New York City Family Hotels – Tips and Recommendations

  • New York is the city of dreams for many. It’s considered the capital of the world. You can find nearly everything here, and there are lots of things to do with kids as well. If you don’t know where to start with great activities for kids – try Get Your Guide.
  • The best way to get around New York City is by using the subway.  Taxis can be slow due to heavy traffic and get expensive. But the subway is affordable and fast so you can easily get between boroughs to see more in a short amount of time.
  • Although the NYC subway is a great system to use, be careful of the express trains though unless you are sure you want to go to the final destination.  These trains are good for going long distances or to places far away, such as Coney Island.
  • Try to avoid driving into the city if possible.  Not only is there a lot of traffic, but parking is very limited and can quickly become expensive.  If possible, find a hotel with discounted parking and leave your car there. Many hotels provide shuttle services and the subway stations are nearby too.
  • We recommend booking your NYC holidays through Booking.com. It’s one of the trusted hotel booking sites out there, and the one with the best deals. Note: we do earn a small commission when you book through them. We display prices usually for a family with two adults and one child, to make pricing more realistic. The actual price you pay might be higher or lower of course based on your family size.

Check out our updated New York City – Family Travel Guide.

The 10 Best Hotels for Families in New York City, New York

Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park, mid-range

As one of the tallest hotels in the city, this 68-story building located a few blocks from New York City’s Central Park has great views and is perfectly located.  You will also be a short walk away from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and many theaters.

Families will appreciate the kitchenettes that come with a sink, refrigerator, toaster, dishwasher, and microwave along with cookware for those staying a little longer. A hot breakfast buffet is included and there is a Starbucks on-site so you can grab a coffee in the morning.

Beacon Hotel, luxury

This Upper West Side hotel is named for the airway beacon on the roof that was a technological marvel when it was designed in 1928. Rooms are either studios or suites with plenty of extra space and a fully-equipped kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator, and coffee maker.

You will feel like you live in the city as you shop the small grocery stores in the neighborhood and then head back to make dinner.  If you don’t want to cook, there are many kid-friendly food choices nearby as well as museums, and cultural attractions.

Hilton Times Square, mid-range

Those who need an affordable option right in the heart of the city will love the centrally located Hilton Times Square.  You will be within walking distance to many top attractions such as Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Madison Square Garden, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Radio City Music Hall.

Restaurant Row and shopping on Fifth Avenue are nearby too and so is the subway for ease of transport. Kids will love the excitement, colors, and entertainment of Times Square, which is lit up at all hours.

Request a crib or high chair for young children or take advantage of the babysitting services for a night out.  Relax in the spacious rooms that are outfitted with 46-inch televisions, MP3 players, and comfortable bedding when it’s time to sleep.

Hudson Hotel Central Park, mid-range

This four-star hotel overlooking the Hudson River was recently renovated to add more modern touches.  It is close to the Museum of Modern Art and also houses a lounge and library. Families can also spend time on the sun terrace or in the garden and connecting rooms are available for larger families.

Guests can request an additional roll away bed and child care is also provided.  The arcade and game room is a hit with children while the on-site restaurant makes it convenient to grab a bite to eat.  The Columbus Circle metro station is a short walk away so you can easily get around the city.

Hotel Edison Times Square, mid-range

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at this art deco hotel that is full of vintage touches reminiscent of the Jazz Age era when it first opened.  You will be in the center of all the action with Times Square and the Empire State Building not far away. Families who plan to attend a Broadway show won’t have far to go once the performance ends late at night.

Opt for a suite complete with a family room to spend time together watching movies or relaxing after a long day.  Some rooms come with kitchenettes or private terraces so you can soak in the views of the city without leaving the privacy of your room.  They even have a late check-out so you aren’t rushed the day of your departure.

NU Hotel Brooklyn, budget

Head to Brooklyn and stay in this boutique hotel that has modern touches and colorful wall murals.  It is close to Brooklyn Bridge Park and you can easily catch the subway into Manhattan or head further afield to Coney Island.

Kids will enjoy drawing on the chalkboard walls in the bathroom while those who stay in the Urban Suite can spend time relaxing in a hammock while taking in views of the city. Borrow the orange commuter bikes to explore the neighborhood and then cool off with complementary filtered and carbonated water in the lobby.

Kids will receive a coloring book when they check in and you will be provided with toddler step-stools, a high chair, or a small bathtub for baby upon request.  Breakfast is free and there is premium Wi-Fi so kids can stay entertained and parents can get connected.

The Langham, luxury

Experience the height of luxury in rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows which provide stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.  Reserve the Family Double-Double Room with Kitchen which features a walk-in closet, full kitchen, and oversized bathroom. Suites are also available for families who want a little more room to spread out.

Book a special package such as the Picnic Staycation which comes with a picnic basket filled with cheese, charcuterie, and sparkling cider.  The American Girl experience comes with milk and cookie turndown service, a DVD, and popcorn.

You can also earn mileage points by booking here and, when you stay 4 nights, you will receive one night complimentary.  The on-site spa has face, skin, and body treatments that are inspired by Chinese traditional medicine and a sauna with pink Himalayan salt to help you relax.

The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club, luxury

Beautiful boutique hotel in Midtown with lots of shopping options close by. It has been selected by the Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the ‘coolest new hotels‘. This family-friendly hotel has been promoting a ‘go wild’ zoo experience for children, which comes with admission for a family of four to the Central Park Zoo, topped with candy bars and a MoMA tote. The central location on 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, is just two short blocks away from Central Park.

The Executive rooms with two Queen Beds sleep up to four people, the Premier King Suite with Sofa Bed up to three. The upscale Terrace rooms and suites offer elegant living with separate bedrooms, terraces and wonderful views of the city. The hotel has a long history for artists to exhibit their creations – which you will find throughout the hotel and during special events.

The Peninsula New York, luxury

Step into true 5-star luxury at The Peninsula, a luxurious hotel on NYC’s Fifth Avenue that has both rooms and suites that range in size from 370 to 3,300 square feet.  Receive a complimentary third night when you book three consecutive nights during July and August to save money when hotel rooms are at their highest.

The Camp Peninsula package brings adventure to children as they receive a tent pitched in the room, a picnic lunch at the swimming pool, their own robe and slippers at turndown, and a scavenger hunt that’s perfect for rainy days.  Several holiday packages allow families to enjoy Christmas with a gingerbread playhouse, cookie decorating, Christmas movies, and candy cane scavenger hunt.

The Knickerbocker, luxury

This legendary hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and stars from all industries and has a rich history.  The Beaux-Arts facade still exists although many modern amenities have been added throughout the years.

The Family Getaway offer gives you breakfast and dining credits to use while you’re there. You’ll also get any fees for setting up a rollaway or sofa bed waived and children under five get a special tipi in the room.  Upon arrival kids will receive a backpack with crayons, coloring book, and playing cards.