Montrealer

Hello! I'll be traveling alone with my 31/2 and 6 yr old boys just before Christmas. I was thinking of taking them into Manhattan for 2 nights before heading to the burbs for family gatherings. Any advice about which of the Affinia hotels would be best for small kids? I would just be getting a basic room to travel on a budget.
In terms of activities, I'm thinking The Museum of Natural History, Macys for the tree and Santa stuff, maybe Rochefeller for skating, and a trip to Dylan's Candy Bar. They are not use to extended time in the cold weather as we're from Calfornia, so a hotel that we come come back to easily is what I'm looking for.
Thanks for any tips!

nytraveler

If I were you I would head for the Beacon on the upper west side. They do have suites if you call about them, This area is much more family friendly, near the park and museums and subways to other parts of the city. A lot of restaurants that welcome kids - esp if you eat before the usual 8 pm dinner hour. This area will be busy - but not as frantic as midtown and might be less intimidating to smaller kids but still have easy access to what you want to see/do.

travelbuff

The Beacon is a good suggestion and I would also add the Affinia near Penn Station and the Affina Dumont on E 34th. All are close to subway/bus. I would also recommend The Ace, they have nice rooms and suites and even add on rooms with bunk beds for the kids, so you get your own space. Book ASAP, since this is prime season and hotels are filling up.

For skating try Bryant Park, the best skating spot and you might enjoy the holiday fare there too.

There are now candy stores in Times Square, Hershey's and M&M's so you might try ToysRUs there too.

The MNH, is a great idea for kids and one of the big trees is there. You might make it a "game" to see all the big trees in the city and take pictures of all of them with the kids.
Rock Center
MNH
City Hall
Wall St
South St. Seaport
any others I don't know about, feel free to add.

mclaurie

Not sure I understand why Affinia if you're just getting a regular room? In that case why not just get the best room for your family in a hotel in a good lcation? The Affinia Manhattan is very near Macy's but the area is very congested and can be overwhelming for small kids. I agree the upper west side is a good area. The Beacon is great but probably booked or pricey. Check booking.com which sometimes ah better prices than the hotel's own site. Also check the Lucerne & the Excelsior.

Montrealer

Thanks for all your great suggestions! The Beacon is booked, but I will keep looking. I love the tree game, travelbug! Think I'll pick up some kid digital cameras and try it!