Families Will Feel Right at Home at These Spacious and Gracious NYC Hotels
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Yes, New York City is "The City That Never Sleeps" with nightlife aplenty—but it's also a dream destination for families, bursting with daytime activities and sensory experiences for kids of all ages. Explore Central Park, see a Broadway show, catch the Rockettes, ice skate at Rockefeller Center around the holidays, and visit world-class museums—or just spend the day getting lost (and full!) amid endless shops (the kids will surely want to visit FAO Schwarz and the LEGO Store) and award-winning restaurants. Did we mention there are also several free things to do in NYC? In fact, we list 40 of them for you right here.
Now, while the Big Apple is a fantastic destination for all ages, visiting the city could pose a challenge for families, since hotel rooms are typically rather small. That's where our curated list of the best NYC hotels for families comes in. The properties below all offer rooms and suites large enough for families—some will even feel like you're staying in an apartment—with amenities and programs designed just for babies, toddlers, and kids. Think: designer stroller rentals, in-room tents and movie nights, swimming pools with lifeguards, in-room milk and cookies, bunk beds, concierges to help plan a custom family-friendly itinerary, and more.
Plus, these homes-away-from-home boast location, location, location—with some situated mere steps from Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway theaters, and other kid-friendly attractions. Or maybe you'd prefer to stay in a quieter area, like Tribeca, away from the hustle and bustle. Either way, your walkable, fuss-free family vacation (that's properly fun for the grown-ups too) is right at your fingertips with one of these hotels as your home base.
The Plaza Hotel
Not only one of the most famous hotels in the city, The Plaza is also among the family-friendliest. For an extra-special visit, book your stay in The Eloise Suite, which comes with the option of an attached one-bedroom nanny suite. (Other multi-room suites are available too). Either way, enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court, with a special Eloise-themed menu available for children 12 years of age or under. The iconic locale also offers in-room babysitting and childcare by request, and it neighbors Central Park—perfect for family strolls, picnics, and more.
Freehand New York
The Freehand is the ideal spot for larger families and groups, offering high-occupancy room concepts (like triple-bed rooms or rooms with four bunk beds) that appeal to budget-conscious travelers and a rooftop that is all-ages from 4 to 6 p.m. Located in the heart of the Flatiron District (not far from bustling Union Square), kid-friendly activities and shops—like the Friends Experience, Harry Potter New York, and the LEGO Store—are steps away. Plus, foodies will be glad to be a short walk from Eataly, an Italian food haven.
TWA Hotel
The landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport has been reimagined in the form of the TWA Hotel, a no-brainer for aviation enthusiasts of all ages—or fans of vintage style. Two hotel wings sit behind the historic building, with more than 500 rooms offering views of the runways. There's a café and food hall for grab-and-go dining, a rooftop infinity pool and observation deck, museum exhibits, and even a Twister Room, where kids can play a wall-to-wall version of the '60s game.
St. Regis New York
Founded by John Jacob Astor more than a century ago, this Fifth Avenue property has a long and storied history of luxury in Midtown. The two-bedroom suites are ideal for families seeking a posh pied-à-terre steps from Central Park and Radio City Music Hall—and butler service takes the family pampering to the next level.
Hotel Barriere Fouquet's New York
Behold a taste of chic Parisian style in the heart of Tribeca—a quieter area of the city, if the hustle and bustle of Midtown isn't your speed. There are 97 guest rooms and suites, including gracious corner and terrace multi-room suites with indoor-outdoor living spaces—and Le Grand Appartement Terrasse is a spacious two-story suite built for the most decadent of stays. We'd be remiss, of course, if we didn't mention the pastry trolley at the in-house brasserie—sure to delight kids and adults alike.
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park
This luxurious hotel's redesigned suites evoke townhouse-inspired residential living, with a new kid-friendly Club Lounge offering a revolving spread of local eats throughout the day, from the likes of Bouchon Bakery, Kings County Distillery, and Brooklyn Cured Meats. Not to mention, with the property's "Ritz Kids" program, little ones get their own check-in area, a welcome toy, and tailored dining options. Also on offer is a dedicated concierge, a boon for families seeking service and support for an all-ages trip near Central Park.
Smyth Tribeca
With floor-to-ceiling windows, generously sized marble bathrooms, views over lower Manhattan, and roomy suites, Smyth Tribeca is a downtown oasis for the whole clan. The in-house restaurant, Smyth Tavern, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and there's also the Galerie Bar, playing live music even the kids will dance to. Book the "Family Escape" Package for 10% off the Alcove Studio Suite, a complimentary round of mini golf at Pier 25, cocktails for parents, milk and cookies for the kids, an NYC-themed coloring book, and robes.
Pendry Manhattan West
At this California-inspired destination, there are family-friendly packages galore and all-day dining for children. With the "Well Connected" package, groups save on connecting rooms and get a hotel credit to boot—but theatergoers should opt for the "Best of Broadway" package, which comes with tickets to a Tony-winning production and a cast member meet-and-greet at the hotel's intimate lobby bar. For ultimate convenience, Pendry also partners with UPPAbaby, offering guests complimentary stroller and play yard rentals.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Joining the Brooklyn hotel scene in 2021, the Ace Brooklyn conjures a community vibe, with a communal lobby and an all-day restaurant with a bakery and bar. Ideal for families, rooms are large—with options ranging from a double room for a family of four to a 825-square-foot, two-bedroom suite. And to remind you that you're vacationing in the Big Apple (swoon), floor-to-ceiling windows display sweeping views of Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Statue of Liberty.
Mandarin Oriental
Enjoy unforgettable views of Manhattan, whether in your room, suite, or the MO Lounge, which serves an all-day menu. Families will especially appreciate the 75-foot lap pool and nearby Central Park, Lincoln Center, and Broadway theaters. For an especially tailored stay, work with the hotel staff to create a custom family-friendly itinerary as part of their "Little Fans Fun-tastic NYC Experience." Take note: If you book a suite, the hotel will provide a teepee tent set-up, cookie decorating kit, and bathrobe and slippers for the kids.
The Lowell
This five-star landmark hotel has roomy accommodations equipped with the amenities of a private New York apartment. (Think in-suite gourmet kitchens and fireplaces.) Guests can arrange babysitting and entertainment for the kids through the concierge—and pets are not only welcome, but met with an in-room pet bed and treats.
Thompson Central Park
Just steps from Central Park, Thompson is exceptionally well-located for families hoping to spend much of their vacation on foot. (Ask about the "Picnic in the Park" package—especially in the fall.) Nearby are some of the city's best family-friendly activities, like Wollman Rink and the Central Park Zoo. Both the lobby restaurant and in-room dining menus offer kid-friendly fare, like burgers, fries, shakes, grilled cheese, and ice cream sundaes. To make your stay exquisitely comfortable, through its partnership with Nanit, the hotel allows guests to borrow sound and light machines or cameras and accessories for their rooms, as well as Bugaboo strollers.
The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula, right off of Fifth Avenue, offers something for family members of all ages—from spa services and top-end dining for adults to an experience to remember for kids through Camp Peninsula, including welcome s'mores, an in-room tent, and a hotel-wide scavenger hunt. Guests can even book a Peter Rabbit-themed stay, and the Peninsula Academy offers access to unique experiences around town, like a Brooklyn Bridge walking tour. (Pro tip: Find one of our favorite NYC Christmas tree displays in the lobby around the holidays.)
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
A sustainable hotel with views of the Manhattan skyline—and steps away from Brooklyn Bridge Park (and a working carousel!)—this pet-friendly hotel offers 194 guest rooms and suites, a full-service restaurant with a kids' menu and high chairs, a rooftop pool, and even a screening room. Programs like "Bubbles & Bubbles," a music class for children with Champagne offered to the adults, will surely be the cherry on top of your stay.
The Langham New York Fifth Avenue
The Langham's "Family Getaway" package includes a pink in-room tent filled with toys and treats, meant to help kids feel right at home while traveling. Plus, it comes with a movie and popcorn for the whole family to have a cozy night in after a busy day of exploring—plus breakfast for two adults and two children in the morning. For the youngest of guests, look for the ""Playtime With Paddington" package. And we can't forget to mention that the hotel is in a prime location for tourists, right in between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building.
Conrad New York Midtown
It really doesn't get more central than this, especially for first-time NYC visitors, with Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway theaters, the Museum of Modern Art, and more all within walking distance. Families can book connecting rooms or suites ranging from a 550-square-foot suite to the 2,700-square-foot penthouse. The hotel also offers kids' robes and toiletries, travel cribs and cots, kids' menus, and luxury stroller rentals through a partnership with the British luxury brand, Silver Cross.
Lotte New York Palace
Also in the heart of Midtown, Lotte New York Palace offers several room options and a range of family packages. Kids under 12 stay free with parents, and they're greeted like royalty at check-in, with crowns, tiaras, coloring books, and teddy bears. Plus, babysitting can be arranged with the concierge. (We can't neglect to mention that Lotte is home to another one of our favorite Christmas trees in December.)
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square
This iconic hotel—a designated a New York City Historic Landmark and the oldest continuously run hotel in the city—dates back to 1902. Families will feel comfortable in one of the one-bedroom suites, which can connect to more rooms if needed. And especially lucky guests will catch a glimpse of the cat concierge, Hamlet VIII, at check-in. During the holidays, sip complimentary hot chocolate and listen to live carols on the piano in the lobby—in other words, a perfect end to a festive day out in NYC.
The Roxy Hotel
This boutique hotel is not short on accommodations for families: Multiple suite configurations range from one- to three-bedroom options, including a 1,215-square-foot three-bedroom suite with room for up to 10 guests. As you take a stroll around low-key Tribeca, don't miss delicious pastries from the nearby Frenchette Bakery.
The Mark Hotel
Housed within a 1927 landmark building uptown, The Mark is chock-full of modern conveniences. Through a partnership with Maclaren, the hotel offers custom-designed strollers, and "The Mark's Slumber Party" special spoils suite guests with a customized tent, an in-room family movie, chocolate milk and cookies, and daily breakfast. The suites range in size, with the largest boasting three bedrooms.
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