https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:26:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886960 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 11:19:33 +0000 nwm 2886960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I used to live a few blocks from the Beacon and can definitely confirm it’s a good neighborhood to stay with kids :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886954 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:41:07 +0000 lindseykaye 2886954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Andrea: Haha no worries! I talked it over with DH last night and we both agree that The Beacon is our new first choice. It seems to be a great compromise with all the above options and advice - quieter/residential neighborhood, close to transit and planned activities, and the suite layout is best I've seen yet!</p> <p>For anyone else using this thread to plan in the future, the suites at The Beacon have doors that close off BOTH the bedroom and the living/kitchen area from a main entry hallway. The bathroom is also off this hall so you can have kids sleeping in either area and do not need to disturb them to use the restroom :) Plus the cost of the 'deluxe' suite option (located on or above the 15th floor) is still lower than any other suite option I've looked at around any of these areas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886952 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:23:34 +0000 Andrea 2886952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, stay at the Beacon! I lived by the Beacon, but worked by the Fitzpatrick lol! Sorry for the changing advice, but I’ve never stayed in a NYC hotel with kids since we live here. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886765 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:13:29 +0000 nana87 2886765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I'm biased because I'm an Upper West Sider, lol but I def prefer the area around the Beacon to 59 and Lex, which is near where family of ours lives! the UWS is a little quieter/more residential, and there's more mid-range restaurants--like, in between fast/to-go type restaurants and super high end/less kid-friendly places. And it's very family friendly. I don't know how it compares price-wise to the Beacon Hotel, but if you're interested in the UWS, I know the Lucerne has suites, and my work has also put people up in the Belleclaire although I haven't been inside... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886754 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 09:00:46 +0000 lindseykaye 2886754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: Ahh this hotel is beautiful and it's actually just slightly less expensive than the Fitzpatrick! </p> <p>Now I am torn because this would be about $100 less for a comparable room. Transit from the nearby subway station to midtown near the things we want to do is only 6 minutes, then 7 minutes walking. And the Fitzpatrick is about a 15 minute walk away. </p> <p>Hmmmmm... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886726 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 22:48:32 +0000 daniellemybelle 2886726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got back from a trip to NYC with a 5.5 year old and a 2 year old. It was so fun but exhausting! We stayed on the UWS at Hotel Beacon so we could walk to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History. My husband's company covered the room so it was on the higher end of your budget, but I'd definitely recommend it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886652 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 14:15:40 +0000 Andrea 2886652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That hotel should be great! I used to work a few blocks away and we would go there for drinks after work. </p> <p>Oh, and just another thought about the scooter. Since it'll be cold, scootering might not be the best idea anyway since ice and snow on the ground could be a possibility. </p> <p>We live in the suburbs so I don't have city kids either and they do whine about walking whenever we head into NYC so yes, be prepared for that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886643 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:36:58 +0000 Anagram 2886643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: My almost 6 year old has been planning for ages to go to CAMP on her actual birthday, and play and pick out 1 toy, and eat one of the ice cream smore's desserts. We're having a party, but on a weekend. So that's her day-of-birthday plan. She talks about it constantly, because we didn't let her buy anything last time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886641 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:18:17 +0000 lindseykaye 2886641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Not overwhelming - totally helpful!! I'm going to have a lot of fun leading up to this trip planning all sorts of things to do. Of course when it gets closer to the trip I'll better be able to know what the 7yo is into, her stamina, current food preferences, etc. This is going to be our main Christmas gift for ourselves and the girls and I can't wait to tell her! You are awesome for giving me such detailed info &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886640 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:15:15 +0000 SweetiePie 2886640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: my 4.9yo just asked this morning when we can go back. We went once in like Jan. He still talks about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886636 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:03:40 +0000 lindseykaye 2886636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Awesome - this place looks fantastic! Thank you!</p> <p>@SweetiePie: My 7yo is sort of untested as far as walkability goes. She'll also be new to a NYC winter (we are Florida folks) but we'll have all the gear we need and will just prepare to schedule in rest and warm-up spots as needed. The only stroller we have is a gigantic Joovy caboose and there is no way in hell I want to bring that to NYC. Plus I feel like a 7yo is maybe just 'too big' for a stroller in the city? We could look into renting one if that is an option and wouldn't be too out of place. Might come in handy to be able to swap out with the big kid and the baby. I'm hoping adrenaline and excitement might fuel her a bit :)</p> <p>@Andrea: Agreed. I doubt we'll use the kitchen at all aside from having breakfast/snacks so it feels like a waste. The hotel is suuuuuper pretty though if anyone is reading this thread looking for that with plans to really use the kitchen!</p> <p>So, I think I might have found the perfect hotel for our stay - the Fitzpatrick Manhattan NY. It's 3 blocks from the Lex/59th station and actually closer to the midtown attractions we have planned than the Gardens Suites. The room has a separate bedroom with a door, pull out sofa for the 7 yo, offers cribs for the room, and has a mini fridge/sink/pantry area which is just enough for us. Plus it's $500 less expensive for the stay (including taxes and fees). I'm going to book our airfare and hotel tonight! It's on! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886606 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:25:59 +0000 Anagram 2886606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: Oh, and I would trade FAO Schwartz for the new CAMP store. Camp is a different concept--it's smaller, but it's a toy store that is also kind of a playspace with rotating "exhibits". My kids LOOOVE it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886605 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:18:03 +0000 Andrea 2886605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Given that almost all of your activities are based in midtown (and 1 is uptown), it may actually be good to switch. There's so much food EVERYWHERE in NYC that I don't think you'll be staying in to cook meals so a full kitchen might be a waste. A mini-fridge would be fine to keep small breakfast items cold (milk, yogurt). Maybe find a cheaper midtown hotel? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886589 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:12:38 +0000 nwm 2886589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: i think lex and 59th would honestly be a lot easier/better for you guys based on what your list of activities are, you are walking distance from almost all of them. to get to the AMNH from there is not so bad, you are right on top of the subway station and you can take that up to 77th and get on a crosstown bus at 79th, which stops right in front of the museum. it does require two modes of transit, but i would think it's at least as easy as getting to midtown from WTC area, plus it's much more residential so should be less crowded than midtown. (or if you guys love walking honestly the fastest way to get there might be walking from the CP zoo, but that will probably tire out your 7yo...in that instance since you'll be in CP, though, a scooter would probably be great because there will be plenty of room.)</p> <p>if you do end up staying on 59th with a 7yo girl i would definitely recommend checking out serendipity. it can be a little overrun but their frozen hot chocolates are classics! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886586 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:04:16 +0000 Anagram 2886586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I agree with the other posters who say staying at the Hilton Millennium might be a good plan. I've also had family stay at the all suites hotels and they like them. I honestly can't remember which chain it was (can't remember if it was like a Homewood Suites or an Embassy suites or one of the other ones), but I remember it was around 34th street, because we met them a few times for meals/sightseeing. I think they can be convenient with kids because of the free breakfast-on-the-premises option.</p> <p>Things to do kind of depends on you. Some of my favorite winter holiday things are: </p> <p>Midtown: Holiday window displays, seeing the Rockettes (even your 1 year old can go, it's family friendly and there will be other babies), maybe you could sneak in a Broadway show with the 7 year old, while the other parent stays with the baby? My almost 6 year old has seen Aladdin, Lion King, and Frozen (her faves were Lion King closely followed Frozen, with Aladdin further down the list). And she really loves Ellen's Stardust Diner, which is a touristy and overpriced diner that has super amazing singers as the wait staff. Like it is very touristy, but everyone we've taken there has loved it. And then the winter village in Bryant Park is so fun. The ice skating is "free", but the skate rentals are not. We try to go every year, but we get there right as everything opens or it gets really crowded. On the UES, my kids are obsessed with the Aerial tram that goes to Roosevelt Island. We usually just ride it over and then come back. You just use your metro card, it costs the same as a subway ride. </p> <p>If you really want to get into the holiday spirit, there are a lot of "santa brunches" around town. There's one at the Rockefeller Center Cafe--it overlooks the ice rink in the winter. There's also one at Stella 34 Trattoria in the Macy's building. There may even be one at Bryant Park snackbar. All of these book up pretty far in advance too, so you might want to start checking into it in October. Pricey, but fun. I feel like a vaguely remember a Santa brunch at the American Girl store and maybe at the Plaza, too.</p> <p>And the Macy's Santaland is fun if you have a express pass, or if you go in off hours. And there are 2 holiday train shows. I think one at the NY botanical gardens, and one at Grand Central (we haven't done those yet).</p> <p>Downtown, of course there's the World Trade center memorial, the Observatory, there's Fraunces Tavern (good brunch, family friendly, and George Washington and Alexander Hamilton ate there--it's the oldest continuously operating tavern in NYC.) In Battery park there's the Seaglass carousel, and my kids love Rockefeller park playground and Teardrop park, and there's actually a decently clean public bathroom there. There's an "upscale food court" and a French food court type of thing in Brookfield place near those parks, so you can easily have a fun, kid friendly day just doing that stuff if you end up staying downtown. The statue of liberty cruises are from downtown too, if you plan on doing that. If you want to do the crown, and your 7 year old is tall enough (your 1 year old can't go up that far), you have to book super far in advance, like by August at the latest for December. One parent could go all the way to the crown, and the other parent can take the baby to the Pedestal. You can do Ellis Island on the same day.</p> <p>I don't want to overwhelm you. But we moved to this area just 7 years ago, and basically every branch of my family and DHs family has come to do touristy stuff, so slowly I've been doing it all with them when they visit, haha. </p> <p>The only remaining things that are super touristy that I've never done are the double decker bus tours and the Circle line boat tours. I don't have a desire, but every time we are walking around in the city and my kids see those dang busses, they beg to go on one. So one of these days, I will have to make it happen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886579 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:32:26 +0000 SweetiePie 2886579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I live close to 59th and Lex (I'm on 66th and another avenue on the East side). It is a good location that is pretty central to a lot that you want to do and also has that NR subway line I mentioned in my previous post, so you could take it to get to Rockefeller Center and save a little walking/energy. You can probably get away with only paying for you and DH on public transport (definitely not the baby, the 7yo it just depends on who is working that day). But its still only I think $2.75 per subway ride or something like that.<br /> The hardest destination on your list will be the Museum of Natural History. You will definitely need to take a cab or several modes of public transportation to get there. There aren't really any subways that go cross-town uptown.<br /> If you don't think you will have time to explore other things besides what you listed, then maybe the Lex &amp; 59th is a better option. Just be prepared to walk and do some cabs, and bring lots of layers for the kids.<br /> What are your kids like (the 7yo) with walking? My 4.5 yo is a city boy so he walks and walks and never complains about being tired. He has literally walked 4-5 miles roundtrip in an afternoon when he was like 2.5yo and didn't complain once. My 10yo nephew, on the other hand, is in the burbs and when he came to visit if we walked 5 blocks (which is about 1/4 mile) he complained and whined and asked why everything is soooooo far. Lol. So, just be prepared for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886576 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:12:49 +0000 lindseykaye 2886576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Beehive: @Andrea: @SweetiePie: Thanks for the input on downtown vs. midtown! I was able to book the hilton with no deposit and cancellation options so I snagged it for now! It's a quick trip, just 2.5 days from Saturday-Tuesday so I'm not sure how much of the rest of NYC we'll see aside from some pretty standard tourist stuff.<br /> If it was just DH and myself I would 100% stay anywhere else but midtown, but I'm still looking around to see what else is out there.<br /> And thank you so much for the really detailed info about transit planning and options! </p> <p>@ElbieKay: @Bluebonnet: @Andrea: This is great, I don't actually want to take a scooter so I really appreciate that feedback.</p> <p>I found another hotel option at the Gardens Suites by Affinia which is on the south end of the UES (Lexington Ave/59th st), about a mile from Rockefeller Center and the Central Park Zoo. This one has a full kitchen (the Millenium Hilton downtown only has a 'minibar' fridge). I'm torn though because it's a lot closer to much of what we're looking to do/see and the kitchen will be great with a 1-yr old and picky 7-yr old eater but it's about $300 more overall. Wondering if we'll be able to balance that cost in food, transit, and convenience.</p> <p>Things on our list to do (which we will probably have to pare down):<br /> Xmas tree at Rockefeller Center<br /> Holiday Display windows on/around 5th Ave<br /> Central Park Zoo (is this fun during winter?)<br /> Museum of Natural History<br /> I'd love to see a show - heard great things about Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim but we'll have to wait to see when this is happening and if it lines up with our dates<br /> Lunch at the American Girl Store<br /> Playing/shopping at the re-opened FAO Schwartz </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886574 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 07:00:02 +0000 Andrea 2886574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The financial district won't be as crazy as midtown so I think that's a good choice with kids. It's a long trek to the UWS/UES, but midtown is pretty quick. Christmas time is really hectic so I would avoid the scooter when looking at the holiday displays. The scooter could come in handy in the financial district, Central Park (and other parks), and UWS/UES though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886573 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 06:42:24 +0000 Bluebonnet 2886573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve taken my 5 year old to NYC. No specific hotel recommendations, but I’ll echo @ElbieKay: I would strongly advise against a scooter for you 7 year old unless you are staying in residential areas the whole time. </p> <p>My 5 year old was fine on foot. We mostly took the subway, but did take a few Uber’s/cabs too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886569 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 05:29:14 +0000 ElbieKay 2886569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in midtown. I think a scooter in holiday midtown crowds would be challenging and suggest that you have your 7yo stay on foot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886548 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 19:28:54 +0000 Cait1 2886548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went to New York a couple weeks ago with our 3 year old and stayed at the Intercontinental Barclay in midtown. It was perfect - beautiful rooms, super clean, quiet, and close to everything. I looked at rates for December and it looks like it’s about $250/night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886540 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:15:06 +0000 SweetiePie 2886540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also stay downtown. Probably better rates, it’ll be a bit calmer (you’ll probably want to get away from the chaos) and actually might be easier if you can stay near a subway line that goes to Rock Center. There’s also lots to do down there around the holidays. If you stay midtown your only option to get to rock center and such might be a longish walk or a cab. Which is fine with adults but maybe not in the winter with kids.<br /> Use Google Maps for directions from wherever you stay to Rockefeller Center and choose the transportation option that looks like a train. That will show you which lines you can take and how long it will take including walking to and from subway. Staying near the RW line would be a good option for you. That will stop Herald Square (Macy’s), Times Square, one Avenue away from Rockefeller center, the bottom of Central Park where you can take carriage rides or easily get to the zoo, 5th Avenue, and Bloomingdales. Also will stop in SoHo and Union Square downtown.<br /> Fantastic option for dinner with Kids is Max Brenner in Times Square. It’s basically all kids but has really good adult food and drinks. It’s a chocolate themed restaurant. The desserts at the end of the meal are awesome (chocolate pizza, s’mores you make at the table, fondue, etc).<br /> We live here and my son asks to go all the time, but we keep it less frequent so it remains exciting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886537 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 17:31:29 +0000 Ajsmommy 2886537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't yet been with my kiddos but growing up in "upstate" NY we used to go into the city yearly for a show and sights. We always stayed at the doubletree suites right in times Square and it was always soooo worth it. We'd get a suite and be right in the middle of stuff....we'd always hit up central park for a carriage ride, Rockefeller center/tree/skating... The old fao Schwartz (rip)... A broadway show... And every few years the statue or empire state and 911 memorial.</p> <p>I can't wait to take my kids. A few more years and then I'll be making it an annual trip </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886530 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:25:28 +0000 Beehive 2886530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I agree, travel from the Millennium Hilton will be very straightforward - it's right near a lot of different subway lines. Plus (personal bias, as it's where I live) I prefer being downtown - there's a lot of fun stuff to do in the more downtown neighborhoods (not necessarily the Financial District, but Soho, Tribeca, Chinatown, East/West Village etc.). </p> <p>The Conrad in Battery Park is a nice option with suites - not sure what their prices are like for that time of year, though. It might be at the high end of your budget. That would be a bit farther away from subways, but on the water, which is really nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886525 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:54:35 +0000 lindseykaye 2886525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JJ2626: Ah good to know! It's been easily 10 years since we were in NYC and we always have stayed with friends and never had kids around so this is a whole new ballgame.<br /> Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886521 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:32:04 +0000 JJ2626 2886521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t have hotel recs but you’re looking at 20 mins to midtown and maybe 30 mins to UWS/UES from Fulton on the subway, plus walking time maybe. Definitely doable. I’d personally prefer WTC area to midtown. You’re near Battery Park, TriBeCa, Soho. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nyc-hotel-rec-with-kids#post-2886519 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:20:51 +0000 lindseykaye 2886519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning a trip to NYC with our two kids who will be 1 and 7 at the time of travel. It will be early in the week before Christmas to catch the holiday displays and festivities.</p> <p>I am looking for hotel recommendations in case I'm missing a gem while searching online. Ideally we would be able to find a suite with a separate bedroom. If not that then a mini fridge is a must for milk/snacks. Looking at a budget of between 200-400/night average and would like to be in Manhattan.<br /> I already found a good deal on a 1-br suite at the Hilton Millenium downtown near the WTC, but it would be nice to be closer to midtown I just don't know if it's possible. Any locals able to chime in on what that transport time might be like between the Cortlandt/Fulton st. stops and midtown or UWS/UES? This may be a super generic question I realize but figured there might be some generic answers :)</p> <p>Other tips for travel to NYC with kids these ages during winter are welcome :) We're planning to babywear the 1 yr old as much as possible and are thinking of getting a scooter for the 7 yr old so we can avoid a stroller altogether but we'll see! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-trip-to-nyc-where-to-stay#post-2226431 Sat, 04 Jul 2015 07:44:05 +0000 lawbee11 2226431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dr. Pepper: I'd probably stay here: <a href="http://m.sancarloshotel.com/" rel="nofollow">http://m.sancarloshotel.com/</a></p> <p>They have a special going for 15% off summer stays longer than 2 nights. The rooms look big for NYC and it has great reviews on TripAdvisor (ranked #33 of 464 hotels in NYC). I plugged in your dates and it was a little over $1K (which I think is a great deal for 4 nights!). That rate also includes breakfast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-trip-to-nyc-where-to-stay#post-2226423 Sat, 04 Jul 2015 07:14:44 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2226423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dr. Pepper: the tkts site has what shows they usually have available so you can get tickets. Then I think you go morning of for the night show. So you couldn't get tickets to, say, Wicked but you can check the website and see what they usually have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-trip-to-nyc-where-to-stay#post-2226325 Fri, 03 Jul 2015 21:43:00 +0000 cat620 2226325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We stayed at the Knickerbocker, which was an awesome hotel! It's right in Time's Square, so centrally located to everything. The hotel itself had a large room, very modern/sleek furnishings, and had complimentary water and sodas in the mini bar! I recommend you check it out! </p>