< Introducing New York City
Accommodations
Hilton Times Square, located on the famous 42nd Street, close to Broadway
There is a wide range of accommodation choices in New York. Many lodgings offer special welcome treats for children and the numerous all-suite properties afford extra space for families. Even “budget” places can cost over $200 a night, but usually provide all basic facilities, including a TV and Internet access. The listings in the section
Where to Stay in New York are organized by area, corresponding with the sightseeing section of this guide.
Where to look
Accommodation options are available in every neighborhood of the city, but some areas have special appeal for visitors. Since theater is a major attraction, a large number of hotels are located in the Times Square Theater District, where there are many moderately priced choices. But this is a busy area, and with small children in tow, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, while less convenient, may appeal for their calm and proximity to parks. They also offer less expensive restaurants and cafés, which are typically more casual than those in Midtown and quite used to serving children.
To save money choose a hotel in the Financial District on weekends, using public transportation to get to Midtown. Geared mainly to business travelers, hotels here often attract guests on weekends by offering special rates. Here, kids also have access to the parks along the river, where they can run around. Business hotels in Midtown also offer lower rates on weekends.
Midtown also has some of the most exclusive hotels in the city, and for those who can afford the tab, many of these places have special amenities for children, such as mini bathrobes and slippers.
The Gramercy and Chelsea areas, just below Midtown, are convenient places to stay, but not all the hotels here are of a high standard. Those keen to explore the city’s trendier neighborhoods should check out the options on the Lower East Side.
Modern and stylish Room Mate Grace Hotel, located in Times Square
Discounts & extra costs
It may be worth donning a winter coat and coming to New York in the off-season, since by far the best hotel rates are found from January through March (excluding the holiday period). Check with discount booking sites, where rates are lower than those listed by hotels. However, it’s worth consulting hotel websites for special packages and discounts.
When calculating the cost of hotels, do not forget about the hefty room tax in New York. City, state, and other taxes add up to 14.75 percent, plus a $3.50 per night occupancy fee. The tip for help with luggage is $1 per bag and $1–2 per night for the maid.
Family rooms and suites may have two full-size beds or one full-size bed and one sofa bed. Some hotels specify that children sharing must be under 12 (sometimes under 17); there may be an added fee for older children or for the use of a cot. Choosing hotels that include free breakfast, Wi-Fi or Internet access, and cooking facilities, will help the budget considerably, as will using a cell phone instead of the room phone. See more information on using a cell phone and finding free
Internet access.
Hotels
Extra space and cooking facilities are two important considerations when choosing a family hotel in New York. Many hotels do provide handy microwaves and small refrigerators, even if they are not equipped with full kitchens. This is a money-saving bonus, allowing for inexpensive breakfasts and snacks in the room. Also check the availability of cots or cribs and whether there is a charge for them; if children’s menus are offered; and proximity to a park or playground. Most large hotels have a list of reliable babysitters, but it is best to check in advance. Opt for a hotel with an indoor swimming pool, if it fits the budget, as pools are a great outlet for kids regardless of the weather. Families with cars should consider the
Skyline – the only motel in Manhattan – and the lower garage rates offered at hotels in Brooklyn or Long Island City.
Visitors in the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Apartments
An unhosted, furnished apartment is often less expensive than a hotel room, and provides more space. These might be properties with absent owners, or apartments that are set up for this purpose. Apartments have full kitchens and washing machines but generally no maid service. Available all over the city, they range from studios to three-bedroom properties. Book through listing agencies such as Abode Apartment Rentals or Manhattan Getaways.
Bed & breakfast
New York has only a few bed and breakfast establishments, but B&B is available in hosted city apartments. These give a true flavor of the city, but may not allow much privacy and can be tight quarters for young children, so be sure to specify your needs. These can be booked through websites listed on the Bed and Breakfast Network.
House-swapping
Many families report success with house-swaps. If you live in Europe, for example, a New York family might be happy to swap their home for yours, saving each of you a considerable amount of money. Swaps are done through specialized agencies such as Home Exchange and Home Link. For a small monthly fee, prospective swappers sign up as members and list their homes. Members can scan listings for the places they want to go, click on likely properties, and send a privacy-protected email directly to the owner. It is a good idea to exchange emails, talk on the phone, ask questions, and trade home photos before signing an agreement.