FAMILY WEEKEND VISIT TO NY - HELP NEEDED
 

Hello

I would be interested in hearing about affordable and safe location ($100-$150 night) hotel accomodations that would be close to NY attractions.

We are really interested in seeing the Statue of Liberty (are they only allowing visitors to see the statue from outside).

Other family activity suggestions would be appreciated. Children are 6 and 3.

Thanks.

If you're willing to spend a bit more, I'd suggest a hotel with suites such as The Embassy Suites 212.945.0100 or Doubletree Guest Suites 212.719.1600 which will allow more room for the kids. As for NY attractions, there are so many, so if you can be more specific as to the types of activities your family likes you'll probably get more responses from Fodorites.

You can see the statue of liberty inside, up to the bottom of her feet. You are no longer allowed into her body. However, the security is tight and they are serious about their timed entries, so decide which day you are going and order your tickets ahead of time. You can do it online, just do a search. There's a lot of information here on the board if you do a search on NYC.

Sights and activities in New York are very spread out - so I wouldn't necessarily want to stay far downtown. With two little kids I would be more likely to stay on the upper west side - so you're close to Central Park and the kids can have some running around time.

You'll also be close to the Natural History Museum - a prime attraction for kids (they all seem to love the dinos) - as is the park itself - with the zoo, carousel, lake/boats etc.

And since this is a residential neighborhood you'll find lots of relatively inexpensive places to eat - and ones that welcome children - esp if you eat dinner early (6pm or so).

There's excelllent subway access so you can easily get to anything that you want to see in the city - includng the Statue of Liberty.

You may also want to do one of the shorter boat trips around Manhattan - or the Staten Island Ferry (free).

That said - your desired rate is very low for NYC this time of year - esp for a room that can accomodate a family (many hotel rooms in NYC are just one queen or two single beds.)

You may want to look at the Beacon or the Lucerne - or a couple of others in that area. There's more info if you search above - as well as check out tripadvisor.com

I would suggest checking www.hotels.com so you get an idea of the hotels in the city, locations and the amenities they offer.

A couple of hotels come to mind, especially for travel with kids, The Travel Inn on W 42nd St, is clean has free parking and a POOL, not many hotels have pools in the city.

Another hotel in your price range would be the Hotel Grand Union, it's just off Madison Ave in the low 30's and very nice, large rooms and easy access to bus and subway lines, very close to the Empire State Building.

But check with hotels.com for your dates so you have an idea of what might be available and the rates.

Have a fun time while you are here.

I think you may have a tough time finding anything for 4 (many NYC rooms only have 1 bed) for less than $200. ANother hotel you may want to look into is the Radio City Apts.

For kids that age, the Museum of Natural history and the CHildren's museum of manhattan (both on the upper west side) are good choices. ALso Central park (zoo, carousel, climbing the rocks, etc.).

The Embassy Suites which Syd1 recommends, is near Hudson River Park (downtown) which is a great area for kids to be outdoors.

Before you book a hotel on a booking site (expedia, hotels.com, etc), call the hotel. Ask about any discounts or specials (they usually don't bother mentinoing unless you ask), also check hotel websites (sometimes they have special offers). I have found that dealing with hotels directly is almost always better than booking elsewhere.

isabellasmom - You have received some good suggestions.

The Milburn Hotel on the Upper West Side is family friendly www.milburnhotel.com It is in the same area as The Beacon Hotel but is less $'s. Not quite as fancy but perfectly nice. Rooms are large by NYC standards, bathroom is adequate and quite satisfactory. The little kitchen is handy. Close to subway and many reasonable and family friendly eating places. We have stayed there and we were very comfortable. Lots of reviews on www.tripadvisor

Embassy Suites - Located by the Hudson River is really a nice area for children. Cost here does include a full breakfast that you may want to factor into the cost. We plan to stay at this hotel in May and hope it is as nice as the many positive reviews on trip advisor.

Sandy

You can try staying in Jersey City - Newport - its right across NYC along the Hudsom river.

You can easily get a good family hotel room for $100-$150.

The are is an upscale residential and business center. The skyline view of NYC is beautiful from here. Plus, Liberty State Park - where Statue of LIberty is located - is a short ride on the tram.

You can go to NYC via the subway (about 10 minutes) or by ferry.

Try the Doubletree Suites, Candlewood Suites, or Courtyard Marriot.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g4...ey-Hotels.html