As some of you may know, my family (2 adults & children ages 11, 14, 16 ,18) is staying in NYC the last week of June. We have reservations at the Embassy in lower Manhattan, but a friend told us to check out the Dumont. Both hotels are similarly priced, but the Dumont is on E. 34th Street. What are the advantages or disdvantages of either or both? Thanks, again, for any input.

Embassy Suites
Pros
free breakfast
possible view of SOL

Cons
Appears to be all one big room
downtown not considered as "central"

Dumont
PRos
If comparable price is for a 1 bedroom suite, you have more room, a separate living room, 2 tv, 2 phones etc.

I think you've figured out the "sights" in Manhattan are spread around. The Dumont falls in what would be termed midtown. From here, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, the UN, Central Park, MOMA are all within a walk. You'd also be very close to Penn Station where you arrive from DC.

The Embassy Suites is near the downtown things like the ferries to SOL, WTC site, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge.

In your place, I'd pick the place that has the most space (check square footage and 1 vs. 2 rooms).

Thanks, mclaurie, for the feedback. I like the idea of being within walking distance of the sights you mentioned in midtown. I'm going to compare the suite square footage of the different properties, too.

Don't want to mislead you. Some of those things are obviously closer to walk from the Dumont than others. I should also tell you there are many more suite hotels than the 2 you list. Affinia owns about 7 hotels and some will be a bit cheaper than the Dumont. Some places also have 2 bedroom 2 bath suites. Don't know what size you're thinking about for your family of 6.

The Doubletree Guest Suites in Times Square is a favorite place for families but probably much pricier.

Post back if you're interested in exploring any other options.

When I travelled to NYC frequently on business, I always stayed at the Dumont. The staff were wonderful and helpful, there was a little market right on the corner up the street which was great for stocking up on breakfast foods. The kitchens were fully functional and the rooms were very very spacious. From a sightseeing perspective, it was quite convenient (just down the street from the Empire State Building). I walked almost everywhere.

mclaurie ... I checked out Doubletree and, even though it's pricier, we're going to stay there. Sounds like it's right in the heart of the city! My teenage kids will probably think it's way cooler than the Dumont.

Personally, I think the Dumont's location is actually better because it's a bit out of the action. The Doubletree in Times Square is right in the middle of everything, but it's a horribly hectic, crowded, and annoying intersection. But that's a New Yorker speaking. I live near the Dumont and like the area better. I often walk to Times Square in about 20 minutes. If you don't like walking, then the subway is also nearby.

I agree with Doug Stallings, most NYers would rather die than be in the middle of Times Square, but I think your kids will think it's much cooler than where the Dumont is. If you were just going as a couple, I'd say pick something else. But with kids, especially teens, they'll love the Doubletree Suites. (Make sure it's the Suites, not the Doubltree Metropolitan which is altogether a different hotel).

A compromise would be the Blakely or the Rihga Royal. They're both about 10 blocks north of TS (short walk), have nice sized suites.

Affinia Affinia Affinia!

My Family has utilized Affinia a number of times--you could say we have an affinity for it! Great hotel! Beautiful rooms, caring service. If it's not absolutely next door to everything it's certainly not far away either. NYC is a walking city, and there are trains galore. It's also a bit quieter then other areas so you can actually get some sleep!