With its historic sites and landmarks, Broadway shows, museums and, of course, Central Park, New York is high on the average family’s bucket list. But where to sleep in the city that never sleeps? From cribs and coloring books to sprawling suites and a rooftop pool, these kid-friendly luxury hotels will warmly welcome you and your crew as you take in all there is to see and do around the Big Apple.
Seamlessly combining a Gilded Age mansion with a 24-story glass tower, this NoMad (north of Madison Square Park) newcomer is intimate, glamorous and imaginative all at once. The rooms, 153 in total, are a riot of color and texture: playful rainbow-colored chandeliers, mosaic-inlaid tables, velvet settees. The art collection, including a cabinet of curiosities, is also worth a look. Come evening, enjoy a stroll through Madison Square Park. For dinner, grab a bite with your brood at nearby Eataly; save room for a slice of the signature birthday cake from Milk Bar just around the corner.
Just one block from Central Park, The Carlyle is an indisputable New York legend, dating back to 1930. Nowadays, the Upper East Side property boasts 192 bright rooms and suites, all of them honoring the hotel’s legacy and Art Deco design. Beloved Bemelmans Bar, named for artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans (whose murals adorn the walls and who penned the Madeline books), occasionally hosts a Madeline Tea for families. From baby gear to pint-size robes to babysitting services, The Carlyle can arrange just about anything for its youngest guests.
Our expert Travel Advisors have access to benefits not available on your own, such as complimentary upgrades, breakfast credits, early check-in/late check-out and more. Click to connect with us about details.
Though it’s not far from MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), the Whitby has plenty of its own art and whimsy to offer, a hallmark of UK-based designer Kit Kemp and her empire of Firmdale hotels. Cases in point: an installation of woven baskets above the bar; pottery and ceramics from around the world; colorful pop art and paintings. It’s sure to delight any budding artist. No two rooms are alike, though most feature floor-to-ceiling windows and freestanding bathtubs, and some include a private terrace (a rarity in Manhattan). Kiddos will love the English-style afternoon tea with scrumptious scones, tarts and macarons.
At the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, Aman New York may very well have the largest rooms and suites of any hotel in town, ranging from 340 square feet to 2,800 square feet. Along with all the extra space for little legs to move about, the airy and serene accommodations are outfitted with fireplaces and soaking tubs. The property has introduced quite a range of kid-friendly programming too, from family yoga to sushi making. When you’re ready to leave the premises, head to the Central Park Zoo just a few blocks away.
This recent arrival from France-based Groupe Barrière brings a bit of Parisian style to New York. In the Tribeca neighborhood, Fouquet’s New York boasts fantastic river views from many of its 97 rooms, which are swathed in pastels with Art Deco elements thanks to designer Martin Brudnizki. The property’s two restaurants, bar and rooftop are overseen by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. Élysée’s, the chic courtyard restaurant, is an especially easy spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner while traveling en famille. Fouquet’s lower Manhattan location is ideal for visiting sites such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as well as accessing the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
There are several reasons to choose the waterfront 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge as your family’s NYC base. Top among them: a rooftop pool, perfect for beating the summer heat, with gorgeous New York skyline views. The LEED Gold-certified property’s commitment to sustainability is equally impressive, from reclaimed design materials and plenty of greenery to HVAC systems and rainwater recovery. As for food and drink, a new Barbuto outpost (think California meets Italy) from James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman debuts this summer. Families will want to take advantage of things to do in the area, including Jane’s Carousel and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A sunset walk across the iconic bridge is also a must.
Like the Whitby, the 86-room Crosby Street Hotel is also part of the Firmdale collection of properties by husband-and-wife duo Tim and Kit Kemp. Located in the posh Soho neighborhood, it oozes English garden party vibes. Accommodations (many of them configured with multiple bedrooms) are decked out with playful wallpapers, upholstered headboards and objets d’art. The leafy interior terrace is a green oasis in the hustle and bustle of New York, and an ideal spot for lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails.
Fresh off the heels of a multi-year renovation, the I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons New York in Midtown aims to make families feel at home in its 219 contemporary rooms and suites, swathed in shades of cream and tan. Be sure to book an upper floor accommodation for spectacular Central Park views (even better enjoyed with room service!). Four Seasons’ track record for impeccable service means all ages from toddlers to teens are welcome and well taken care of. Many of the city’s premier art museums, including the Met and the Guggenheim, are just a short taxi ride from the hotel.
Stylish and refined, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue occupies 16 floors of a modern tower within a stone’s throw of the Empire State Building in Midtown (indeed, many rooms boast jaw-dropping views of the iconic landmark). Families will appreciate that several rooms are outfitted with kitchenettes and washer-dryers, handy when traveling with your brood. Parents may like to book a vetted babysitter through the concierge team and linger over modern French and Italian fare at the onsite Michelin-starred Ai Fiori. And an elevator ride to the top of the Empire State Building is, of course, a must-do while you’re here!
Housed within a 1905 building that served as America’s first theatrical club, with members such as Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Hammerstein II, The Chatwal has quite a history to go with its enviable Midtown address. The property’s sprawling suites — the Chatwal Crowns — are especially well-configured for families, with several boasting private terraces. Come evening, walk out the door and be dazzled by the lights and action of Times Square and Broadway, or meander to nearby Rockefeller Plaza (a sight to behold especially during the holiday season).
Relevant Links:
Browse all accommodations and activities in New York City on Ciao Bambino
10 unforgettable ways to experience New York with kids
Why choose the New York CityPASS for a vacation with kids
New York/Tri-State college tour & vacation itinerary
12 luxury family hotel brands we love
Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.
Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!
Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.