Impact of the Marathon can be huge. On Sunday more than a million people line the route to watch the runners and street traffic in the areas adjacent to the race (as in Manhattan east side from mid 50's up) will be stopped. So - on that day plan on using the subway to get anywhere.

Hotels and restaurants will be mobbed the whole weekend since there are about more than an extra 30,000 runners plus their families/friends. Reserve everything you can far in advance and expect hotel prices to be high.

You might want to look at hotels that are not in midtown to avoid the crowding and highest rates. The Beacon on the upper west side - a good family neighborhood with a lot of restaurants that will welcome small children - have suites but you may need to contact them directly. You will be an easy stroll or 2 stops on the subway to midtown. Or you could look at the Eastgate Tower. The latter is older but started as an apartment house so the suites are large and the prices low. Also this is far enough south that you can probably work around the worst of the traffic on the est side on Sunday.

As for dining - many foodie type places will not be especially welcoming of a 7 year old unless you eat very early - since they usually don't do that well with upscale 2 hour dinners. How picky is he? Will he do any ethic cuisines? Or is he just a pizza, burger and chicken finger kid?

The Omni Berkshire was recently renovated/updated and is a lovely old hotel. All the others you mention are part of the Afffinia group, all suite hotels, well run with most suites having kitchens. Kitchen could be a help with a picky eater. Don't know if the Omni suite has one. In order of "niceness" the Omni, Benjamin, the Affinia Shelburne (only has kitchens in executive suites) and the Affinia 50 last because it's been some time since it was renovated. They're all in midtown east where the marathon should have little to no effect on you apart from having driven up hotel prices because of strong demand. Have a look on oyster.com for photos although not sure they're updated the Omni photos.

The city will be busier than usual. I think it would be good fun for you to plan to watch a bit of the marathon. Buy ESB tickets in advance online. Without some info apart from "picky eater" I can't see how anyone can help.

Thanks to you both, Nytraveler and Mclaurie, for your responses.

In my haste, I failed to define "picky eater." I guess I also thought to spare everyone from the overly detailed "requirements." (I feel I must offer a bit of a defense here for the poor kid...he is otherwise a well behaved, well mannered, articulate kid who is a pleasure to be around....seems to be a "super taster" and has trouble with strong and/or distinct flavors.) And so: chicken tenders, "certain" pizzas (not Pappa John's type delivery kind, but not super original, woodfire "artisan" pizza, either; somewhere in the middle) PBJ, ham sandwich, plain noodles, plain meatballs (but separate, dear god, from the noodles, and no red sauce, so not spaghetti and meatballs). No burgers, no hot dogs. No ethnic, not even chinese, although could probably convince him to eat plain noodles if hungry enough. That all being said, he totally will eat fried clams and an occasional fried oyster. And salmon. Mostly good with fruits and veggies. Too much info now? : )

I guess my naive mind was thinking we would walk to wherever wanted to go in Mid-town, not relying on cabs, and thus, the desire for a mid-town hotel. Not realistic? Not realistic in general? Or just the weekend of the marathon due to the inability to cross closed streets and terrifically bad traffic jams making open streets dangerous? Nytraveler, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that if we are visiting that particular weekend, no way in h*ll should we stay in mid-town? All of the places we plan on seeing are in mid-town, although a little further west from where it sounds like the marathon action is taking place.
The price of the hotels, as quoted online for that weekend, is generally doable, so I won't frustrate and disappoint myself by looking at lower prices on other weekends, which aren't an option.

I just re read what I wrote, and I guess I sound like the person who asks for advice from someone in-the-know and then tries to explain to them why their advice, so generously given, won't work. Sorry if it conveys that way. I think I just had my heart set on the "convenience" of midtown and my brain doesn't want to switch gears.

BTW, we love the idea of watching some of the race...I am a runner and I think my son would get a kick out of watching a race on such a massive scale Thanks for the encouragement to do so, I was wondering how daunting a feat it would be.

The big problem is Sunday. Several streets on the east side are closed and that means east/west streets work only very intermittently. So all of the traffic heads to the west side. The runners come over the 59th St bridge, then head up First Ave to the Bronx, then down Fifth Ave and then across Central Park West and into the Park. So anything above about 50th St will have major traffic jams - which back up further downtown.

If you walk everywhere (except where the race is being run) you can get around - but expect sidewalks to be crowded from about 50th St and up. If you want to see the race in person First Ave is the best place - but people start lining up hours in advance and the sidewalk is packed from stores out to the curb until you get quite far uptown. A 7 year old won't see anything unless you get there really early - or take the subway up to 86th or further north and then walk over to First Ave. We saw it several times when I lived on the east side - it was 1.5 blocks from my house - but it's very hard to keep track of people in the crowds - so you need to hang onto a small child (Probably he has to sit on someone's shoulders to see) and agree on where to meet later if you are separated.

And if you do decide to watch part of the race definitely watch the start on TV (on the Verazzano Narrows Bridge - there are so many runners the bridge shakes). In recent years the elite runners (men and then women) start early - so they aren't interfered with by clods who used to not finish but run at full speed for a short distance and get in people's way at the start - and have all their friend see them on TV).

As far as walking - how far will your son go? ESB is on 34th St - so about 2 miles from the hotels you're talking about - or 4 miles RT.

And if it were me I would do different - many less commercial - things with a 7 year old

Museum of Natural History - all kids love it (dinos are fantastic - this is the 2nd grade class trip for NYC kids)
Central Park with carousel and zoo (NOT on Sunday_
Intrepid Air & Space Museum with the Space Shuttle
Staten Island ferry trip - or perhaps the Beast jet boat
Also I would do Top of the Rock versus ESB - I think the view is better and no long waits for various elevators

and all of these things are west/far west or are downtown

IMHO some of the places you're talking about are really awfully commercial versus things that are more really interesting.

Caveat: I'm not a fan of "amusements" - esp Disney and similar. I believe in exposing kids to a lot of real stuff that is enjoyable learning - not just buying "stuff"

The impact of the Marathon on traveling in NYC are:

-hotels fill up and /or prices are higher than you might expect for a weekend at that time of the year. You seem to have found places in your price range, so that's not a problem

-Parts of Manhattan are nearly impassable to vehicles and even pedestrians on Sunday, but, they don't really seem to be the areas you are interested in. Below 59th street, there are few areas that will be directly affected.
You can definitely use the non-Marathon days to do the sites above 59th street-- zoo, Museum of Natural History, Met Museum (plenty for kids there, too).

-harder to get taxis on Sunday, and buses may be slower and rerouted. But, if you are staying in the midtown and plan well, you don't have to do so much walking.

-Lots of extra people in NYC the whole weekend.
Saturday will be the worst day for some sites like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock,Intrepid, Statue of Liberty as the international visitors seem very drawn to thos places. Theater tickets may be harder to get especially for musicals, so if you really want something specific like Spiderman, I think you need to get them in advance if it's for Saturday. Sunday might be easier as so many will be running and or watching the marathon!

Like many NYers I'm not a fan of the midtown area, but to me it makes perfect sense for you to be staying there that weekend to do the things you want to do.

So if you're OK with the cost for a hotel, realize that you're coming at a busy time of the year (though not the absolute busiest,), prepare yourselves for crowds and longer waits in some places, I don't see terrible problems with your plans

Thanks again, nytraveler; thanks nyer.

So, I'm thinking we'll go for it and book the Omni Berkshire for that weekend. Sunday will be a good day to avoid activities above 50th-ish; maybe a day to go see the Spiderman matinee (as of tonight, still good seats available). We'll expect longer lines, thicker crowds, longer waits and so will try to make reservations ahead of time, especially Saturday and Sunday.

If we do try to view some of the marathon, will take your advice, nytraveler, although keeping the boy in check may be a challenge, and so tv may be our best option.

And you are right about what to take him to. The NY Public Library and the Museum of Natural History are also on our list, as are Ellis Island and a wander around Chinatown (nothing even approximating that in Baltimore!) We have been to Air and Space at the Smithsonian, but haven't seen the Shuttle here yet (it is in Virginia)...so that is a strong contender, but not a necessary. Lego is on the list because Dad and I visited there when we were here last, boy has seen a photo, and so is obsessed about it. He may be so enthralled by everything else that we may be able to overlook. And, alas, the ESB. There is apparently no negotiation on that one. I have heard that Top of the Rock has much better views, shorter lines, etc. There was some sort of emphasis on it in a book he read at school, plus the King Kong reference, and so, that "is" quintessential NY to him. Perhaps if we "schedule" it for Monday, he may be "over" it by then.

I truly appreciate your guidance.

If you haven't already decided, I can recommend The Beacon (as mentioned above). Suites are newly re-decorated and very nice. Call them directly for the 2bdrm/2 bath suite. There is a great market across the street and a full kitchen. Daily maid service. A subway station right outside. Great location and good service.

I've run the marathon for years and can tell you a few things.

45,000 people run the marathon and they and their familires all want to stay and be in Midtown. Midtown and particular Times Square is miserable and clogged. All weekend.

Forget trying to get above Central Park on Sunday unless you take the subway (packed and clogged). Central Park, Central Park South, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park West are closed. All day.

I highly suggest you stay downtown.

Forgot to add, I've found the best time to go to either the Empire State Building or Top Of the Rock that weekend is after 10pm. Otherwise you'll wait in line for hours.

I have been to Top of the Rock at all hours of the day and have never waited more than 5 minutes in any line. This August we was there a 6PM on a Friday and walked right in.

I think JoJo is talking specifically about marathon weekend.

For sure Marathon Weekend would have different requirements . . .

Twinkletoes, we went to the Empire State Building this summer and it was a Thursday, not a holiday. It was very crowded that evening. My youngest was 11 and had a hard time seeing anything. If you do decide to go to the Empire State Building--and I'm not sure I WOULD with the craziness--then you definitely want to get the ticket that does the second, higher observatory as well as the main open deck. Far less people pay the extra amount (I almost didn't) but it proved to be what made the Empire State Building fun for him. He got to see everything then.

Top of the Rock gives you fewer lines and a great view of the Empire. You can usually find a coupon on-line.

Twinkletoes-re eating with your son-there are many nice neighborhood Italian restaurants that would probably do quite well for you all. My son could always have plain noodles and salad with no dressing at a place like that. We took my granddaughter last year and she was well treated in the small places we ate at in the village (not talking about little Italy). Of course for marathon weekend, many runners wil also be looking for an early pasta dinner on Saturday night, so consider making a reservation-Pomodoros on the upper west side was packed at 5:30 last year and I assume with a little one that you won't want to eat very late.

I'm a bit surprised by all the cautions you're getting about the Marathon. Unless you go to Central Park you will see probably zero impact on Manhattan. The marathon simply doesn't go into any other tourist zones. But jump on that hotel immediately because they do fill up (and prices go up) the closer you get. Also, this is high high season, with maximum occupancy.

The Omni Berkshire may be a good choice, but I'm not familiar with their suites. I'd choose the Affinia Shelburne myself for the location. But I know that some of the Benjamin "suites" aren't really suites, so do be careful of the actual room category you book. Some "suites" are just studios without doors. You need to book a full one-bedroom suite.

I'd recommend making reservations for dinner, even if you are going to a relatively modest place to eat (assuming they are accepted). The kinds of things your son will eat are fairly easily found. Given his likes, you might want to go down to the Meatball Shop on the Lower East Side (though not to similarly named places elsewhere). You can get an order of delicious meatballs there with a side of plain pasta (just ask them to give you the sauce on the side or just leave it off). And it's cheap but doesn't take reservations. Better for lunch.

Again my replies are specifically for marathon weekend. It is the busiest weekend of the year according to your CVB. The OP is asking about tourist specific places that everyone else will want to see.

Two and a half million people line the streets on Sunday for the marathon.

I've lived in Manhattan for 20 years and have never had any problems on Marathon day. And I've visited major museums and other tourist attractions. Other than restaurant reservations, which can be hard to come by on Marathon weekend, it's a blip and not relevant for most tourists.

Thousands line the streets, but in the outer boroughs. And they travel by subway in most cases. But the subway carries many more thousands, so it's rarely more busy than a regular work day.

My advice to the OP: Avoid Central Park, but do anything else you want, regardless of where in the city you are. The subway stations on the west side are usually busy in the couple of hours after the marathon, but that's it. Again, I'm just not seeing the problem here.

Perhaps you've never lived on the upper east side. The whole area is a gigantic morass of traffic and many tens of thousands of people lining the sidewalk to watch the runners.

But again, not on any of the streets where tourists are likely to go. No tourists are going along 1st Avenue on the Upper East Side unless they are trying to visit Gracie Mansion. Taking the subway ... absolutely no problems.

Central Park West may cause more problems. but as the OP is going to avoid the park (and thus the Museum of Natural History), I just don't see a problem.

Doug, I mostly agree with you about Marathon day itself--many venues are not crowded , especially early in the day because so many people are watching the the race.
Afterwards, restaurants and transportation gets busier than on a typical weekend. Subways are definitely more crowded on the West Side lines!

But the OP is also asking about the whole weekend, I've been around most marathon weekends and the runners and their entourages are everywhere on Friday and Saturday.

As I posted above, I see few major problems for the plan, as long as a few tips are taken into consideration.

Well, hello again, everyone! I was away from the computer for a few days (and honestly did not expect more replies) so sorry I am late returning to the party! Thanks for the additional information!

I went ahead and booked the OmniBerkshire for the very reason many of you mentioned: Rooms starting to go fast and wanted to lock in a doable rate.

So, if I were trying to sum up where everyone's input overlaps in agreement, sounds like:

1. Marathon Sunday will be a good day to travel south, perhaps the village, for the day, and for dinner - with a reservation; perhaps lunch at the Meatball shop in the Lower East Side (thanks for that tip, Doug_Stallings).

2. Friday afternoon when we arrive, or Monday afternoon before we return home, may be our best bet to stand in a line of varying length to pay lots of money to take an elevator up to the top of a tall building to see the view. I am working on convincing the boy that he will get a better VIEW of the ESB from Top of the Rock; may have made progress there, but, either way, we are apparently doing one of them. (thanks5alive for the tip about the upper observation area, I remember that from when I made the trip up last). And I can't fault him. We just don't have that many tall buildings in Baltimore. NYC skyline *is* something to ooh and ahh over if you've never seen anything like it before.

3. So, that leaves all day and evening Saturday, and Sunday evening to fill in. Think the crowds will matter re: when to see Spiderman on Broadway? (Sat or Sun) It's at Foxwoods, right in the heart of all things TImes Square....more tix available on Sunday.

4. Ellis Island. Public Library. Natural History. I guess Natural History is the one that will be the diciest time wise.

Thanks again, all. The trip is really shaping up... you have all helped to make a 7 year old (and his mom and dad, too!) VERY VERY EAGER to visit NYC!!!