in the city that never sleeps. Read expert review. From £484per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Suites at this budget-friendly property are spacious by any hotel standard and don’t run short on storage. Family Rooms accommodate up to eight guests, with two queen-sized beds or one king-sized, a sofa bed and twin bunks, a dining table, mini fridge, and two full baths. Gastro at 35 is a child-welcoming tapas restaurant whose limited “l’il menu” features dishes like mac and cheese and chicken tenders. Its regular selection headlines a host of any-age dishes like quesadillas, burgers and flatbreads. It boasts a convenient location near to the Empire State Building and High Line – two attractions that children love. Read expert review. From £96per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Shelburne NYC New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Rooms (which are mostly suites) in this hotel feature plenty of space. All have kitchenettes; ideal for coffee and a bagel in the morning and prepping light meals. Order a Fresh Direct grocery package that includes grab-and-go snacks to be delivered straight to your room. Going to sleep has never been so much fun thanks to the Starry Night package ($50/£38), which helps children set up their very own campsite. This indoors adventure-filled kit comes with a teepee, a nightlight that projects stars on the ceiling, and a goodnight storybook for sweet dreams. Other child-friendly perks include play pens and New York neighbourhood colouring sheets with crayons. Read expert review. From £150per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Le Parker Meridien New York New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Due to its sizable suites that provide separate living spaces with queen pull-out sofas, this hotel overflows with a family vibe. Feel right at home with Le Parker Meridien’s warm, down-to-earth staff, happy to accommodate special requests. Other significant perks include the rooftop pool, babysitting services and two child-friendly restaurants. While it’s pricey, Norma’s likes children “more than whipped cream” and cooks up pancakes, waffles and other breakfast edibles every day until 3pm. Don’t let the divey interior fool you – Burger Joint flips some of the juiciest burgers in town and is far lighter on the wallet (a hamburger is less than $10/£7.50). Read expert review. From £162per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Plaza New York, United States
7Telegraph expert rating
Recognised as one of NYC’s most family-friendly spots, this historic hotel across from Central Park puts guests in a keen location for a wealth of sights and attractions. In case you haven’t heard, Eloise – whose antics have beguiled guests for decades – lives in the hotel! Little ones can mimic the life of this fascinating character when they stay in the Betsey Johnson-decorated Eloise Suite, attend the Eloise Tea in the Palm Court, browse the Eloise Shop, and take part in special events and celebrations. Families will discover several dining choices in the hotel, but the Todd English Food Hall offers a plethora of deliciousness at its nine unique food stations that include pasta, pizza and a taqueria. Read expert review. From £412per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The James New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
Though rooms at this hip downtown hotel tend to be smaller than some competitors in the area, The James concentrates on service and details. Upon arrival, children receive a welcome gift, snack trios, macaroons, and Oatmeal Whoopie Pie kits. Board games, a PlayStation and G-rated DVDs entertain the children for hours, and milk and cookies at turndown are a bonus. For activities, guests are welcome to loan out bikes for a spin through the streets of SoHo and shoot hoops on the basketball court alongside the hotel. Staying in this pocket of Manhattan puts families in proximity to Vesuvio Playground, the Tenement Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Arts and Chinatown. Read expert review. From £183per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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This article was written by Tracy Kaler from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
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