Family of Four Going to NYC in July
Jan 21st, 2007, 06:02 AM
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Family of Four Going to NYC in July
Hello Fodorites. I was hoping for some advice. My husband and I and two children (5 and 8) will be doing our annual summer NYC visit in July and I am starting to look for our hotel. Last year we stayed at the Affinia 50. I loved the location and the size of the room was great. I want more of a grand hotel experience - the Affinia 50 I assume was a converted residential building and it seemed like that to me. Two years ago we stayed at the Essex House (it was owned by Westin at the time). Now that was a hotel experience! The lobby, the elevator, the location ...wow! We also got lucky and got upgraded to a suite (we paid about $300 but I had points and got one night free) so for that trip our stars were aligned. Right now I have a suite on hold at the Loew's Regency for $409 but I have read mixed reviews of the hotel. We are Loew's First members and generally like their hotels but it seems that their NYC location is not the best. A friend recommended the Park Lane but the reviews of the rooms on Tripadvisor scared me out of making a reservation. My husband can get his company rate at Le Parker Meridien ($295) New York Palace ($350) The London NYC ($389), Plaza Athenee ($310) and the Renaissance ($279). I am not familiar with any of these hotels (except for breakfast place at Le Parker Meridien) but it seems like the Renaissance would be the most child-friendly. One extra note - I am open to suggestions as to different locations to stay with the kids as well. We always seem to stay uptown or near the Park. As a native New Yorker, I much prefer the character (and shopping!) of Greenwich Village and Soho but with my little ones we have always thought it better to stay within walking distance to the Park. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Jan 21st, 2007, 12:52 PM
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Those are some very good rates for some really nice hotels. It's sad that many people are posting higher rates than those as being all they can find at some "near dumps".
I'd agree that the Plaza Athenee at that rate sounds like the best bet of all.
I'd agree that the Plaza Athenee at that rate sounds like the best bet of all.
Jan 21st, 2007, 02:51 PM
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Those must be company rates to get prices like that for a room suitble for 4 people - even if 2 are small kids. Since double double are fairly uncommon - esp at good rates - I would grab the Parker Meridien or Plaza Athenee.
Jan 21st, 2007, 02:57 PM
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My first pick would also be the Plaza Athenee but I think they are undergoing renovations. Call the hotel and check.
The London NYC (formerly Rhiga Royal) would be my second. Then, The Palace and Le Parker Meridian.
Unless you are talking a suite with a Times Square view, I'd skip The Renaissance. Very typical hotel rooms whereas the others have some sort or New York history/feel.
The London NYC (formerly Rhiga Royal) would be my second. Then, The Palace and Le Parker Meridian.
Unless you are talking a suite with a Times Square view, I'd skip The Renaissance. Very typical hotel rooms whereas the others have some sort or New York history/feel.
Jan 21st, 2007, 03:32 PM
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Sorry to disagree with the esteemed Neo and Go, but with 2 kids in the summer I'd chose The Parker Meridian - less stuffy than PA and it has a nice indoor pool - a great way to chill out with the kids after sightseeing or even after dinner
Jan 21st, 2007, 07:21 PM
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The Plaza Athenee is stuffy for people who come from small towns and are intimdated by formality. Afraid people can see your social class, sweetie?
The Parker Meridien is a dump.
Please, darling, your trailer park is showing.
The Parker Meridien is a dump.
Please, darling, your trailer park is showing.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 04:09 AM
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All of the hotels on your list are nice ones. Agree the Renaissance is the most ordinary (but many of the rooms have great views of Times Square) and the Parker Meridien, while not luxurious, has the pool and the in house restaurants for the kids. I've actually seen very good reviews of the Regency from people with kids. They evidently have some nice family suites or connecting room set ups, but it is due for a renovation and many people mention it's looking tired. The Park Lane is the same sort of location as the Essex House, but that place is really tired.
No one has mentioned the Palace. The public areas of this hotel (right across from the back of St. Patrick's cathedral) are over the top awesome! Rooms are somewhat typical, but they're in a modern skyscraper so higher floors would have some great views.
I'd go for the most space with 2 kids and your list of prices doesn't tell us about that. The new London NYC was the Rihga Royal which was an all suite hotel. I'm unclear as to how they renovated the place and whether most or all of the rooms are still 2 room suites.
On your list, I'd find out what price you'd pay for a suite at the Plaza Athenee. I'd also find out if you can get a deal at Trump International. I'm pretty sure all their rooms are suites.
There aren't really any grand hotels in the village and the ones in Soho are more boutique hotels. If you don't mind staying downtown, maybe you should consider the Ritz Carlton Battery Park (the RC Central Park is wonderful but very pricey). From there, it's easy to explore the downtown neighborhoods, STatue of Liberty etc. Many of the rooms there have views of the SOL. Ofcourse, there's also the Embassy Suites downtown which is very family friendly and all suites but not grand.
No one has mentioned the Palace. The public areas of this hotel (right across from the back of St. Patrick's cathedral) are over the top awesome! Rooms are somewhat typical, but they're in a modern skyscraper so higher floors would have some great views.
I'd go for the most space with 2 kids and your list of prices doesn't tell us about that. The new London NYC was the Rihga Royal which was an all suite hotel. I'm unclear as to how they renovated the place and whether most or all of the rooms are still 2 room suites.
On your list, I'd find out what price you'd pay for a suite at the Plaza Athenee. I'd also find out if you can get a deal at Trump International. I'm pretty sure all their rooms are suites.
There aren't really any grand hotels in the village and the ones in Soho are more boutique hotels. If you don't mind staying downtown, maybe you should consider the Ritz Carlton Battery Park (the RC Central Park is wonderful but very pricey). From there, it's easy to explore the downtown neighborhoods, STatue of Liberty etc. Many of the rooms there have views of the SOL. Ofcourse, there's also the Embassy Suites downtown which is very family friendly and all suites but not grand.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 05:38 AM
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Excuse me Marginal? Trailer park? you mean my loft in chelsea appraised at close to 2 mil? What's with the personal attacks?
The OP stated she's travelling with with 2 young children. While the Plaza Athenee is certainly one of NYC's lovliest hotels, IMHO, it IS formal and not particularly family friendly - hence my post. Please lay off the insults, it just shows YOUR social class.
The OP stated she's travelling with with 2 young children. While the Plaza Athenee is certainly one of NYC's lovliest hotels, IMHO, it IS formal and not particularly family friendly - hence my post. Please lay off the insults, it just shows YOUR social class.
